AEA R88A

A Stereo Ribbon Microphone AEA Designed in the Spirit of the Great Classics

The R88A follows in the tradition of large-format ribbon microphones that shaped the sonic aesthetic of "live in the room" recordings. AEA here adopts the wide ribbon approach popularized by the famous RCA 44-type microphones to achieve a dense low end and particularly smooth high-frequency texture. Within the range, the R88A is positioned as the active variant of the R88 MK2: same stereo coincident pickup philosophy, but with a more comfortable output level and better tolerance for long cable runs.

For Whom and What: Ensembles, Overheads, and High-End Stereo Recordings

The AEA R88A has been optimized for recording acoustic instruments and stereo ensembles when you seek a spacious image without harshness. It excels in chamber music, as drum overheads (detailed cymbals but never shrill), in stereo piano capture, on brass sections, or whenever a coincident stereo pair needs to remain stable in the mix. Its figure-8 polar pattern also allows you to take advantage of room acoustics by capturing both the source and the environment, delivering a very "true-to-life" sound.

Key Features: 90-Degree Stereo, Active Electronics, and M-S Versatility

Two figure-8 ribbons for coherent stereo

The R88A integrates two stacked ribbons, oriented at 90 degrees, each with a bidirectional (figure-8) polar pattern. This design favors an excellent off-axis response, essential for natural stereo recordings where reflections and side sources must remain musical. It is perfectly suited for Blumlein techniques for an enveloping image and can also be used in Mid-Side configuration to adjust stereo width in the mix.

Active version: +12 dB gain and better control over long cable runs

Compared to the passive version, the R88A provides an additional 12 dB of gain, highly appreciated on softer vocals or gently played acoustic guitars, while maintaining the ribbon character. Its active electronics help preserve a high dynamic range with minimal distortion, and the active impedance helps limit interference and sensitivity to disturbances, especially on long cables or near powerful lighting equipment. The microphone requires 48 V phantom power to operate.

The most open sound possible, with proper precautions

To maintain a very natural sound, the R88A offers minimal protection against wind noise. In practice, for close vocal recordings, using a pop filter is strongly recommended. For stage and studio use, its matte black finish is discreet, and its integrated suspension reduces noise transmitted through the mic stand-a real advantage for quick setups.

Technical specifications

Frequency response - start	20 Hz	Capsule	ribbon dynamic
Frequency response - end	20 kHz	Connection	XLR
Category	studio microphone	Color	Black
Directivity	bidirectional

Frequency response	20 - 20,000 Hz	Output impedance	92 Ohms
Maximum sound pressure level	141 dB SPL	Dimensions (H x diameter)	381 x 99 mm
Sensitivity	7.4 mV/Pa (-42.6 dBV)	Weight	2.8 kg