AEA R88 MK2 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.
Two Undamped Big Ribbons in Blumlein — 165+ dB SPL and Full Bandwidth
A 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.
Passive Circuit, Preamp Requirements and Overhead Installation
The 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.
KEY FEATURES
- Passive stereo ribbon microphone — fixed Blumlein configuration (90°), coaxial
- Two Big Ribbon 1.8-micron elements — 59.7 mm × 4.7 mm, 16.5 Hz tuning (identical to R84/R44)
- 1:28 step-up transformer per channel
- Polar pattern: two figure-8 in fixed 90° Blumlein (or M/S with external decoder)
- Max SPL: 165+ dB (1% THD harmonic distortion >1 kHz) — per channel
- Sensitivity: 2.5 mV/Pa (–52 dBV) into unloaded circuit — per channel
- Output impedance: 270 Ω nominal
- Recommended load impedance: ≥1.2 kΩ
- Phantom power: not required or recommended
- Off-axis rejection: –35 dB at 90°/270° (both channels)
- Recommended working distance: 16 inches to 20+ feet (far-field)
- MK2 mount: swivel angle adapter replacing original fixed frame; fly-overhead thread (5/8")
- Connector: XLR-5M; 4.5 m breakout cable (XLR-5F → 2 × XLR-3M) included
- Accessories: swivel adapter, zippered carrying case, protective sleeve
- Dimensions: 381 mm (H) × 64 mm (body diameter); weight approx. 2.6 kg with cable
- Handmade in Pasadena, California, USA
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (per channel)
- Operating principle: pressure gradient transducer (passive, undamped)
- Polar pattern: figure-8 — two transducers in fixed 90° Blumlein configuration
- Frequency range: 20 Hz – >20 kHz
- Max SPL: 165+ dB (1% THD >1 kHz)
- Sensitivity: 2.5 mV/Pa (–52 dBV) into unloaded circuit
- Output impedance: 270 Ω nominal
- Recommended load impedance: ≥1.2 kΩ
- Phantom power: not required or recommended
- Polarity: Pin 2 and 4 + for positive pressure at front
- Off-axis rejection: –35 dB at 90°/270° (horizontal and vertical)
- Ribbon thickness: 1.8 µm; width: 4.7 mm; length: 59.7 mm
- Resonant tuning: 16.5 Hz; transformer ratio 1:28
- Output connector: XLR-5M (pins 2/3 upper channel, pins 4/5 lower channel)
- Dimensions: 381 mm (H) × 64 mm (body diameter)
- Weight: approx. 2.6 kg (with cable)
- Made in: USA (Pasadena, CA)
