Why does the R84 sound so different when compared to a condenser microphone?
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”. The R84 and 44 use a long rectangular diaphragm that is clamped 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 an excellent transient response with few resonances. It’s one of the most sensitive and accurate transducers possible. Many have commented that the R84 records what your ear hears in the studio. Extreme high frequency headroom and low distortion allows close micing with an R84 without it sounding brittle. Additionally the smooth, non resonant high end provides engineers considerable EQ flexibility. Try it, you’ll enjoy it.
