The AEA R88 mk2 Passive Stereo Ribbon Microphone is ready for MS and XY recording configurations. This microphone utilizes the basic principle of stereo recording which was first demonstrated in the 1930's by using 2 figure-8 ribbon mics, but AEA has mounted those 2 large ribbons vertically, and at 90 degrees from eachother, inside this very capable single microphone body. If you want to amaze yourself, bring your whole band into the studio and capture drums, guitars, horns and vocals all in one gorgeous stereo take. With a little experience, you will quickly learn that this mic is best used a couple or ups to many feet away from all the source elements of your recording to avoid proximity effect. Additionally, you will find that the passive circuit deign frees you from the headroom limitations that you encounter with active electronics.
For the uninitiated, ribbon microphones get their name because they use a light metal ribbon suspended between the poles of a magnet and can handle your range better than a condenser mic. Historically, ribbon microphones were expensive and delicate, but AEA makes use of incredible improvements in materials and production to put this microphone in reach and plenty durable to use on stage and handle the power of rock-n-roll.
The AEA R88 mk2 uses two big low tension ribbons elements at 2.35" by 0.185" by 2-microns of pure aluminum, the same as the R44s. These giant ribbons are more difficult to install than other manufacturers' smaller ribbons, but offer important advantages. Compared to condenser, coil, or shorter ribbons, the R88 will have a very low resonant frequency with more ribbon magnetic gap movement. That movement helps this mic to handle more sound pressure (SPL) than its competition.
Although the R88 mk2 and R84 share the same ribbon and transformer, the R88 is not just a stereo version of the R84, as the two were carefully designed to have different tonalities.
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 Ω nominal
Recommended Load Impedance: 1.2 kΩ 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 μ (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”
