Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $1,125
Standard/Professional
$499
$1500+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 7 merchants for "AEA R92". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Dive into the soulful essence of music with the AEA R92, a ribbon microphone that harmonizes the vintage charm with modern versatility. Its unique asymmetrical polar pattern offers a dual sonic perspective - a warm, classic tone on the front and a bright, articulate sound on the back, making it perfect for capturing the true spirit of your instruments up close. Crafted with the same precision as the legendary R44, the R92 stands out in the studio gear lineup, offering unmatched quality and adaptability for both amps and acoustic instruments. Its design is not just about looks; it's about bringing the studio into the heart of the performance, wherever that may be.
Key Features:
- Asymmetrical polar pattern for versatile front and rear frequency responses
- Inherits the same ribbon, tuning, and transformer as the flagship R44
- Designed for close miking of amps and instruments
- Offers a vintage tone on the front and a brighter tone on the back
- Compact and durable, ideal for tight studio spaces and live settings
Owner's manual
AEA R92 User ManualProduct specs
| Microphone Type | Ribbon |
| Ribbon Type | 1.8-micron Aluminum (4.7mm x 59.7mm) |
| Polar Pattern | Figure-8 |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 135dB |
| Output Impedance | 270 ohms |
| Connector | XLR |
| Weight | 2 lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Case |
FAQs
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What is the AEA R92 microphone best suited for recording?
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The AEA R92 is ideal for close-up recording of instruments such as brass, guitar amps, kick drums, and percussion, thanks to its pronounced midrange and minimized proximity effect.
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Does the AEA R92 require phantom power?
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The AEA R92 is a passive ribbon microphone and does not require phantom power. It is recommended to avoid using phantom power to prevent potential damage.
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What is the polar pattern of the AEA R92 microphone?
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The AEA R92 features a figure-8 polar pattern, capturing sound equally from the front and back while rejecting noise from the sides, making it suitable for various recording environments.
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How does the AEA R92 handle high sound pressure levels?
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The AEA R92 can handle sound pressure levels up to 135dB, making it capable of recording loud sound sources without distortion.
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What type of connector does the AEA R92 use?
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The AEA R92 uses a standard XLR connector, which is compatible with most professional audio interfaces and recording equipment.
Videos
Front End Audio
AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional for capturing smooth, warm vintage tones
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Versatile across instruments: excellent for guitar, snare, horns, and upright bass
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Provides a full, detailed representation of the snare without a bottom mic
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Excellent for stereo recording, especially for steel string acoustic guitar
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Flexible mounting and positioning, lightweight despite size
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Can significantly reduce problems with transients
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Takes EQ on high and low ends very well
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Produces a rich, creamy, and articulate tone for electric guitars
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Front and rear sides of the ribbon offer sonic versatility
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Smooths out harsh sounds, adding a dreamy, warm character
CONS
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May not be the best fit for all vocal types
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Can appear hissy on quiet sources without a clean preamp
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Requires a preamp with enough clean gain for optimal performance
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about AEA R92.
Features and functionality
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The AEA R92 is specifically noted for its exceptional windscreen, making it ideal for close-miking drums and bass amps with reduced risk of wind damage.
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The R92's design caters to varying musical applications, offering a balance of warmth and clarity, making it a versatile choice for recording multiple instrument types.
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Use cases and applications
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The R92 excels in capturing snare drums and bass amps in studio settings, offering a robust sound that withstands high sound pressure levels.
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The AEA R92 is praised for a "nice and full sounding" capture on bass guitar and guitar cabinets, as well as select drum applications.
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The R92's capability to handle high SPL makes it suitable for bass cabs and kick drums, providing a versatile option for various instrument recordings.
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User experience
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Users highlight the R92's durability against sound pressure, although caution is advised against physical wind, such as moving the mic across the stage.
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Owners appreciate the R92 for its ability to deliver a full sound, particularly on guitar and bass cabs, enhancing recordings in professional studio settings.
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Owners often employ the R92 alongside dynamic mics like the SM57 on guitar cabs, highlighting its ability to complement and enhance tonal depth in recordings.
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Comparisons
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Unlike other AEA models, the R92 is an original creation of the company, not a clone of RCA designs, offering a unique tonal character.
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Users compare the tonal richness of the AEA R92 to that of the Beyer M160, highlighting its versatility across different instruments.
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The AEA R92 is often compared to the Beyerdynamic M160, praised for its tonal richness, and distinct from the M160's hypercardioid pattern which offers better rejection in rooms.
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Setup and maintenance
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For optimal performance with ribbon mics like the R92, a preamp providing at least 60dB of gain is recommended; the AEA TRP2 is specifically designed for ribbons.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In this video, Rhett Shull uses the AEA R92 along with a Shure SM57 to mic up his Gibson Falcon 5.
In this photo, Marty's live rig from 2022 can be seen sporting an AEA R92 ribbon mic.
In this live photo from 2022 Kenny Vaughan's live rig can be seen, including an AEA R92 ribbon microphone.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use AEA R92, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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