Large, versatile active ribbon microphone
The AEA R84A is the active version of the renowned R84, designed to deliver the warm, natural, and musical character of AEA’s great ribbon microphones with much broader compatibility than a traditional passive ribbon microphone.
Formerly known as the AEA A840, it features the same Big Ribbon™ element as the R84 and retains the sonic DNA of the classic R44. The JFET electronics and custom Lehle transformer boost the output level and stabilize the impedance, making the microphone easy to use with professional preamps, mixers, and audio interfaces.
The AEA R84A retains the rich, detailed tone of the passive R84: deep low frequencies, natural mids, and a gentle roll-off in the high frequencies. The smooth response helps control sibilance, harshness, and overly aggressive transients, while preserving the source’s detail.
The active circuit offers a sensitivity of 6.3 mV/Pa—higher than that of the passive R84—and allows you to record vocals, acoustic guitar, strings, and other delicate sources without requiring extreme amounts of gain.
Passive ribbon microphones can vary in response and level depending on the impedance of the connected preamp. The AEA R84A eliminates much of this variability thanks to a nominal output impedance of 92 Ω and a circuit powered by P48 phantom power.
The result is a more predictable frequency response even when using different preamps. This feature is particularly useful in studios without a dedicated ribbon microphone preamp and in on-the-go productions, where equipment may vary from one gig to the next.
The transducer uses a corrugated pure aluminum ribbon that is 1.8 μm thick, 4.7 mm wide, and 59.7 mm long. Its extremely low mass allows for a rapid response to transients and faithful reproduction of dynamic variations.
The frequency response extends from less than 20 Hz to over 20 kHz, making the microphone suitable for vocals, strings, woodwinds, piano, guitars, basses, percussion, amplifiers, and ambient recording.
The figure-8 polar pattern generates a proximity effect that can be creatively utilized by adjusting the distance from the sound source. When recording up close, a fuller, richer sound is achieved, while increasing the distance results in a more open, balanced, and natural response.
Compared to the R44 series, the proximity effect is more moderate, making placement easier in numerous studio and live applications.
The AEA R84A features a native bidirectional polar pattern, with equivalent sensitivity on the front and rear. On the sides of the microphone, it achieves up to 90 dB of rejection relative to the main axes, facilitating isolation from unwanted sources.
The frequency response remains consistent in the horizontal plane as the angle of incidence varies, while the level is the primary factor that changes. This characteristic makes the R84A effective even in Mid-Side and Blumlein stereo techniques.
The active electronics help reduce sensitivity to electromagnetic interference and signal loss when using long cables. The AEA R84A is therefore suitable not only for studio use, but also for stages, theaters, concert halls, and touring productions.
The AEA R84A features a built-in 3-meter cable with an XLR-3M connector. The package includes a soft case for storage and transport, as well as the user manual.
Thanks to the combination of the Big Ribbon™ transducer, active electronics, and universal compatibility, the AEA R84A is an ideal solution for sound engineers and musicians who want the character of a large ribbon microphone without the limitations typical of passive models.
Technical Specifications
Power Type
Active
€ 1.773,00 € 1.477,50 + VAT
Normally shipped in 8-10 working days
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