AEA R88 Series Case — a black OEM fabric case with die-cut foam interior, the dedicated transport case for the AEA R88 and R88 MkII stereo ribbon microphones, included as standard with every new R88 purchase.
The AEA R88 is one of the largest and heaviest microphones in active production — 381 mm tall, approximately 100 mm in diameter, and around 2.6 kg including the cable. Its two 1.8-µm aluminium ribbons are mounted at 90° in a fixed Blumlein configuration behind deliberately minimal acoustic shielding: AEA reduced internal blast protection to maximise the microphone's open, uncoloured character. That design decision places the full burden of mechanical protection during transit squarely on the case. The die-cut foam interior immobilises the R88 in a single fixed position — with swivel adapter and XLR-5M cable stowed — with no movement and no need for supplementary wrapping.
Ribbon Protection in Storage and Transit
The R88's passive ribbon elements face two specific transport risks: air blasts that can deform or break the aluminium foil, and ferromagnetic particles (tramp iron) attracted by the neodymium magnets and capable of lodging in the ribbon gap. The closed case addresses both simultaneously — the sealed interior blocks airflow and excludes magnetic contamination. The separate cloth zipper bag included with the R88 is intended for stand storage between takes; the case is the correct environment for transport and long-term storage. The abrasion-resistant black fabric exterior resists wear without attracting dust, and the die-cut foam maintains its shape under extended storage without compressing and losing its hold on the microphone.
Format Matched to How R88 Is Used
The R88 travels to orchestral recording sessions, ambient and room capture, and live remote work as a self-contained single-unit stereo system. Engineers working with the R88 on location value the fact that the entire signal path — microphone, XLR-5M breakout cable to 2× XLR-3M, and swivel adapter — fits in one case, ready to open and position in under a minute. The absence of two separate paired microphones and their individual cables is the primary logistical advantage of the R88 on tight-schedule sessions, and the case reinforces that efficiency.
KEY FEATURES
- Die-cut foam interior — precision fit for the R88/R88 MkII body with swivel adapter and cable stowed, zero play.
- Black OEM fabric exterior — abrasion-resistant, low dust attraction, discreet appearance on location sessions.
- Sealed enclosure — blocks airflow and ferromagnetic particle ingress to ribbon elements during storage.
- Standard factory inclusion — ships with every new AEA R88 and R88 MkII microphone.
- Compatibility: AEA R88, AEA R88 MkII.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Dedicated OEM carrying case
- Outer material: Black OEM fabric
- Interior: Die-cut foam, contoured to R88 body
- Compatibility: AEA R88, AEA R88 MkII
- Microphone dimensions (R88 MkII): 381 × 99 mm, approx. 2.6 kg
- Standard mic kit contents: case + cloth zipper bag + XLR-5M breakout cable to 2× XLR-3M + swivel adapter
- Country of manufacture: USA (Pasadena, CA)
