AEA R88 mk2
UPC/EAN #652401977582
MPN #R88mk2
Stereo far-field Ribbon for Blumlein and mid- side
A STEREO MICROPHONE LIKE YOUR OWN EARS
The stereo R88 captures a space as it sounds live and in person, with all the present subtlety and nuance. Its expansive frequency response and balanced low end make it superbly effective when capturing the full breadth of sound from the back of a room or above a drum set.
Alongside the mono AEA N8, it boasts the widest frequency range of any mic in the AEA lineup and effortlessly manages more complex source audio like drums, strings, piano, and other instruments that produce intricate transients, harsher highs, and bellowing lows. The Blumlein configuration of the ribbons allows for a sweeping range of perspective, so an entire ensemble and room can be captured by the R88 alone.
THE ENGINEER'S SECRET WEAPON
The R88mk2 is the engineer's secret weapon, offering a level of detail and balance in recording like no other microphone available. Packaged in a sleek, five-pound black shell designed for quick setup, it's an excellent choice for remote recording.
Particularly well suited for the rock, roots, classical, Americana and jazz genres, the R88mk2 has such versatility that engineers like John Cuniberti use it as their one mic to capture an entire band performing live in the same room. There is a reason that legendary Blackbird Studios in Nashville owns five R88s.
A FAR-FIELD RIBBON FOR CREATIVE RECORDING
As a stereo far-field ribbon microphone, the R88mk2 was designed to capture balanced sound from long distances. Sound sources should be measured in feet rather than inches away from the mic. From 16 inches to 20 feet, the mic retains its full spectrum and incredible low end. When positioned closer than 16 inches, the mic adds proximity effect. When carefully used, this proximity effect can beef up thin sounds - either voices or instruments.
Don't worry about loud sources, either. The R88mk2 can handle 165+ dB SPL at 1 kHz allowing you to position it up-close to avoid room tone if needed. It will not be hurt by loud sources and can be positioned against a stereo guitar amp and other loud instruments.
Features
Features two Big Ribbons? in a fixed Blumlein and mid-side configurationAstonishingly open and natural soundFar-field ribbon mic designed to retain low end and top end at a distanceStereo version of the AEA N8Made in the U.S.A.
Specifications
Operating Principle: Pressure gradient microphone
Directional Pattern: Bidirectional (Figure-of-8)
Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL: 165+ dBSPL (1% third harmonic > 1 kHz)
Output Sensitivity: 2.5 mV/Pa (-52 dBV) into unloaded circuit
Output Impedance: 270 nominal
Recommended Load Impedance: 1.2 k or greater
Powering: Not required or recommended
Polarity: Pin 2 and 4 high for positive pressure on front of microphone.
Connector: XLR-5M connector, includes breakout cable to 2x XLR-3M
Off Axis Response:
Polar Pattern: Native bi-directional pattern
Horizontal: Level changes with angle, frequency response is consistent, -35 dB null at 90 / 270
Vertical: Level changes with angle, reduced HF response above and below 0 / 180 axis, -35 dB null at 90 / 270
Transducer element:
Ribbon Thickness: 1.8 (0.0000018 m) of pure aluminum
Ribbon Width: 0.185" (4.7 mm)
Ribbon Length: 2.35" (59.7 mm)
Accessories:
Included: Custom storage / shipping case, manual, 12-foot breakout cable, swivel
Optional: Any length cable, inquire for price and delivery.
Limited Warranty: One year parts and labor, shipping not included. Three year extended warranty if the product is registered.
Weight with Cable: 5 lb 3 oz (2.36 kg)
Height: 15" (38.1 cm)
Width: 3"
Write a review about the AEA R88 mk2
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5.0
Ken Gee
Guelph, ON
January 11, 2022
AEA R88 mk2 ribbon microphone
This microphone makes recordings that are remarkably true to the original sound, and lives up to its stellar reputation. Although I was advised that the output might be too low for some preamps, I've found it actually works well on a variety of recording systems.
Read moreHandheld recorders (such as my Roland R26) and the audio systems built into professional video cameras work just fine with the R88. The gain on my Focusrite Scarlet 4i4 is a bit low but perfectly useable with close sound sources. I haven't had a chance to use the mic in a big space, but the recommended FetHeads add about 28dB, almost too much gain. I love the simplicity of setup with this one-point stereo microphone system. Basically point and shoot recording. If you've got the money, buy one.
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5.0
Jeremy Darby. Canterbury Music Company.
Toronto Ontario Canada
December 12, 2020
My AEA R 88 s/n 015 is used EVERY session!
I have this mic a VERY long time... It gets used on EVERY session.....killing room tone, Great on every thing, use one side as a vocal mic, Great behind an upright, Behind a drummer, In front of a drummer. String section, Big Band, Percusion, Vibes, outside Piano,
Read moreChoir etc etc etc....
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4.5
Matt Stephanson
North Vancouver
September 25, 2016
Butter Overheads
Amazing on overheads, but the way it handles vocal signals is also very smooth and forgiving. Never any harsh sibilence or edginess to the sound. Choir sounds unreal in Blumlein, transients are smooooooth. Big open, spacious sound. Paired mine with a pair of RPG500s and love this chain! Not 5 stars,
Read morebecause it is so heavy, I had to order a Latch Lake stand to handle it! Five star sound, though, and built more solidly than it may appear.
Next project: stereo guitars with this mic in the middle...
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