AEA R88 MKII

Stereo ribbon microphone

• Passive stereo microphone with two Big Ribbon™ elements
• Fixed Blumlein XY configuration with ribbons oriented at 90°
• Can also be used for Mid-Side recordings
• Open, natural, and three-dimensional sound
• Designed for far-field recording of instruments and ensembles
• Ideal as a lead microphone or for orchestral sections
• Handles complex sound sources such as drums, piano, strings, and choirs
• Extended frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Maximum sound pressure level exceeding 165 dB SPL
• Handcrafted in Pasadena, California

The AEA R88 MKII is a passive stereo ribbon microphone designed to capture instruments, ensembles, and environments with a realistic, open, and natural sound image. It features two matched Big Ribbon™ elements, arranged at 90° to each other and positioned very close together along the microphone’s vertical axis.

This configuration forms a complete Blumlein system within a single microphone body, simplifying placement and ensuring perfect coherence between the two channels. The microphone can also be used for Mid-Side recordings through proper signal management during recording or mixing.

Integrated Blumlein Stereo System

The Blumlein technique uses two bidirectional figure-8 polar patterns oriented at 90°. This configuration allows for the capture of a wide and precise stereo image, incorporating both direct sound and room reflections.

Thanks to the proximity of the two ribbon elements, the AEA R88 MKII maintains excellent phase coherence and accurate source localization. The result is a three-dimensional soundstage that realistically reproduces the depth and acoustic characteristics of the space.

Compatible with the Mid-Side Technique

The microphone’s two signals can also be used to create a Mid-Side configuration. This technique allows you to adjust the width of the stereo image during the mixing phase, offering considerable flexibility in managing the recording.

The ability to choose between Blumlein and Mid-Side makes the AEA R88 MKII suitable for music production, orchestral recordings, live performances, sound design, and professional ambient recordings.

Two paired Big Ribbon™ elements

At the heart of the AEA R88 MKII are two low-voltage pure aluminum ribbon elements. Each ribbon measures 4.7 mm in width and 59.7 mm in length, utilizing the same Big Ribbon™ technology found in the AEA R44, R84, and N8 microphones.

AEA’s Large Ribbon Geometry™ delivers a natural response, free from the annoying resonances that can characterize shorter ribbon elements or certain condenser microphones.

Natural, smooth sound

The low mass of the ribbons allows the microphone to accurately track transients, harmonics, and dynamic variations. The result is a smooth, detailed sound that preserves the character of the source without introducing harshness in the high frequencies.

The AEA R88 MKII also responds very well to equalization, allowing you to boost presence and brightness without making the sound aggressive.

Designed for far-field recording

The AEA R88 MKII is optimized for use at a distance from the sound source, where it can capture a natural balance between the direct sound and the room acoustics.

The extended response in the low and high frequencies remains stable even when the microphone is positioned far from the instruments. This feature makes it particularly effective as a lead microphone, room mic, or recording system for ensembles.

Ideal for complex sound sources

The microphone naturally captures sources characterized by articulate transients and a wide harmonic range, such as drum kits, pianos, string sections, choirs, woodwinds, percussion, and orchestras.

It can be placed above a drum set, in front of a piano, or in the center of an ensemble to achieve a full stereo image without resorting to setups with multiple stands and separate microphones.

Wide dynamic range and passive design

The fully passive circuit avoids the headroom limitations associated with some active electronics. The AEA R88 MKII can handle sound pressure levels exceeding 165 dB SPL, making it suitable even for particularly powerful sound sources.

The extended dynamic range allows you to capture both the most delicate details and the most intense peaks, while maintaining extremely low distortion.

Low-frequency-tuned transducers

The two ribbon elements are tuned to 16.5 Hz, following the same principle used in the renowned AEA R44. This configuration contributes to a deep, natural low-frequency response and the microphone’s ability to capture the full range of instruments and ensembles.

Professional Handcrafted Construction

The AEA R88 MKII is handcrafted in Pasadena, California. Only acoustically transparent technical fabric and stainless steel separate the ribbons from the sound source, minimizing tonal alterations.

The integrated shock mount uses a standard 5/8" microphone thread and features a lockable angle adapter, which is useful for precisely adjusting the microphone’s orientation.

The microphone comes with an XLR-to-5-pin breakout cable with two 3-pin XLR connectors, an adjustable adapter, a protective cover, and a professional carrying case.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Passive stereo ribbon microphone
• Stereo configurations: Blumlein, XY, and Mid-Side
• Transducers: 2 matched Big Ribbon™ elements
• Ribbon orientation: 90°
• Polar pattern: dual figure-8
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Ribbon resonance frequency: 16.5 Hz
• Maximum SPL: greater than 165 dB SPL
• Sensitivity: 2.5 mV/Pa, -52 dBV
• Output impedance: 270 Ω
• Phantom power: not required
• Ribbon material: pure aluminum
• Ribbon thickness: 1.8 μm
• Width of each ribbon: 4.7 mm
• Length of each ribbon: 59.7 mm
• Height: 381 mm
• Diameter: 99 mm
• Weight: 2.6 kg
• Microphone connector: 5-pin XLR
• Included cable: 5-pin XLR to 2 XLR-3M connectors breakout cable
• Cable length: 4.5 m
• Mount: Integrated shock mount with standard 5/8" thread
• Included accessories: breakout cable, swivel adapter, protective cover, and carrying case
• Manufacturing: Handcrafted in the United States