Detail 01
Blumlein ribbon configuration
The two ribbons provide a broad recording perspective that can capture an ensemble and room with the microphone alone.
Product detailSKU #1500000219614
AEA MicrophonesR88A Active Stereo Ribbon Microphone
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
The R88A is an active stereo ribbon microphone with two ribbons in a Blumlein configuration, giving a single microphone a broad perspective on an ensemble and its room. Custom Lehle transformer and active electronics add 12 dB of output over the R84 and provide stable impedance for recording quiet sources through any preamp. Its bidirectional behavior and wide stated frequency range suit detailed work with drums, strings, piano, and other complex sources.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Capturing an entire ensemble and room with one stereo microphone in a Blumlein configuration.
- Recording quiet sources through any preamp with the R88A’s stable impedance and added output.
- Handling detailed drums, strings, or piano parts with intricate transients, highs, and lows.
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
12 dB additional output over the R84
It provides more output while retaining the R84’s sonic character.
Detail 03
270-ohm broadband output impedance; 1.2 kohm or greater load impedance
The microphone is specified for loads of 1.2 kohm or higher.
Detail 04
XLR-5M with included breakout cable to two XLR-3M connectors
The microphone connects through its supplied breakout cable to two XLR-3M connections.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Phantom power is not required or recommended.
- 02The microphone ships with a storage/shipping case, swivel adapter, protective sleeve, user manual, and XLR breakout cable.
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Can one R88A capture an ensemble and its room?
Yes. Its Blumlein ribbon configuration is designed to capture an entire ensemble and room with the R88 alone.
02Does the R88A need phantom power?
No. Phantom power is not required or recommended.
03What connectors does it use?
It has an XLR-5M connector and includes a breakout cable terminating in two XLR-3M connectors.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
3 detailsSound
- Frequency Range
- < 20Hz to 20kHz
- Load Impedance
- 1.2 kohm or greater
- Sensitivity
- 2.5 mV/Pa (–52 dBV) into unloaded circuit
2 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Black
- Transducer Element Material
- Pure aluminum corrugated ribbon
3 detailsConnections & power
- Output Impedance
- 270-ohm broadband
- Phantom Power
- Not required or recommended
- Connector
- XLR-5M, includes breakout cable - 2 XLR-3M
6 detailsSize & weight
- Weight
- 2
- Depth
- 3 inch (7.62 cm)
- Transducer Width
- .185 inch (4.7 mm)
- Width
- 15 inch (38.1 cm)
- Shipping Weight
- 5 lb. 3 oz (2.36 kg)
- Height
- 2.35 inch (59.7 mm)
1 detailsIn the box
- Included Accessories
- Storage/shipping case, swivel adapter, custom protective mic sleeve, user manual
8 detailsOther
- Directional Pattern
- Bidirectional
- Vertical
- Level changes with angle, reduced HF response above and below 0º/180º, –25dB null at 90º/270º
- Maximum SPL
- 165dB SPL (1% third harmonic > 1kHz)
- Horizontal
- Level changes with angle, frequency response is consistent, –35dB null at 90º/270º
- Transducer Thickness
- 1.8 µm
- Operating Principle
- Pressure gradient transducer
- Off Axis Response
- Bidirectional
- Polarity
- Pin 2 and 4 high for positive pressure at the front of the microphone.
