AEA R84 - REFURBISHED

Refurbished product: unit in good condition, without original packaging, covered by a 3-year warranty. The description below reflects the specifications of the new model.

A classic ribbon microphone in the AEA range

The AEA R84 has established itself as one of the brand’s most highly regarded models for those seeking the warmth, smoothness and natural character typical of ribbon microphones. Nominated in 2003 for an award recognizing technical excellence and creativity in the world of microphones and studios, it quickly earned its place among the serious references in its segment.

Its positioning is particularly appealing: it delivers the sonic character of a large ribbon microphone at a more accessible price than certain very high-end models, without compromising on true manufacturing quality. The R84 is therefore equally suited to professional studios, independent sound engineers and demanding musicians looking for a characterful microphone capable of adapting to a wide range of recording situations.

A microphone designed for expressive recording

The R84 shines whenever a source needs to be captured with depth, body and a genuine sense of space. On vocals, it often brings a highly appealing sense of smoothness and depth. On acoustic guitar, piano, strings or brass, it highlights the body of the sound without making it harsh, with the natural character many engineers seek both in close miking and room recording.

Its figure-8 polar pattern also makes it an excellent choice for stereo techniques, face-to-face duet recording, or sessions where you want to take advantage of the room. Side rejection helps control certain amounts of bleed, while front-and-rear pickup preserves a highly lively image. This is a microphone that rewards careful placement and translates playing nuances with considerable elegance.

The sonic signature of the AEA large ribbon

Open and natural reproduction

The R84 is built around a large-ribbon design, with a 1.8-micron folded aluminum ribbon. This type of construction contributes to its smooth high-frequency response, rich midrange and ability to reproduce transients without harshness. The result is often more organic than that of certain condenser microphones that can sound overly incisive on the same sources.

A genuinely practical figure-8 response

One of its major strengths lies in the combination of its figure-8 polar pattern, reduced proximity effect and slight high-frequency boost. In practical terms, this lets you enjoy the presence and depth typical of a ribbon microphone without invariably producing an overpowering low end. This voicing makes it more versatile than one might expect from a microphone in this family.

Plenty of headroom for loud sources

With a maximum SPL of 165 dB at 1% THD above 1 kHz, the R84 can be placed in front of highly energetic sources without losing its composure. It is an excellent candidate for a guitar cabinet, a brass section, a focused drum overhead or a room recording with a pronounced character. Its mechanical durability inspires confidence in the studio, even in more demanding recording situations.

Serious studio construction down to the smallest details

AEA designed this model for practical use in a production environment. The fixed 3 m cable with XLR3-M connector makes installation easy, while the included accessories ensure safe transport and storage. Handcrafted in the USA, it reinforces the impression of a durable tool designed to serve a studio over the long term rather than follow a disposable philosophy.

Technical specifications

Polar pattern	figure-8	THD	1% above 1 kHz
Ribbon dimensions	4.7 x 59.7 mm	Output impedance	270 ohms
Frequency response	20 - 20000 Hz	Dimensions	295 x 99 x 64 mm
Maximum sound pressure level	165 dB SPL	Weight	1.3 kg