Audio Engineering Associates R84 User Manual

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1029 N. Allen Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104 www.ribbonmics.com Phone: (626) 798-9128 Fax: (626) 798-2378
User's Manual
The passive R84 and active A840 are neoclassic designs in the tradition of the acclaimed R44 and
A440 Big Ribbon tm microphones. They are designed for main, accent and solo use in contemporary
studios. Mics in this tradition, such as the RCA 44, have been making great recordings for over 75
years. Buying an AEA R84 or A840 demonstrates your interest in continuing this tradition of quality
sound.
The frequency response of the R84 and A840 is the same. They use different transformers so there are
some sonic differences. The R series transformer was developed by Ken Reichenbach at Cinemag to
match the sound of our reference RCA studio ribbons. The A series transformer is a very high-ratio
transformer developed by Per Lundahl at Lundahl in Sweden without reference to the RCA tradition.
These sonic differences are subtle when using AEA mics with our TRP and RPQ No Load
amps. A Big Ribbon
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like woofers, have a substantial impedance peak at resonance. Using unbuffered ribbons with lower
impedance preamps increases noise and dramatically reduces bass. One advantage unbuffered ribbons
have over buffered ribbons is that their SPL limits are entirely mechanical. AEA R series handle very
high SPLs, above 1 k Hz they handle over 165 dB SPL. The 2 micron thin ribbon's mass well match-
es its air load, so even when used close-up as a spot mic it adds no extra high frequency 'tizz'.
A840's mic line and preamp is buffered by a phantom-powered discrete-JFET circuit from the rib-
An
bon motor and high-ratio transformer. The result is a quiet microphone with excellent headroom and
sensitivity. It matches any P48 spec preamp and drives long mic lines easily. Output impedance varies
little with frequency, so there is less sonic interaction between the mic, the mic line and the preamp.
Your microphone is supplied as a complete system that includes an integral cushion mount / stand
adapter, an attached three-meter "star-quad" mic cable, and a custom case. The R84 is delivered in a
compact custom softcase. The A840 is delivered in a smaller version of the R44/A440 cloth covered
armoured case. A bright brass grill and thumbnuts identify the A840 from a distance. A red label at the
XLR and engraving on the logo band identifies it as requiring 7 mA of P48 phantom power.
This manual covers:
1. Cautions
2. How it sounds
3. Unique Characteristics
4. Technical Specifications
5. The Back Story
6. Additional Reading
E
udio ngineering
R84 & A840 Ribbon Microphones
resonance is very low, 16.5 Hz rather than a more usual 40-60 Hz. Ribbon mics,
Associates
• STUDIO RIBBON MICS
• M/S STEREO
• TALL STANDS
• MIC POSITIONERS
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mic pre-
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