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AEA R88 MkII Stereo Ribbon Microphone

Large Ribbon Stereo Microphone with Cable and Carrying Case
$2,299.00

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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, Blumlein Configuration
  • 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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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

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
Rated 5/5

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.
Rated 5/5

Terrific!

I am thoroughly pleased with my R88. I'd purchased an AEA TRP2 preamp earlier which worked well with my BeyerDynamic M-160 and M-130 ribbon mics but still felt there was room for improvement in the sound I was getting versus the sound I was seeking. After using the M-130 with a Neumann TLM 49 in a mid-side arrangement, I was skeptical as to how much more I could really improve but decided to give the R88 a try on the recommendation of David Mikautadze. Wow! I did not expect to be impressed with the stereo image of the R88 after recording M/S but it was truly revealing. Add that to the effortless clarity of the R88 and I am now genuinely an AEA guy!

And it is so liberating! We can simply place the mic in the middle of the room and make music. As the manual states, "As a far-field stereo ribbon microphone, the R88 captures balanced sound from long distances. From 16 inches to 20 feet, the mic retains its full spectrum and incredible low end." It's true! So, rather than accommodating the mic, it accommodates us. Truly, could not be more pleased.

GREAT stuff!
Music background: Traditional, musician for 60 years.
Rated 5/5

AEA microphones are fantastic and the R88 is just legendary

Mostly been using the R88 as overheads and room mics for drums and I also can't wait to try it on a few different places such as acoustic guitars, vocals.

Paired with the RPQ2 it really shines, however I also used them a couple of times with Soyuz Launcher and Cloud lifters, ultimately they are always hooked to the RPQ2, just because.

Pristine audio quality, lots of low end, clarity, it's the whole deal.
Music background: Session Drummer
Rated 5/5

Sounds Wonderful!

Bought to mainly record solo acoustic guitar. Sounds absolutely amazing, definitely the best sound on an acoustic I've ever gotten and I've used many higher end mics. Using a DAV BG1 pre and I didn't need to use a cloudlifter or anything else to get enough gain. Excited to try it on other sources!
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