How To Record Vocals With the R84

R84 Series ribbon mics are ideally equipped to capture the detail and tonality in any range of vocals, while supplementing a voice with unparalleled warmth and presence. High-frequency roll-off and big ribbon character combine to deliver an ultimately smooth and warm vocal sound.

The R84A is an active version of the R84 that retains the same sonic character of the R84, with an additional 12dB of output and a stable impedance. This gives a consistent frequency response and greater flexibility with different preamps. These techniques and audio samples apply to both the R84 and R84A.

Further Than Expected

Listen to the R84 on female vocals

Listen to the R84 on male vocals

Two Singers, Two Sides

It’s finally #ribbonmicmonday with some love for the figure-8 polar pattern! Here’s a #RibbonRegram from @gilesclement – So darn special getting to hear the Lucius sisters (@ilovelucius) sing in front of my 16×20 camera in the @newportfolkfest studio. One of my favorite plates so far, one more day tomorrow.

A post shared by AEA Ribbon Mics and Preamps (@ribbonmics) on Jul 25, 2016 at 11:27am PDT

Group Singers

The R84’s pattern has a very wide pickup allowing you to position multiple singers around the mic and to have a consistent sound even when off-axis. This is common both in the studio and in many live performances.

Live Group Vocals

In the following video, The California Honeydrops cover Ray Charles’ “Night Time Is The Right Time”, featuring the R84 on vocals. (And an N22 for backing vocals!)