recordinghacks

AEA R88 mk2

Multi-Pattern Ribbon Stereo Microphone

The R88 mk2 is a second-generation Blumlein stereo ribbon microphone, a 2010 update to the AEA R88. Both mics are passive dual-ribbon microphones with stereo outputs.

The two ribbon elements measure 59.7mm x 4.7mm. Both are corrugated 1.8µ aluminum, tuned to 16.5Hz. They are mounted end-to-end, at 90° to one another.

Each ribbon has its own step-up transformer (1:28) and individual outputs via the XLR5M jack.

As in the original R88, blast protection is minimal: “only black technical-fabric and stainless steel separate the ribbons from the music,” according to AEA.

The R88 mk2’s frequency response is identical to the original R88.

How does the R88 mk2 differ from the original R88?

AEA

We redesigned the shockmount, the cable connections, and the mounting system…

Whereas the R88 had a “captive” (permanently-attached) cable, the mk2 has an onboard XLR5M jack.

The specs and frequency response of the R88 and mk2 are identical.

The mic is finished in “stealth” black. It ships in a padded, hard storage case and includes a 4m breakout cable (XLR5F to 2x XLR3M).

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The mic was released in 2010.

Specifications

Frequency Response - BlumleinClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Bidirectional (2.5 mV/Pa; 20 - 11,000 Hz) Blumlein (2.5 mV/Pa; 20 - 11,000 Hz)

Ribbon Construction	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Length: 59.7mm Width: 4.7mm Gauge: 1.8 microns	270 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 165 dB

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
n/a	n/a	n/a	5-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications

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