AEA R92

AEA R92 Studio Ribbon Microphone Description

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 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 LRG™ 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.

Matt Ashman comments about the R92: "It was designed 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 Studio Ribbon Microphone Specifications

Sensitivity: >-55dBV/Pa

Frequency Response: 20Hz-18kHz (+/- 3dB)

Output Impedance: 270 ohms

SPL Handling: >135dB SPL peak

AEA R92 Studio Ribbon Microphone Features

Captive 2 meter cable to A3M connector

Integral swiveling shockmount for flexible positioning

Designed for close micing situations

2.5" diameter and 7" tall and two pounds

Polished anodized finish

Sturdy plastic case

AEA R92 Review / See All ZenPro Audio Reviews Here: Review Page   Welcome to close mic’d guitar cab heaven, among other places. Addressing the concern of woofy low end proximity effect when using ribbon mics up close, Wes & Company took the R92 to a new level of usefulness. By tensioning the ribbon element to accent higher in the frequency range, a new ribbon was born that you could shove right into a chunkin’ guitar rig and get all the goodness from one mic. The mic has to weigh less than one pound, and the swivel yoke mount is pure genius and one of the best I’ve seen on any mic in any price range as far as easy positioning goes.   Subdued bottom end response, a detailed midrange and very present upper midrange deliver those close mic’d cabs with authority, requiring little to no EQ during mix time. Great crunch and presence, sort of like what your favorite moving coil design might deliver, but with the smooth mids of a ribbon mic. On acoustic sources, the R92 shines again without giving you too much boom but better cut for a ribbon. It still isn’t a “bright” mic, but room detail and air isn’t ignored either.   Conclusion: Especially for guitar cab mic’ing, the R92 is recommended. It is a unique mic tuned up for this specific purpose, and does it well.