Quote:
Originally posted by michael c
I am going to buy a ribbon mic (maybe a stereo pair) and would like to know if anyone has used/owns the AEA R84. How is it different than the Royer 121 or SF12? Any preference?
I will be using it mostly for horns, stringed instruments, and drum overheads. My preamp selections are 1073's and Avalon 737sp's. I know ribbons in general need a high gain pre so that may be an issue......
Thanks. |
I own the R84 and a pair of 122's. The 84 has a "bigger" sound to my ears, not necessarily better. The 122's sound better for overheads. The 84 I
prefer on the lower string instruments and lower horns and woodwinds, and the 122's (flipped backwards with the phase flipped at the mic end: in case you don't know, this gives them a brighter sound) on the higher frequency stuff. I've heard some people say they didn't like the 121/122/SF12 on trumpet, but I have yet to find an instance I didn't like it. I only mention it because your result may vary.
Also, I suggest the 122's over the 121's. They allow you to use pre's that you really wouldn't normally use on ribbon mic due to noise, especially vintage stuff (I've been going ape-ca-cah over a 122 through an old tube gates unit of mine). For most apps I use, a 1073 or 737 both will work pretty good on both the 121 and the R84's. Honestly, I don't think you'll go wrong either way and both companies have stellar customer service.
One more thing, the match pairs of Royers will set you back about an extra $100 or so... Of all the mics (same models) they let me check out, they all sounded exactly the same so you really don't need them, except for maybe resale value.