AEA A840 Active Studio Ribbon Microphone

The A840 delivers the same award-winning sound as its passive sibling, the R84. Its higher output and immunity to impedance-loading offer more flexibility in the choice of preamps, and avoid noise problems in low signal level applications. Touring musicians who are looking for consistent and risk-free performance in a wide range of venues and recording setups will find a trusty companion in the A840 microphone. The A840 remedies most of the limitations of passive ribbon microphones, whether in a remote recording situation with long cable runs, a classical music application, or simply for the wish to combine the ribbon sound with a low-gain vintage preamp. The signal strength and flexibility of active JFET electronics combined with the luxurious warmth of a Big Ribbon all wrapped up in an affordable package is what sets this microphone apart. No studio is complete without a pair of A840s.

Building on the success of the R84 and the legacy of the RCA designs, the A840 marks the next step in incorporating the same modern JFET electronics and high performance transformer as used in AEA's flagship active microphone, the A440. Back in the RCA days, ribbon microphones were always passive transducers. With the invention of transistors and the subsequent reduction in size of electronic components, it has become possible to use ribbon mics in even more applications. A passive ribbon microphone needs to be matched with a high gain, high impedance preamp, like AEA's TRP or RPQ, to achieve its best performance. Phantom-powered, or active, ribbon microphones like the A840 can be used with a wider range of preamps, including those commonly found in USB or Firewire audio interfaces. Does this mean that passive ribbons are an obsolete relic of the past? Absolutely not: Passive ribbon microphones still have an edge when it comes to maximum signal level (165 dBSPL instead of 134 dBSPL), the more minimalist signal path, and lower cost.

Features:

• Phantom powered R84 with 12 dB more sensitivity
• Custom German toroidal transformer and JFET electronics
• Optimal for soft sound sources and classical recording
• Same award-winning sound as the passive R84

The A840 is different from other microphones. One listen and the A840 stands out with its big, clean sound. It’s an ideal spot mic with its tight pattern, smooth extended top, and less proximity bass boost than the R44 and A440. The A840 effortlessly handles a broad range of applications from accent to ensemble. The A840 and other AEA Big Ribbon mics are excellent digital recording tools. Digital has different limitations than analog. The digital recording process is capable of preserving razor sharp details for generations. So it makes sense to use microphones that fit well into the final mix from the start. AEA Big Ribbon mics with their smooth, natural and easy-to-EQ sound have enjoyed a rebirth as digital recording has blossomed.

The A840 uses the same big ribbon as the A440, is 5 pounds lighter, and less bulky. Due to its active JFET impedance buffer circuitry the new A840 is insensitive to lower preamp input impedances. The high output sensitivity reduces noise and allows long cable runs.This allows you to use your favorite tube preamp without compromising your classic ribbon sound. Designed for accent and solo work, its bass proximity effect is less pronounced and the upper 10 to 20kHz octave is stronger than the A440.

Classic condenser diaphragms are radially stretched. They typically have sharp, narrow resonances in the 8 to 12 kHz range, the sound quality we refer to as “tizz”. AEA Big Ribbon mics use a long rectangular diaphragm clamped only at the ends and tensioned lightly with a fundamental resonance below 20 Hz. Less than 80 millionths of an inch thick, this ultra low mass transducer has extended bass, excellent transient response and few resonances. It’s one of the most sensitive and accurate transducers possible. Many have commented that AEA mics record exactly what your ear hears. Excellent headroom and low distortion allow close micing with an A840 without sounding brittle. Additionally the smooth, non-resonant high end provides engineers considerable EQ flexibility. Try it, you’ll enjoy it!