{"product_id":"aea-r88-mk2","title":"AEA R88 MK2","description":"\u003cdiv lang=\"en\"\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAEA R88 MK2\u003c\/strong\u003e is a passive stereo ribbon microphone in a fixed Blumlein configuration — two Big Ribbon elements at 1.8-micron (59.7 mm × 4.7 mm), 16.5 Hz resonant tuning, and 1:28 step-up transformers per channel, identical to the R84, housed in a matte black cylindrical body with technical fabric covering the central ribbon section. The MK2 revision from 2010 replaced the original R88's fixed mounting frame with a new, more mobile swivel adapter and reduced the body mass while keeping identical electronics and tonal character. The R88 MK2 is the passive counterpart to the active R88A — same motor and sound, without the SPL headroom limitations inherent in active electronics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3\u003eTwo Undamped Big Ribbons in Blumlein — 165+ dB SPL and Full Bandwidth\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eA passive undamped Big Ribbon is the only transducer design in current serial production rated at 165+ dB SPL at 1% THD above 1 kHz — a ceiling no active ribbon or condenser microphone reaches. In practice this means the R88 MK2's two transducers capture the full dynamic range of an ensemble or drum kit without clipping anywhere a live performance could reach. Where the active R88A runs out of headroom at 141 dB, the passive MK2 continues linearly. The 16.5 Hz tuning and 59.7 mm ribbon deliver coherent response from 20 Hz upward without mechanical resonances in the audible band. The Blumlein configuration — upper transducer handling L-R, lower transducer handling front-back — supports M\/S decoding with any standard sum-and-difference matrix without repositioning the microphone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3\u003ePassive Circuit, Preamp Requirements and Overhead Installation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eThe R88 MK2 requires no phantom power — 48 V is not recommended. Sensitivity of 2.5 mV\/Pa (–52 dBV) and 270 Ω output impedance require a preamp with at least 60 dB of gain, –127 dBu EIN or better, and input impedance of at least 1.5 kΩ — the same requirements as the passive R84. Blackbird Studios in Nashville keeps an R88 in every recording room. The locking angle adapter and the direct 5\/8-inch fly-overhead thread make the R88 MK2 practical for permanent installations in large halls, concert venues, churches, and theatres. The 4.5 m captive XLR-5M cable terminates via the included breakout cable into 2 × XLR-3M — no external splitter adapter required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3\u003eKEY FEATURES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePassive stereo ribbon microphone — fixed Blumlein configuration (90°), coaxial\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTwo Big Ribbon 1.8-micron elements — 59.7 mm × 4.7 mm, 16.5 Hz tuning (identical to R84\/R44)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e1:28 step-up transformer per channel\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePolar pattern: two figure-8 in fixed 90° Blumlein (or M\/S with external decoder)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMax SPL: 165+ dB (1% THD harmonic distortion \u0026gt;1 kHz) — per channel\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSensitivity: 2.5 mV\/Pa (–52 dBV) into unloaded circuit — per channel\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOutput impedance: 270 Ω nominal\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRecommended load impedance: ≥1.2 kΩ\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePhantom power: not required or recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOff-axis rejection: –35 dB at 90°\/270° (both channels)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRecommended working distance: 16 inches to 20+ feet (far-field)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMK2 mount: swivel angle adapter replacing original fixed frame; fly-overhead thread (5\/8\")\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eConnector: XLR-5M; 4.5 m breakout cable (XLR-5F → 2 × XLR-3M) included\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAccessories: swivel adapter, zippered carrying case, protective sleeve\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDimensions: 381 mm (H) × 64 mm (body diameter); weight approx. 2.6 kg with cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eHandmade in Pasadena, California, USA\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3\u003eTECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (per channel)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOperating principle: pressure gradient transducer (passive, undamped)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePolar pattern: figure-8 — two transducers in fixed 90° Blumlein configuration\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFrequency range: 20 Hz – \u0026gt;20 kHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMax SPL: 165+ dB (1% THD \u0026gt;1 kHz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSensitivity: 2.5 mV\/Pa (–52 dBV) into unloaded circuit\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOutput impedance: 270 Ω nominal\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRecommended load impedance: ≥1.2 kΩ\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePhantom power: not required or recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePolarity: Pin 2 and 4 + for positive pressure at front\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOff-axis rejection: –35 dB at 90°\/270° (horizontal and vertical)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRibbon thickness: 1.8 µm; width: 4.7 mm; length: 59.7 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eResonant tuning: 16.5 Hz; transformer ratio 1:28\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOutput connector: XLR-5M (pins 2\/3 upper channel, pins 4\/5 lower channel)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDimensions: 381 mm (H) × 64 mm (body diameter)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eWeight: approx. 2.6 kg (with cable)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMade in: USA (Pasadena, CA)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"AEA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54014121312593,"sku":"16963","price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0729\/8741\/0769\/files\/AEAR88mk21.jpg?v=1781105421","url":"https:\/\/wrdtunes.com\/en-fr\/products\/aea-r88-mk2","provider":"Wired Tunes","version":"1.0","type":"link"}