AEA R92 Passive studio ribbon for close-up use
In the past few years AEA’s acclaimed R84 Ribbon Microphone has become a new studio standard. Now AEA has once again expanded the sonic possibilities of ribbon mics with the AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone. Reduced proximity bass boost and excellent wind blast protection make it suitable for close micing (6-12 inches) of guitar amps, vocals, percussion, etc. In addition, the smooth high frequency response of the R88 transducer has been further extended in the R92, making the R92 a unique voice in the world of ribbon mics.
AEA has designed the R92 to have slightly different tones on the front and rear pickup lobes of the microphone. The front lobe of the R92 is the “crisp” side, offering exceptionally clean and realistic high end detail. The rear lobe is the “smooth” side, which has a bit of classic ribbon high end rolloff that can help to handle harsh transients in a very refined and flattering way. Just like its bigger brothers in AEA’s LRGTM microphone series, the bass reproduction of the R92 is very solid and extended to the lowest audible bass frequencies.
The R92 is designed with an integral elastic shock mount, featuring a unique mounting system that allows excellent flexibility of mic positioning. The mic ships with a two meter cable and a durable plastic carrying case.
AEA’s Matt Ashman comments about the R92: “We designed it to have a very full range sound, and to capture it all with a minimum of resonance artifacts for the ultimate in realism. It’s perfect for getting FAT guitar sounds with a present and clean high end.”
AEA R92 The Up-Close and Personal Ribbon
Building on the success of AEA’s acclaimed R84 ribbon microphone, Wes Dooley and AEA’s team of engineers set out to once again expand the sonic possibilities of ribbon microphones with the R92 model. Reduced proximity bass boost and excellent wind blast protection make it suitable for close miking of guitar and bass amps, drums, and vocals. At half the distance to the source, the R92 delivers a similar bass-to-treble balance as the R84. In addition, the integrated shockmount and swivel allow for easy setup and positioning in tight spaces. The smooth high frequency response of the R88 and R84 transducers has been further extended in the R92, making it a unique voice in the world of ribbon mics.
Two Voicings – Endless Possibilities
AEA has designed the R92 to have slightly different tones on the front and rear pickup lobes of the bidirectional microphone. The front lobe of the R92 is the “crisp” side, offering exceptionally clean and realistic high end detail. The rear lobe is the “smooth” side, which has a bit of classic ribbon high end roll-off reminiscent of the iconic 44 that can help to handle harsh transients in a very refined and flattering way. The bass reproduction of the R92 is very solid and extends to the lowest audible bass frequencies.
AEA R92, A Guitar Player’s Favorite
Like all figure-of-8 microphones the R44 or R84 ribbons are subject to proximity effect – the increase in bass as you move the microphone closer to the source. While this effect can be particularly flattering for singers and to create a “larger than life” sound, it can get too much and overpowering in some recording situations. The guitar players on our staff asked for a ribbon microphone that captured an authentic and balanced electric guitar tone when put right onto the grill of his Fender amp. Thanks to its purely passive signal path and Wes’ bag of acoustic tricks, the R92 not only handles the SPL levels of a high-gain amp with ease, but it also translates all the gritty details of the distortion that you’ve been tweaking so carefully.
AEA R92 Product Features:
- Large Ribbon Geometry@trade; transducer
- Solid bass and smooth treble response
- Fast, accurate transient reproduction
- Low self noise and high SPL capability
- Excellent off-axis frequency response
- Wide-band response from 20Hz to 20 KHz
- Distinct character of front and rear lobes
- Same Big Ribbon™, tuning, and transformer as the R44 series
- For closer applications and louder sources
- Compact design with different front and back tonality
- Versatile for close-up and ambient mic applications
- Particularly well suited for electric guitar, electric bass, and drums
Can be factory matched paired as required.
Specifications
Physical:
- Weight: 2 pounds with cable and storage case
- Length: 7.5″
- Depth: 2.5″
- Width: 2.9″ with stand adapter
Technical:
- Polar Pattern: Native bidirectional (figure-eight)
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 18 kHz (+/- 3 dB)
- Maximum SPL: >135 dB SPL peak
- Output Sensitivity: > -55 dBv/Pa
- Output Impedance: 270 ohms nominal
- Recommended Load: 1.2 K ohm or greater
- Powering: Not required or recommended
- Polarity: Pin 2 high
- Connector: XLR-3M wired to a 2 meter captive cable
- Includes durable plastic case with foam interior
- Operating manual for proper care and usage.
Transducer element
- Ribbon Thickness: 1.8 microns ( .0000018 meter ) of pure aluminum
- Ribbon Width: 4.7 mm
- Ribbon Length: 59.7 mm
Limited Warranty:
- One year parts and labor, shipping not included
Physical:
- Weight: 2 pounds with cable and storage case
- Length: 7.5″
- Depth: 2.5″
- Width: 2.9″ with stand adapter
Technical:
- Polar Pattern: Native bidirectional (figure-eight)
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 18 kHz (+/- 3 dB)
- Maximum SPL: >135 dB SPL peak
- Output Sensitivity: > -55 dBv/Pa
- Output Impedance: 270 ohms nominal
- Recommended Load: 1.2 K ohm or greater
- Powering: Not required or recommended
- Polarity: Pin 2 high
- Connector: XLR-3M wired to a 2 meter captive cable
- Includes durable plastic case with foam interior
- Operating manual for proper care and usage.
Transducer element
- Ribbon Thickness: 1.8 microns ( .0000018 meter ) of pure aluminum
- Ribbon Width: 4.7 mm
- Ribbon Length: 59.7 mm
Limited Warranty:
- One year parts and labor, shipping not included