Offering the classic tone of the massive RCA 44BX with less proximity effect in a more compact, lightweight, and affordable form, the USA-made AEA Ribbon Mics R84 is a welcome solution for engineers, producers, and musicians in need of a smooth, detailed, and full-sounding ribbon mic that can handle extreme SPLs and an array of voices and instruments in close-range and distant applications. Utilizing a 2.35" long ribbon and a bidirectional figure-8 polar pattern, the R84 delivers a blend of vintage ribbon character and top-end extension along with up to 90 dB of rejection at the sides.

The 10' attached cable is terminated with a standard XLR 3-pin male connector for hookup to virtually any microphone preamp, no phantom power required. High-gain, high-impedance preamps are recommended for optimal microphone performance. The integrated yoke-style cushion mount reduces bulkiness while ensuring ease of positioning in the studio.

Inspired by RCA 44BX    Includes Professional Studio Boom Stand    Includes 10' Attached and Two XLR Cables    Includes CL-1 for +25 dB of Clean Gain    Bidirectional Figure-8 Polar Pattern    R44 Tone with Less Proximity Effect    Works in Close-Range or Ambient Use    Handles SPLs up to 165 dB    More Compact & Lightweight than R44    Integrated Yoke-Style Cushion Mount

In 2000, AEA sought to design a more compact, lightweight, and economic version of the hefty, eight-pound RCA 44BX. The result was the R84, which retains the best traits of the 44 series in a lower cost, three-pound package. R84 series ribbon microphones deliver the classic tonality of the legendary R44, with extended top-end and reduced proximity effect for mid- and close-range recording.

The R84 and original RCA 44 (now the AEA R44C) share the same Big Ribbon element, transformer, and other mechanical elements by design. By using updated design techniques and stronger, more compact magnets, the R84 retains the classic RCA ribbon sound.

The R84 boasts improvements on the 44 design—more manageable proximity effect, more extended top-end, vibration isolation, and greater maneuverability on small stages and in small studios. The microphone's U-shaped yoke acts as a shockmount and enables the user to position the R84 at various angles, even on a straight mic stand.

The R84 series quickly endears itself to engineers and musicians due to its remarkably expansive frequency range, complete with sweeping highs and booming lows. The smooth, high-frequency roll-off and reduced sibilance of the R84 make it a top choice for engineers when tracking vocals or other instruments that often sound harsh when recorded with condenser mics.

The R84's balanced and manageable proximity effect bolsters the low-end of vocals, drums, and brass, from just feet away. A ribbon mic as multi-purpose, lightweight, and maneuverable as the R84 is well-suited for both close-range and ambient mic applications. The R84's accentuated midrange captures the unique qualities of many instruments with detailed elegance. R84 series mics perform well on practically any voice or musical instrument, making them highly useful in recording and broadcast studios.

Since the R84 is a passive ribbon microphone, a good preamp is critical for optimum performance. Preamp gain should be at least +60 dB or higher and it should have a very-high impedance. These requirements are vital for the ideal performance of any ribbon mic.

To guarantee consistent, full-range ribbon sound with the passive R84, preamps designed specifically for ribbon microphones (such as AEA's RPQ2, RPQ500, and TRP2 preamps) are available separately. However, preamps with above a 5-Kilohm impedance found in many live soundboards are adequate for guitar amps and other louder instruments. On quiet sound sources or for distance recording, an AEA preamp is highly recommended.

• Warm, smooth, and detailed classic ribbon sound
• Full and rich tonality with generous highs and lows
• Sonically similar to the legendary R44 Series, with less proximity effect
• Handles SPLs up to 165 dB
• Versatile in close-range or ambient applications
• Made in the USA

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Will this work with Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone?

A: The Rode VideoMicro does not have stand mounting capability. To mount on a stand would require a female shoe adapter and 1/4 to 5/8 thread adapter to mount on a mic stand.

Q: 2. Can you please give some models of clips to buy that fit this stand ?

A: Examples of compatible clips can be found here: https://bhpho.to/2j1wVTn

Q: 3. Is the base removable?

A: Yes. Thr base is removable.

Q: 4. Has anyone used this mic with a bass guitar and amp? How does it do?

A: This is an outstanding mic for the money to use with a guitar amp.

Q: 5. How would I attach a Sennheiser 600 to this boom pole?

A: Your shotgun mic should have come with a shock mount. This mount will have a camera adapter and 3/8 adapter thread. Use a href= http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/305934-REG/AKG_KM216BLACK_3_8_Male_to_5_8.html target= _blank http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/305934-REG/AKG_KM216BLACK_3_8_Male_to_5_8.html/a to thread on end of boom then attach shotgun with 3/8 thread hole. I use a 3/8 bolt to adjust tighten point. Hope this helps.

Q: 6. Can you attach a Rode VideoMic (with a shoe mount) to this as-is, or would you need an adapter? If so which adapter?

A: An Onstage #MA100 is required to mount the Rode Video Mic on to this Onstage boom microphone stand.

Q: 7. Is there any quality advantage to this mic stand over the ones that are $10-$15 cheaper?

A: The main feature this stand has over less expensive models is a Euro-style clutch for single-handed angle adjustments.

Q: 8. What is the folded length?

A: The stand is 44-inches when folded up, but the boom portion is 82-inches. If you are looking for a more mobile option that collapses to a smaller size, you may consider the Impact Multiboom Light Stand and Reflector Holder (13'), BH #IMLSRH. This light stand is only 40-inches when folded up, and can be used as a mic boom, with the addition of a thread adapter, such as the Impact Female 1/4"-20 to Male 3/8"-16 Thread Adapter, BH #IMCA109.

Q: 9. will this work for samson c01u usb condenser microphone?

A: I have a Behringer C-1 that looks to be about the same size and I have no problems with it.

Q: 10. When we tested this mic back in 2015, we felt that it exhibited too much popping -- too sensitive to wind/plosives. We didn't want to use a foam windscreen, which would have negated much of its otherwise beautiful sound. Has this been corrected at all?

A: Over the recent years Sennheiser has improved upon their internal pop filters in e-series microphones, but as to how much more effective it is now versus five years ago would be difficult to say. Of course it is always best to try out a microphone before you purchase one, but that is not always an option, so I would encourage you to give us a call at 800-606-6969 and speak with a Pro Audio specialist who give you solid advise as to which mics to consider for your needs.