AEA R84A Active Phantom Power Classic Ribbon Microphone

zZounds Gear Experts Say...

AEA's active version of their classic R84, the R84A delivers crystal-clear, velvety smooth ribbon sound on nearly any source -- with a hotter output signal.

Overview

The R84 and the R84A are pill-shaped, side-address, ribbon microphones with a bidirectional pickup pattern. They are assembled with the same Big Ribbon(TM) tuning (16.5 Hz) as the AEA/ RCA R44 and share many of the unique sound characteristics with their historic predecessor. Designed to accommodate distant and medium miking duties, they exhibit a flat frequency response when placed 3 feet (1 meter) away from the source. As a result, the mic performs well on a variety of recording applications including vocals, brass, strings, woodwinds, guitars, and drums. R84 series microphones continue to gain followers with their natural sound, articulate midrange and forgiving nature. Whether used on vocals or instruments, their performance is intimate, warm and detailed, yet never harsh.

The R84A needs a standard 48V phantom-power source to operate, but ensure that phantom power is disengaged before plugging and unplugging the microphone. The loud 'pops' that occur when the microphone is plugged in with phantom power engaged can damage speakers, headphones, and ears. The phantom current draw for active AEA ribbon mics is 7 milliamps. IEC specifies P48 power which should be able to deliver 10 milliamps per input. Some USB and battery-powered audio interfaces will not deliver this. Please check the current values available on your unit to ensure the best performance.

Note: The phantom-powered R84A was previously known as the A840

Features:

- Standard 48V phantom-power source to… read more operate
- Ribbon microphone with a bidirectional pickup pattern
- Performs well on a variety of recording applications including vocals, brass, strings, woodwinds, guitars, and drums
- Intimate, warm and detailed, yet never harsh

Specs

- Operating Principle: Pressure gradient transducer
- Directional Pattern: Bidirectional
- Frequency Range: <20 Hz to >20 kHz
- Polarity: Pin 2 high for positive pressure on front of microphone
- Polar Response: Native bidirectional, figure-of-8 pattern
- Horizontal: Up to 90 dB rejection at right angles to the front/back axis.
- Vertical: Level changes with angle of incidence, but frequency response is consistent.
- Transducer Element Material: Pure aluminum corrugated ribbon
- Thickness: 1.8 um
- Width: 0.185 in (4.7 mm)
- Length: 2.35 in (59.7 mm)
- Microphone Dimensions:
- Height: 11.6 in (29.5 cm)
- Width: 3.9 in (9.9 cm)
- Depth: 2.5 in (6.4 cm)
- Weight with cable: 3 lb (1.36 kg)
- Shipping Weight: 4 lb (1.8 kg)
- Connector: XLR-3M
- Maximum SPL: 141 + dB SPL (1% third harmonic > 1 kHz)
- Sensitivity: 6.3 mV/Pa (-44 dBv/Pa) into unloaded circuit
- Output Impedance Recommended Load: 92 Ohm broadband
- Impedance: 1.0K Ohm or greater
- Phantom Power: P48 phantom power, 7 mA
- Accessories Included: Softcase, user manual, captive 10" (3 meter) output cable with XLR-3M connector.

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item: Shipping Weight: 2.7 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 13 x 5 x 5 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): AEA R84A