AEA R88mk2 Stereo Far-Field Blumlein Ribbon Microphone

AEA R88mk2 Stereo Far-Field Blumlein Ribbon Microphone, New, In Use

This behemoth stereo ribbon mic captures stunning recordings with you-are-there accuracy! Try it for single-mic room recordings, drum overheads, and more.

Overview

The R88 Series Microphones (the R88mk2 and the R88A) are blumlein ribbon microphones consisting of two matched bidirectional (or figure-of-8) ribbon transducers. The R88 Series microphones use the same Big Ribbon technology and tuning (16.5 Hz) as used in the classic R44. The passive R88mk2 uses the same 1:28 transformer used in all of AEA's passive mics, and the active R88A uses the same 1:110 transformer and electronics used in our active mics. With the great bass response and smooth top end AEA Big Ribbons are known for, the R88 Series delivers a solid sound stage without ever being harsh. The R88 operates with very low distortion over a huge dynamic and frequency range, with a capability of handling 141 dB SPL (R88A) or 165 dB SPL (R88mk2) at 1kHz. 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. (The R88A is visually distinguished by a red cable at its base)

Phantom power is not required or recommended for the passive R88. We recommend avoiding the use of phantom power with your R88 as a general rule. With a correctly wired cable and a properly working phantom power supply, there is actually little danger of damaging an R88 microphone with phantom power. However, passive ribbons such as the R88 will get hurt if ground Pin 1 is accidentally shorted, mis-wired, or hot patched in a patch bay to Pin 2 or 3. Using phantom power with a faulty or mis-wired… read more cable or a defective supply can severely stretch or break a ribbon. Since passive ribbon microphones or other transformer-coupled microphones are particularly sensitive to phantom-power, it is recommended to make disengaging phantom-power before plugging and unplugging a habit.

Features:

- Phantom-Powered AEA R88A Microphone
- Operates with very low distortion over a huge dynamic and frequency range
- Great bass response and smooth top end
- 7 milliamps phantom current draw

Specs

- Operating Principle: Pressure gradient transducer
- Directional Pattern: Bidirectional
- Frequency Range: < 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 165 dB SPL (1% third harmonic > 1 kHz)
- Sensitivity: 2.5 mV/Pa (-52 dBV) into unloaded circuit
- Output Impedance: 270 Ohm broadband
- Load Impedance: 1.2 kOhm or greater
- Phantom power: Not required or recommended
- Polarity Pin 2 and 4 high for positive pressure at the front of the microphone
- Off Axis Response: Bidirectional
- Horizontal: Level changes with angle, frequency response is consistent, -35dB null at 90o / 270o
- Vertical: Level changes with angle, reduced HF response above and below 0o / 180o, -25 dB null at 90o / 270o
- Transducer Element:
- Material: Pure aluminum corrugated ribbon
- Thickness: 1.8 um
- Width: 0.185 in (4.7 mm)
- Length: 2.35 in (59.7 mm)
- Microphone Dimensions:
- Height: 15 in (38.1 cm)
- Width: 3 in (7.62 cm)
- Weight: 2 lb 9.8 oz (1.19 kg)
- Connector: XLR-5M, includes breakout cable - 2 XLR-3M
- Accessories Included: Storage/shipping case, swivel adapter, custom protective mic sleeve, user manual

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item: Shipping Weight: 6.1 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 18 x 8 x 8 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): AEA R88mk2