AEA R88 mk2 Stereo Ribbon Microphone
Best stereo ribbon for capturing natural, high-fidelity ensemble performances.
This specialized stereo ribbon microphone is engineered for capturing ensembles with an astonishingly open and natural sound. It features two large ribbons configured in a fixed Blumlein or mid-side setup within a single housing, simplifying complex stereo tracking. This design excels at retaining deep low-end response down to 20Hz and delivering smooth highs, making it superb for intricate sources like drums, strings, and piano. It captures sound honestly, preserving the nuance of live spaces, and is considered a secret weapon for genres ranging from classical to jazz.
$2399.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
108
/ 3367
#108 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+372%
Above average
Frequency Range
940
/ Hz - kHz
Who it's for
- Engineers seeking authentic, phase-coherent room and ensemble captures
- Producers desiring rich, deep, and natural low-frequency detail
- Studio recordists tracking loud guitar amps and drum kits
Who should skip it
- Engineers working in cramped spaces with limited stand support
- Budget-conscious hobbyists needing a more affordable recording solution
- Home recordists lacking high-gain, low-noise microphone preamplifiers
Performance breakdown
Stereo Imaging
Blumlein configuration delivers an incredibly natural and immersive soundstage.
Low-End Depth
Large ribbons capture deep, resonant bass frequencies with remarkable authority.
Transient Response
Smooth ribbon characteristics handle complex transients without harsh digital artifacts.
Setup Efficiency
Dual-capsule housing eliminates the need for complex multi-mic array alignment.
Room Nuance
Exceptional at preserving the authentic character of live acoustic spaces.
SPL Handling
Robust design manages high-volume sources like drums with surprising ease.
Key Specs
Frequency Range
9 Hz - 40 kHz
Transducer Type
Ribbon (Dual 2" ribbons)
Polar Pattern
Bi-Directional / Figure-Eight
Sensitivity
-53 dBV/Pa (2.25 mV) into unloaded circuit
Impedance
Nominal: 270 Ohms
Maximum SPL
165+ dB
Dimensions
2.5" diameter and 14" tall
Unit Weight
5 lb
Know before you buy
The dual-ribbon configuration allows you to capture a true stereo image from a single microphone housing. By utilizing fixed Blumlein or mid-side setups, it simplifies the process of recording ensembles or large instruments without the phase issues often associated with aligning two separate microphones.
Yes, the R88 mk2 requires 48V phantom power to operate. While it is a ribbon microphone, it uses active electronics to ensure optimal performance and signal integrity across long cable runs.
The R88 mk2 is specifically engineered to retain its full frequency response even when placed at a distance from the source. This makes it an excellent choice for capturing the natural acoustics of a room or the full depth of an ensemble without losing low-end clarity.
Absolutely. With a maximum SPL rating of 165+ dB, the R88 mk2 is built to handle extremely loud sources, including drum kits and brass sections, without distortion.
The mid-side mode is ideal when you need excellent mono compatibility for your recordings. It allows you to adjust the width of the stereo image during post-production, providing more flexibility than a fixed Blumlein setup.
No, the R88 mk2 features a built-in shock-mount suspension system. This design helps isolate the ribbons from mechanical vibrations and handling noise, making it easier to position quickly in a studio environment.
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