Lenta AR is an active version of the Lenta PR microphone. Some customers have asked us to expand our line of ribbon microphones with an active version. We introduced it in 2020. All characteristics of this microphone are fully consistent with the characteristics of the Lenta RP microphone. Active preamplifier from phantom power allows you to amplify the signal by 20 decibels. However, when purchasing this microphone, you must clearly understand what it was created for, and what are its strengths and weaknesses.
Undoubtedly, the strength of the Lenta AR microphone is the 20 decibel preamp mentioned above. But, the fact is that a phantom powered preamplifier cannot provide amplification quality comparable to that provided by modern digital audio interfaces. (Don't believe the ads - all these mini boosters, maximizers, and lifters can't compare to the mic preamps of today's audio interfaces, even in the mid-price segment).
Hence the scope of these microphones. We recommend using them only in cases where the use of modern preamps is not possible (low project budget; using outdated, analog equipment whose preamps cannot give enough amplification to a passive ribbon microphone). If you have a modern digital interface, do not hesitate - your choice is unambiguous - a passive ribbon microphone Lenta PR, which does not have its own noise!