AEA R88A

Active Stereo Ribbon Microphone

• Active stereo ribbon microphone with Blumlein configuration
• Two perfectly matched figure-8 transducers
• AEA Big Ribbon technology derived from the legendary R44
• Extended frequency response from less than 20 Hz to over 20 kHz
• Natural sound with deep lows and smooth highs
• High-sensitivity active electronics for use with any professional preamp
• High sound pressure handling capability up to 141 dB SPL
• Ideal for stereo recordings of ensembles, orchestras, pianos, choirs, and ambient sounds
• Includes XLR-5 to dual XLR-3 breakout cable
• Handcrafted in the United States

The AEA R88A is an active stereo ribbon microphone designed to deliver extremely natural and three-dimensional stereo recordings thanks to the classic Blumlein configuration. It utilizes two perfectly matched bidirectional transducers and AEA’s renowned Big Ribbon technology, the same used in the legendary AEA R44.

The combination of large ribbon transducers and active electronics ensures an open, detailed sound characterized by deep bass, extremely natural mids, and smooth highs, free of harshness.

Big Ribbon Technology with Blumlein Configuration

The Blumlein system uses two figure-8 capsules mounted at a 90-degree angle, allowing for the capture of an extremely realistic stereo image with an excellent sense of depth and spatiality.

The transducers use the same 1.8-micron aluminum ribbons and the same 16.5 Hz tuning as the renowned AEA R44, delivering the natural transient response and authoritative low end that are the hallmarks of AEA microphones.

High-Sensitivity Active Electronics

Compared to the passive R88mk2 version, the AEA R88A features an active circuit with a dedicated transformer that increases sensitivity and output level, making it easier to use with any professional preamp and reducing dependence on available gain.

P48 phantom power is required to operate the internal electronics, with a current draw of approximately 7 mA to ensure optimal performance.

Extremely Natural Stereo Recordings

The AEA R88A excels at recording pianos, acoustic ensembles, orchestras, choirs, string sections, drums, ambient sounds, and live performances. Its extremely uniform off-axis response preserves the tonal character even when sound sources are located far from the microphone’s main axis.

The result is a wide, stable, and consistent stereo image that preserves depth and realism even in recordings made from a distance.

Wide dynamic range and ultra-low distortion

With a dynamic range of up to 141 dB SPL and a frequency response exceeding 20 kHz, the R88A can be used with both extremely dynamic sources and very delicate acoustic instruments, while consistently maintaining an extremely low level of distortion.

Thanks to the characteristic response of AEA’s Big Ribbon microphones, the microphone retains a full and controlled low end even at long distances, a feature that makes it ideal as a main stereo microphone.

Professional-grade build quality

The AEA R88A comes complete with a hard case, an adjustable mount, a custom protective pouch, a user manual, and an XLR-5 to dual XLR-3 breakout cable, providing everything needed for use in the studio and in professional productions.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Active stereo ribbon microphone
• Blumlein stereo configuration with two bidirectional (Figure-8) capsules
• AEA Big Ribbon technology
• Pressure gradient transducer
• Corrugated aluminum ribbon
• Ribbon thickness: 1.8 μm
• Ribbon width: 4.7 mm
• Ribbon length: 59.7 mm
• Tape tuning: 16.5 Hz
• Frequency response: less than 20 Hz – greater than 20 kHz
• Polar pattern: fixed dual Figure-8 (Blumlein)
• Maximum SPL: 141 dB
• Sensitivity: 7.4 mV/Pa (-42.6 dBV)
• Output impedance: 92 Ω
• Recommended load impedance: ≥1 kΩ
• Power supply: P48 phantom power (7 mA)
• Connector: Male XLR-5 with included dual XLR-3 breakout cable
• Dimensions: 38.1 × 9.9 cm
• Weight: 1.19 kg
• Shipping weight: 2.8 kg
• Included accessories:
  • Hard case
  • Adjustable stand
  • Custom protective case
  • XLR-5 to 2 XLR-3 breakout cable
  • User manual