Capture lush stereo recordings in minimal setup time with the AEA Ribbon Mics R88mk2, a passive stereo far-field ribbon microphone designed for quick and precise Blumlein and mid-side configurations on a single mic stand. Offering the open and natural sound of two traditional side-address, large-ribbon mics in a compact and lightweight form factor designed for far-field use, the R88mk2 ribbon mic is ideal when positioned 16" to 20' away from the source, be it for group vocals, acoustic instruments, ensembles, or drums, in the studio or on the stage.
As a far-field ribbon, the R88mk2 provides full low- and high-end tone when capturing sources in the context of a room. Plus, it boasts the widest frequency range of any AEA mic (along with the NUVO N8). The figure-8 polar pattern of each ribbon element exhibits the classic pickup traits and side-rejection qualities associated with ribbon mics. The mic's XLR 5-pin male connector and included breakout cable (XLR 5-pin to dual XLR 3-pin) allow hookup to virtually any microphone preamp; no phantom power required. High-gain, high-impedance preamps are recommended for optimal microphone performance.
It is designed to be positioned at an ideal distance of 16 inches or farther from the source of sound. This far-field design allows for a wide range of options when positioning the R88mk2 to best capture an instrument within the context of a room.
From as far away as 20 feet away, the R88mk2 retains the low-end frequencies of the sources it captures, and its open, natural tonality makes it perfect to record an entire orchestra or the full low-end of a drum kit from overhead.
As an alternative to Blumlein's technique, the microphone can also be used for mid-side (MS) stereo, providing excellent mono compatibility and full control over the width of the stereo image.
To guarantee consistent, full-range ribbon sound with the passive R88mk2, preamps designed specifically for ribbon microphones (such as AEA's RPQ2, RPQ500, and TRP2 preamps) are available separately. However, preamps with above a 5-Kilohm impedance found in many live soundboards are adequate for guitar amps and other louder instruments. On quiet sound sources or for distance recording, an AEA preamp is highly recommended.
- Open and natural sound
- Far-field ribbon mic that retains lows and highs from a distance
- Passive, stereo version of the AEA N8 ribbon mic
- Compact, lightweight, and low-profile design
- Handles SPLs up to 165 dB
- Made in the USA