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This B&H Kit includes the AEA R88mk2 Stereo Far-Field Ribbon Microphone along with a professional studio boom stand with a weighted, wheeled base, the Cloudlifter CL-2 two-channel mic activator, and a pair of black 25' Mogami Gold XLR cables. The kit makes it easy to capture instruments and vocals with the classic sound of a ribbon element using stereo Blumlein or mid-side recording configurations on a single mic stand. The CL-2 provides +25 dB of clean gain on both channels to ensure a robust signal level at your preamp.
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
The Ultimate Support MC-125 Professional Studio Boom Stand features an adjustable height from 51.5 to 82.7" and a boom that extends from 35 to 61" with a 5.75 lb counterweight for a stable mic placement. The stand's large-diameter base and locking rollerblade-style wheels provide low center of gravity and extra stability.
- Use with noisy or low-gain preamps
- Use with mixers/preamps that negatively impact the sound at higher gain settings
- Use with low-output dynamic microphones and ribbons
- Mic softer sound sources such as acoustic instruments and voice
- Use for long cable runs
- Gives passive mics up to +25 dB additional active output
- Provides 2 distinct stages of clean gain
- Easy to use self-contained design requires only phantom power
- Recommended for use with all passive dynamic microphones
- Compatible with tube, battery, or power-supply-driven microphones
- Safe for all passive ribbons with no transfer of phantom
- Utilizes Patent Pending Class-A, discrete JFET circuitry
- Ideal impedance loading for optimal performance at 3 kilohms
- Rugged, road ready, and portable, for studio, stage, and broadcasting
The black, 25' Mogami Gold Studio XLR Female to XLR Male Microphone Cable is a high-quality, 4-conductor cable engineered for maximum rejection of RFI and EMI, accurate signal transmission with low noise, and durability. It uses the company's Neglex twisted, double-conductor quad cable with a spiral, bare copper shield, which is effective in maintaining signal integrity, even when used with unbalanced equipment, in professional or home studios suffering from wiring and grounding problems.
The cable is terminated with black-body, gold-plated XLR connectors, and features a 0.236" diameter jacket, ideal for applications where a small-diameter quad mic cable is required.