R84 Series
Studio Ribbon Microphones
Single-diaphragm with well-controlled, native figure-8 polar pattern
Wide-band response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
High null-axis rejection and gain before feedback
High SPL capability, 165 dB + above 1 kHz
Effortless lows and smooth natural highs
Fast, accurate transient reproduction
Low self noise
Excellent off-axis frequency response
Audio Engineering Associates
Could we preserve and update this Big Ribbon
TM
sound in a more affordable package? Using new technologies, how
much could we simplify? The R84 uses the same big ribbon as the 44, is 5 pounds lighter, and less bulky. Designed
for accent and solo work, its bass proximity effect is less pronounced and the upper 10 to 20 kHz octave is stronger
than the R44. Output sensitivity is good, being +2 dB to a Shure SM57. The R84 is now a standard in large and small
studios around the world.
Why does the R84 sound so different when compared to a condenser microphone?
Classic condenser diaphragms are radially stretched. They typically have sharp, narrow resonances in the 8 to 12
kHz range, the sound quality we refer to as “tizz.” The R84 and 44 use a long rectangular diaphragm that is clamped
at the ends and tensioned lightly with a fundamental resonance below 20 Hz. Less than 80 millionths of an inch thick,
this ultra low mass transducer has an excellent transient response with few resonances. It’s one of the most sensitive
and accurate transducers possible. Many have commented that the R84 records what your ear hears in the studio.
Extreme high frequency headroom and low distortion allows close micing with an R84 without it sounding brittle.
Additionally the smooth, nonresonant high end provides engineers considerable EQ flexibility. Try it, you’ll enjoy it.
The Big Ribbon
™ sound in a smaller package
The R84 is different from other microphones. One listen and the R84 will stand
out with its big, clean sound, quick natural transients, articulate midrange,
and effortless bass. The R84 is ideal as a spot mic, but with its reduced bass
proximity effect and extended high end compared to the R44, the R84 has a
broad range of applications.
The R84 is an excellent digital recording tool, as digital processing has different
limitations than analog. The digital recording process is more exacting. It’s
capable of preserving razor sharp details for generations. So it makes sense
to use microphones that fit well into the final mix. Thus studio ribbon mics with
their smooth, natural, and easy-to-EQ sound have enjoyed a rebirth as digital
recording has blossomed.
Over 30 years of servicing ribbon mics taught us what users like, and they like
the big sound of the RCA 44. Preserving and reintroducing that sound became
an AEA mission. The R44, robust, heavy, and expensive to manufacture, is now
in daily use worldwide. But that’s just the beginning of the story.
