the microphone, strong air movement also can stretch the ribbon and
while it may not break, it nonetheless could significantly degrade the
microphone’s performance. The ribbon in the R84 is protected by multi-
layered screens and grille cloths to provide superior wind protection.
Nonetheless, using it outdoors requires special care to avoid wind
which can damage the ribbon. Indoors, however, it is also important to
avoid serious air movement from stage curtains, open windows, doors,
or air-conditioning systems. High SPL sound sources do not usually
pose a problem because AEA’s passive ribbon microphones can handle
165 dB SPL or more without difficulty. It is only those “explosive”
sources that produce a strong blast of air, such as the bass port on an
electric guitar or bass amp, a guitar being plugged (or unplugged) while
the amp level is turned fully up, an on-axis kick-drum (particularly with a
port on the head), that are potentially damaging. If you are unsure about
how much wind is hitting the microphone, place the back of your hand
where the microphone is going to be. If you can feel significant wind
blasts, angle the microphone or use a pop screen to avoid direct hits.
Tramp Iron
Minute iron particles, sometimes known as “tramp iron,” are common
within our environment. AEA ribbon microphones contain powerful
magnets that produce strong magnetic fields. These fields can attract
any ferric metal near the microphone that, if they are small enough, can
penetrate the outer screening and work their way inside the microphone.
Over time, this “tramp iron” can build up sufficiently in the magnetic gap
to rub against the ribbon causing distortion, electrical shorts or tearing
of the ribbon. The best prevention is to keep the microphone covered
with the supplied plastic bag when it is not in use.
The R84 was designed to be less sensitive to external interference. Its
design attracts less “tramp iron” while retaining the overall sound and
20 Hz bass response of the original RCA 44.
Under no circumstances should you disassemble and take the grille off
of the microphone as this could allow tramp iron to enter the narrow gap
between the ribbon and the pole pieces. Disassembling the microphone
will VOID your warranty.
Magnetic Stray Fields
Ribbon microphones are fundamentally prone to picking up strong
external magnetic fields caused by light dimmers or nearby power
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