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AEA R88 MkII Stereo Ribbon Microphone

Large Ribbon Stereo Microphone with Cable and Carrying Case
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Item ID: R88
AEA R88 MkII Stereo Ribbon Microphone
Price:$2,399 and 00 cents
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AEA R88 MkII Stereo Ribbon Microphone
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AEA R88 MkII Stereo Ribbon Microphone
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A stereo pair of passive N8s in one capsule!

The AEA R88 stereo ribbon mic stuns engineers with its clarity and natural stereo image. The R88 boasts two Big Ribbon elements angled at 90 degrees, getting true stereo sound from a single microphone. A great way to get a spacious sound without the hassle of a multi-mic setup. The AEA R88 uses Large Ribbon Geometry (LRG) architecture, that delivers effortless bass down to 20Hz - a feat rarely achieved by mics with a smaller ribbon. With a list of Grammy winning recordings to its name, the AEA R88 proves itself over and over again.

Great stereo recordings with a single mic

Utilizing two of AEA's signature Big Ribbon elements, the R88 stereo ribbon microphone is able to get a huge stereo spread with a single mic. Angled at 90 degrees and mounted in close proximity to each other along the vertical axis of the microphone, the ribbon elements are optimized to capture large ensembles as a great main mic. It is an excellent orchestral and choral recording microphone, and shines on applications such as horn sections and drum overheads. Whether in a high-end studio or in your home desktop application, the R88 mk2 puts the listener right in the recording room.

Larger ribbon element for wider frequencies and higher SPLs

The soul of the AEA R88 is two large pure aluminum low-tension ribbon elements. At 2.35" by 0.185" by 2 micron, they're exactly like the one used in the classic R44. The resonant frequency of a good ribbon microphone design should be as low as possible and longer ribbons result in higher sound pressure level (SPL) handling. The R88's Big Ribbon technology ensures you'll achieve a sound that is smooth and natural. This adds up to a sound that is amazingly close to what your ears will hear when actually standing in the studio with the sound source.

A list of Grammy awards that keeps growing

The true value of a piece of gear can be measured by a list of its users and where they use it. The AEA R88 stereo ribbon mic is a shining example of this. The list of Grammy and Academy Award winning projects recorded with the R88 microphone is long and keeps growing: Turtle Island String Quartet, Los Tigres Del Norte, Juanes MTV Unplugged, Life Of Pi soundtrack are just a few. And top-level audio engineers like Joe Chiccarelli, Chuck Ainlay, and Vance Powell trust the AEA R88 so much that Nashville's Blackbird Studios has an R88 in every single room.

AEA R88 Stereo Ribbon Microphone Features:

  • Stereo ribbon microphone that offers a natural sound
  • Captures amazingly wide stereo sources with a single mic
  • Larger-than-normal ribbon elements handle high SPLs with ease
  • Figure-8, Blumlein Configuration (90 degrees) polar pattern
  • 165dB Max SPL

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Ribbon
  • Ribbon Type: 1.8-micron Aluminum
  • Mono/Stereo: Crossed Figure-8 Stereo
  • Polar Pattern: Figure-8
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Max SPL: 165 dB SPL
  • Output Impedance: 270 ohms
  • Connector: 5-Pin XLR
  • Power Source: Passive
  • Weight: 3 lbs.
  • Included Accessories: Storage Bag, Swivel Adapter, Breakout Cable
  • Manufacturer Part Number: R88mk2

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Reviews

The Only Overhead You'll Ever Need
Check the linked video for an in-depth dive into the AEA company and the R88. The mic is HUGE, but it also sounds huge. Be it over piano, drums, in front of an acoustic guitar... It's got you covered. It is a PASSIVE ribbon mic, which require 2 things: a fair amount of good clean gain, and HIGH impedance. Without either one of those two things, you're not going to get everything out of this mic. The RPQ/TRP pre's by AEA are a perfect compliment to this mic and will provide not only the gain but the impedance as well. If you dont want to have to deal with getting higher gain/impedance pres, go with the active version of this mic (probably cost you less in the long run). You can run the active version with any run of the mill pre without issue. Placement of this mic is simple. Follow the markings on the body for Blumlein or M/S. The only draw back is the rather short breakout cable that comes with the mic. I usually find myself having to connect another XLR to make it to my wall box. Other than that... this mic is a beast for anything stereo.
Music background: Engineer 20+ years
Classic and Wonderful
Very high quality mic. I'm using it mainly as a stereo room mic. Sounds so big and velvety. Easy to manage. Replaced the Townsend L22 as my stereo room mic. Townsend was great, but the R88 is next level. Also sound killer on my upright piano. Warms it like Danny Lanois was in the room.
Wow!
The AEA R88 MkII is a game changer. Coupled with the AEA RPQ preamp, the mic was up, running, and recording amazing vocals and acoustic guitar in just a few minutes. Can't wait to use it on piano, other instruments and bands with one mic.
So good I bought a second!
This is undoubtedly my desert island mic. It's as close as it gets to human ears in my opinion - it sounds like being there! Very natural sounding across the frequency spectrum with a smooth high end that makes it especially useful on drum overheads and rooms. Definitely needs a good bit of gain, but if that's an issue, they've got an active version. This is seriously one of the best investments you can make as far as microphones go! My studio shut down during the pandemic and I had to sell off some gear, R88 included. But, as soon as I was able to I went out and picked up another - it's too good to not have around!
A must-have tool for the mic locker
The AEA R88 ribbon microphone is an absolute gem in the world of audio capture. Its unparalleled craftsmanship delivers a rich, warm sound that truly elevates any recording experience. Regardless of the subject, the R88's dual ribbon design provides stunning detail and depth, making every nuance come alive. If you're seeking professional-grade audio quality with a vintage touch, the AEA R88 is a must-have addition to your arsenal.