What are the best ribbon microphones for live performances?
This page compares 3 ribbon microphones with verified specifications and prices. Top options include sE Electronics VR2 Voodoo, sE Electronics RNR1, AEA R84A. Prices range from £295 to £1,183. All data is sourced from manufacturer documentation and specialist retailers.
| Product ⇅ | Price ⇅ | Frequency Response (Hz) ⇅ | Sensitivity (mV/Pa) ⇅ | Impedance (ohms) ⇅ | Polar Pattern ⇅ | Diaphragm Size (inches) ⇅ | Ribbon Material ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
sE Electronics VR2 Voodoo
US
|
£295.11 ≈ | 20Hz-18kHz | 10mV/Pa -40 ± 1.5dB | 200 Ohms | Figure 8 | 2μm | Aluminium |
|
The VR2 Voodoo is an active ribbon microphone with a wide 20Hz-18kHz frequency response, figure-8 pattern, and high 135dB maximum SPL. Its detailed, open sound suits vocals, acoustic instruments, guitar cabinets, and other demanding studio or live sources. ★ Ideal forIt suits live performances because its active design, figure-8 polar pattern, 135dB maximum SPL, and wide 20Hz-18kHz response provide strong output and detailed capture for loud stages and vocals. |
|||||||
|
sE Electronics RNR1
US
|
£1135.30 ≈ | 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 25 mV/Pa (-32 dB) | 200 Ohms | Figure-8 | — | 2.5 µm aluminum |
|
The RNR1 is an active ribbon microphone designed with Rupert Neve, combining a wide frequency response, low noise, high SPL handling, and a 2.5 µm aluminum ribbon. Its figure-8 pattern and included shockmount suit professional studio recording, loud sources, and carefully controlled live-stage applications. ★ Ideal forIt suits live performances because its 137 dB maximum SPL, active 48V phantom-powered design, low 17 dB(A) noise level, and figure-8 pattern support detailed capture of loud stage sources while rejecting sound from the sides.
Sources:
|
|||||||
|
AEA R84A
US
|
£1182.64 ≈ | 20 Hz to 20 kHz | 6.3 mV/Pa (-44 dBV/Pa) | 92 ohms | Bidirectional figure-eight | 4.7 mm x 59.7 mm | Pure corrugated aluminium |
|
The AEA R84A is an active ribbon microphone with a smooth, natural sound, high SPL handling, and a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response. Its active output and 92 ohm impedance make it suitable for studios, live-in-studio recording, touring musicians, and setups using a wide range of preamps. ★ Ideal forThe R84A suits live performances because its active 6.3 mV/Pa sensitivity, 92 ohm impedance, 141 dB SPL capability, and bidirectional figure-eight pattern provide consistent output, strong level handling, and useful side rejection across different stage and preamp setups.
Sources:
|
|||||||