Detail 01
2.35-inch pure aluminum low-tension ribbon
The microphone uses a long ribbon element tuned to 16.5 Hz.
Product detailSKU #1411568910315
AEA MicrophonesR84 Bidirectional Big Ribbon Studio Microphone
1/4
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
AEA’s black R84 is a passive bidirectional Big Ribbon studio microphone designed to move between close-up and ambient recording roles. Its 2.35-inch, low-tension aluminum ribbon is tuned to 16.5 Hz, and the design combines reduced proximity effect with extended lows, smooth highs, and an intimate presentation. It is presented for voice, strings, brass, and drums, while the figure-eight pattern offers pronounced rejection from the sides. Do not apply phantom power: it is neither required nor recommended.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Moving between close-up and ambient recording of voice, strings, brass, or drums.
- Recording loud sound sources within the stated 165+ dB SPL maximum.
- Sessions that need side rejection from a native figure-eight pickup pattern.
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Setups that require or plan to use phantom power.
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
165+ dB SPL maximum
The stated maximum SPL is 165+ dB at 1% third harmonic above 1 kHz.
Detail 03
Up to 90 dB side rejection
It can reject sound arriving at right angles to its front/back axis.
Detail 04
270 ohm nominal output impedance
The specified nominal output impedance is 270 ohms.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Do not use phantom power; it is not required or recommended.
- 02Use a preamp input load impedance of 1.2 kohm or greater.
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Does the R84 require phantom power?
No. Phantom power is not required or recommended.
02Can the R84 be used close and farther back?
Yes. It is designed for both close-up and ambient miking, with reduced proximity effect.
03What pickup pattern does it use?
The R84 has a native bidirectional, figure-of-8 pattern.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
3 detailsSound
- Recommended Load Impedance
- 1.2 kohm or greater
- Frequency Range
- <20Hz to >20kHz
- Sensitivity
- 2.5 mV/Pa (-52 dBv/Pa) into unloaded circuit
2 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Black
- Transducer Element Material
- Pure aluminum corrugated ribbon
3 detailsConnections & power
- Output Impedance
- 270 ohm nominal
- Phantom Power
- Not required or recommended
- Connector
- XLR-3M
4 detailsSize & weight
- Length
- 2.35 inch
- Depth
- 2.5 inch
- Width
- 3.9 inch
- Weight with Cable
- 3 lb.
8 detailsOther
- Polar Response
- Native bidirectional, figure-of-8 pattern
- Thickness
- 1.8 μm
- Directional Pattern
- Bidirectional
- Vertical
- Level changes with angle of incidence, frequency response is consistent
- Maximum SPL
- 165+dB SPL (1% third harmonic > 1kHz)
- Horizontal
- Up to 90dB rejection at right angles to the front/back axis
- Operating Principle
- Pressure-gradient transducer
- Polarity
- Pin 2 high for positive pressure on front of microphone
