AEA R88A is an active stereo ribbon microphone in a fixed Blumlein configuration — the active version of the R88mk2, built with 1:110 toroidal transformers and JFET electronics identical to those in the A440 and R84A. Two Big Ribbon elements at 1.8-micron (59.7 mm × 4.7 mm), 16.5 Hz resonant tuning, and the large black body are shared with the R88mk2; active electronics deliver +12 dB of output over the passive version and a stable 92 Ω broadband output impedance, load-independent. The R88A is visually distinguished by its red 4.5 m breakout cable (XLR-5F to 2 × XLR-3M) instead of the black cable on the R88mk2.
Blumlein in One Body — Far-Field Capture and Complete Stereo Image
Both ribbon transducers are mounted coaxially at 90° inside a single body, eliminating the angular alignment problem and phase inconsistencies inherent in setting up a Blumlein pair from two separate microphones. Recommended working distance is 16 inches to 20+ feet: the active electronics allow closer placement than the R88mk2, opening practical applications on drum overheads, piano, and brass sections. In orchestral, choral, and scoring sessions the R88A captures the full soundstage with natural stereo imaging — without mono summation artifacts and without the tonal channel differences that are unavoidable when using non-matched microphone pairs. Together with the mono N8, the R88A shares the widest frequency response in the AEA line — the only two AEA microphones optimized for full far-field capture.
+12 dB Output, Phantom Power and Universal Preamp Compatibility
The 1:110 toroidal transformers and JFET impedance buffer raise sensitivity from the passive R88mk2 level (~2.5 mV/Pa) to 7.4 mV/Pa (–42.6 dBV) — the R88A delivers a higher output level than most condenser microphones at the same working distances. Higher output removes the preamp self-noise problem in quiet-source applications and at the large working distances standard to the R88 configuration. Active electronics protect the ribbons from phantom power and reject electromagnetic interference on long cable runs — essential on location sessions with large lighting rigs. Blackbird Studios in Nashville keeps five R88s on hand; engineers Joe Chiccarelli, Vance Powell, and John Cuniberti use the R88 as a single-microphone solution for entire ensemble recordings in one room.
KEY FEATURES
- Active version of R88mk2 — two Big Ribbon 1.8-micron elements (59.7 mm × 4.7 mm), 16.5 Hz tuning
- Fixed Blumlein configuration: two figure-8 transducers at 90°, coaxial
- 1:110 toroidal transformers + JFET electronics (identical to A440 and R84A)
- +12 dB output over passive R88mk2
- Sensitivity: 7.4 mV/Pa (–42.6 dBV) into unloaded circuit (per channel)
- Output impedance: 92 Ω broadband (load-independent)
- Max SPL: 141 dB (1% THD harmonic distortion >1 kHz)
- Power: P48 phantom, 7 mA per channel (14 mA total)
- Polar pattern: two figure-8 transducers in fixed 90° Blumlein pair
- Off-axis rejection: –35 dB at 90°/270° (both channels)
- Recommended working distance: 16 inches to 20+ feet (far-field)
- Connector: XLR-5M; red 4.5 m breakout cable (XLR-5F → 2 × XLR-3M) included
- Accessories: swivel mount adapter, carrying case, protective sleeve
- Dimensions: 381 mm (H) × 99 mm (diameter); weight: 2.8 kg
- Handmade in Pasadena, California, USA
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (per channel)
- Operating principle: pressure gradient transducer (active, JFET)
- Polar pattern: figure-8 — two transducers in fixed 90° Blumlein configuration
- Frequency range: <20 Hz – >20 kHz
- Max SPL: 141 dB (1% THD >1 kHz)
- Sensitivity: 7.4 mV/Pa (–42.6 dBV) into unloaded circuit
- Output impedance: 92 Ω broadband
- Recommended load impedance: ≥1 kΩ
- Power: P48 phantom, 7 mA per channel
- Polarity: Pin 2 and 4 + for positive pressure at front
- Ribbon thickness: 1.8 µm; width: 4.7 mm; length: 59.7 mm (per transducer)
- Resonant tuning: 16.5 Hz
- Output connector: XLR-5M
- Dimensions: 381 mm (H) × 99 mm (diameter)
- Weight: 2.8 kg
- Made in: USA (Pasadena, CA)
