Mic Archive
AEA R88
Photo: AEA, from its spec sheet, p. 1.

AEA (Audio Engineering Associates)

AEA R88

Passive stereo ribbon: two matched figure-8 Big Ribbons in a fixed Blumlein pair (current version R88mk2)

Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.

Type
Ribbon
Pattern
Figure-8
Sensitivity
−52 dBV/Pa
Max SPL
165 dB SPL
Impedance
270 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the manual (Recording Hacks copy), p. 4. "On-Axis Frequency Response (1 meter)", 200 Hz to 20 kHz. Smoothing not stated; one channel, which is not said. The 2007 one-sheet prints the same graph as "AEA R88 Frequency Response".

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the manual, p. 14. "Directivity", "FIGURE-OF-8 POLAR PATTERN", full circle, 0° up, rings every 3 dB to -30 dB. Measuring conditions and which ribbon not stated. Approximate reading error up to about 1 dB.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the manual
Capsuletwo corrugated aluminium ribbons, 1.8 µm × 4.7 mm × 59.7 mm, tuned to 16.5 Hz. "Thickness: 1.8 µm; Width: 0.185 in (4.7 mm); Length: 2.35 in (59.7 mm)"; tuning on p. 4. The 2004 manual says "very low resonance frequency (16 Hz)".p. 13
Sensitivity−52 dBV/Pa (2.5 mV/Pa), into unloaded circuit. "2.5 mV/Pa (-52 dBV) into unloaded circuit" (R88 passive). The 2004/2007 documents: "Output Sensitivity: -52 dBv/Pa".
Max SPL165 dB SPL, 1% third harmonic, above 1 kHz. "165 dB SPL (1% third harmonic > 1 kHz)"; the 2007 one-sheet: "165 + dB SPL above 1 kHz for 1% third harmonic".
Output impedance270 ohm, broadband. "Output Impedance: 270 Ω broadband"; 2007: "270 ohms nominal".
Rated load impedance1200 ohm, or greater. "Load Impedance: 1.2 kΩ or greater". The 2004 manual suggests a preamp input impedance of at least 1.5 kohm for good bass.
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz. "Frequency Range: <20 Hz to >20 kHz"; the 2018 sheet "< 20 Hz to 20 kHz"; 2007: "20 Hz to 20 kHz".
Poweringnone (passive). "Phantom Power: Not required or recommended".
ConnectorXLR-5 male, with breakout cable to 2 × XLR-3 male. "XLR-5M, includes breakout cable - 2 XLR-3M". The original R88: "XLR-3M wired to a 4 meter captive stereo cable" (2007 one-sheet).
Weight1190 g. "Weight: 2 lb 9.8 oz (1.19 kg)"; shipping weight 2.8 kg (6 lb 3 oz). The 2018 sheet gives shipping weight 2.36 kg; the 2007 one-sheet "5 pounds with cable and storage case".
Dimensions381 × 99 mm. Height × width: "Height: 15 in (38.1 cm); Width: 3.9 in (9.9 cm)"; the drawing on p. 14 marks 15.04 and 3.87 (inches). The 2018 sheet gives "3 in (7.62 cm)"; the 2007 one-sheet 15.9" long with stand adapter, 3.9" deep, 2.6" wide.
Supplied accessoriesstorage case; swivel adapter; custom protective mic sleeve; user manual; breakout cable. "Accessories Included".
Off-axis response, horizontalLevel changes with angle, frequency response is consistent, -35 dB null at 90° / 270°
Off-axis response, verticalLevel changes with angle, reduced HF response above and below 0° / 180°, -25 dB null at 90° / 270°
Transformer1:28 (the same as in all AEA passive mics)p. 4
Ribbon tuning16.5 Hz
PolarityPins 2 and 4 high for positive pressure at the frontp. 13
Shock mountWeighted, integrated shock mount; swivel mount adapter suppliedp. 7
PreampHigh input impedance and at least 60 dB of gain recommended
Working distanceFar-field: keeps full low end from about 48 inches (1.2 m) to 20 feet (6 m); closer adds proximity effectp. 12
Made inPasadena, California, USA (handmade)p. 2
From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy)
Original R88 (2004-2007)XLR-3M wired to a 4 m captive stereo cable; 15.9 in long with stand adapter, 3.9 in deep, 2.6 in wide; 5 lb with cable and storage case; shock-mounted to a 5/8 in female thread, with a locking angle adapterp. 1

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © AEA (Audio Engineering Associates), unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on aearibbonmics.comRecording Hacks

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