Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (11)
$1,199.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$1,199.00
Reverb
5.0 (4)
$819.95 New
$895.00 Used
Musician's Friend
3.0 (3)
$1,199.00
zZounds
$1,199.00
B&H
$1,199.00
Thomann
5.0 (3)
$1,358.00 $1,219.00 $139.00 · All time low
Vintage King
5.0 (5)
$1,199.00

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.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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 Manual

Product 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

What is the AEA R92 microphone best suited for recording?

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.

Does the AEA R92 require phantom power?

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.

What is the polar pattern of the AEA R92 microphone?

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.

How does the AEA R92 handle high sound pressure levels?

The AEA R92 can handle sound pressure levels up to 135dB, making it capable of recording loud sound sources without distortion.

What type of connector does the AEA R92 use?

The AEA R92 uses a standard XLR connector, which is compatible with most professional audio interfaces and recording equipment.

Front End Audio

Front End Audio

AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone

Video thumbnail for AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone by Front End Audio

AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone

Front End Audio

Front End Audio

Video thumbnail for AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone Overview - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone Overview - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone by soundpurestudios

AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Video thumbnail for This Ribbon Mic Sounds AMAZING - AEA R92 by Archie Beatz

This Ribbon Mic Sounds AMAZING - AEA R92

Archie Beatz

Archie Beatz

Video thumbnail for AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone @ FrontEndAudio.com by Front End Audio

AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone @ FrontEndAudio.com

Front End Audio

Front End Audio

Video thumbnail for AEA R92 Front - Male Voice - Listening Library by AEA Ribbon Mics

AEA R92 Front - Male Voice - Listening Library

AEA Ribbon Mics

AEA Ribbon Mics

Video thumbnail for AEA R92 Front - Upright Bass - Listening Library by AEA Ribbon Mics

AEA R92 Front - Upright Bass - Listening Library

AEA Ribbon Mics

AEA Ribbon Mics

Video thumbnail for AEA R92 Back - Electric Guitar (blues) - Listening Library by AEA Ribbon Mics

AEA R92 Back - Electric Guitar (blues) - Listening Library

AEA Ribbon Mics

AEA Ribbon Mics

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional for capturing smooth, warm vintage tones

  • Versatile across instruments: excellent for guitar, snare, horns, and upright bass

  • Provides a full, detailed representation of the snare without a bottom mic

  • Excellent for stereo recording, especially for steel string acoustic guitar

  • Flexible mounting and positioning, lightweight despite size

  • Can significantly reduce problems with transients

  • Takes EQ on high and low ends very well

  • Produces a rich, creamy, and articulate tone for electric guitars

  • Front and rear sides of the ribbon offer sonic versatility

  • Smooths out harsh sounds, adding a dreamy, warm character

CONS

  • May not be the best fit for all vocal types

  • Can appear hissy on quiet sources without a clean preamp

  • 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

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The R92 excels in capturing snare drums and bass amps in studio settings, offering a robust sound that withstands high sound pressure levels.

    Source
  • The AEA R92 is praised for a "nice and full sounding" capture on bass guitar and guitar cabinets, as well as select drum applications.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

User experience

  • Users highlight the R92's durability against sound pressure, although caution is advised against physical wind, such as moving the mic across the stage.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the R92 for its ability to deliver a full sound, particularly on guitar and bass cabs, enhancing recordings in professional studio settings.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike other AEA models, the R92 is an original creation of the company, not a clone of RCA designs, offering a unique tonal character.

    Source
  • Users compare the tonal richness of the AEA R92 to that of the Beyer M160, highlighting its versatility across different instruments.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • 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.

    Source

Other

  • It's advised to use pop filters with the R92 on vocalists or near kick drum ports to prevent damage from puffs of air, ensuring microphone longevity.

    Source

Critic Reviews

AEA R92 & TRP

soundonsound.com

The AEA R92 shines with its classic ribbon smoothness and versatile tonal characteristics, making it an appealing choice for close-miking applications. Its unique design allows for crisp and smooth pickup lobes, perfect for various instruments and vocals. However, it demands a high-quality preamp for optimal performance and can be a bit cumbersome due to its captive output cable. While it comes with a higher price tag compared to newer offerings, its sound quality makes it a worthwhile investment for serious musicians. Overall, the R92 is a strong contender in the ribbon mic category, but requires careful handling and placement to fully unlock its potential.

positive

AEA R92 Review

recordinghacks.com

The AEA R92 breaks the mold for ribbon microphones, designed specifically for close mic'ing with a lightweight build that initially disappoints but ultimately proves advantageous. Its unique long ribbon design allows for impressive bass handling and a smooth high-end response, making it a standout choice for guitar amps and brass instruments alike. While some might find the need to adapt to its characteristics, the R92 consistently delivers a rich, full sound that surpasses its competitors in many settings. However, its specialized nature may limit versatility for some users. Overall, the R92 is a strong contender for those seeking a reliable and high-quality close mic, but may not fit every musician's needs.

positive

Review: AEA R92 — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

The AEA R92 stands out in the ribbon microphone landscape with its unique dual-tone response, allowing for both modern accuracy and classic warmth. Its robust design and impressive SPL handling make it a versatile tool for various recording scenarios, particularly excelling with electric guitars and brass. However, it may not suit every vocalist perfectly, as some tones can be less flattering. With a low noise floor and the ability to capture nuances, the R92 is a must-try for serious recordists, offering a refreshing contrast to typical condensers. Just be prepared to invest significantly for this high-quality mic.

positive

Field Test: AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone

mixonline.com

The AEA R92 ribbon microphone is a standout in its class, offering a stylish design and a unique sound profile that makes it particularly suited for intimate vocal work. Its reduced proximity effect and extended top end deliver clarity without harshness, making vocals sit beautifully in a mix. However, the trade-off is a lower overall output, necessitating a high-gain preamp to achieve the best results. While some might find its darker character compared to condensers less appealing, the R92 excels in capturing warmth and natural compression, especially for guitars and brass instruments. Overall, it’s an exceptional microphone at an affordable price point, but users should be prepared to adjust their mixing techniques to accommodate its sonic quirks.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rhett Shull uses AEA R92

Rhett Shull

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Rhett Shull uses the AEA R92 along with a Shure SM57 to mic up his Gibson Falcon 5.

See how Marty Stuart uses AEA R92

Marty Stuart

Guitarist

Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Marty's live rig from 2022 can be seen sporting an AEA R92 ribbon mic.

See how Kenny Vaughan uses AEA R92

Kenny Vaughan

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives

...
Verified via Photo

In this live photo from 2022 Kenny Vaughan's live rig can be seen, including an AEA R92 ribbon microphone.

See how Ryan Petersen uses AEA R92

Ryan Petersen

Drummer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "EPIC HOME STUDIO Setup 2024 | Ryan Petersen (studio tour)" by Andrew Masters, at 36:33, an AEA R92 ribbon microphone is visible near the Fender Deluxe Reverb. Ryan Petersen discusses this microphone at 41:09.

See how Paul The Trombonist uses AEA R92

Paul The Trombonist

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the attached video, Paul demos several mics, including the AEA R92 (starting around 0:40). He mentions at the beginning of the video that these are all microphones he owns.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use AEA R92, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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