The R88A active stereo ribbon microphone from AEA captures a space as your ears hear it. Its expansive frequency response and balanced low end captures the full breadth of sound with all the present subtlety and nuance. Alongside the mono AEA N8, the R88 boasts the widest frequency range of any mic in the AEA lineup. The R88A is an R88, but equipped with custom-made Lehle transformer and active electronics. The active R88A retains the same sonic character of the R84 but offers an additional 12dB of output and a stable impedance that allows flexibility when recording quiet sources through any preamp.

The R88’s ribbons are in a Blumlein configuration, which allows for a sweeping range of perspective. So, an entire ensemble and room can be captured by the R88 alone. The R88A effortlessly manages more complex sources like drums, strings, piano and other instruments that produce intricate transients, harsher highs and bellowing lows.
 
The Features
- Stereo version of the AEA N8
- Far-field ribbon mic designed to retain low end and top end at a distance
- Features two Big Ribbons in a fixed Blumlein and mid-side configuration
- 12dB level increase and is optimized for all preamps
 
The Specs
- Operating Principle: Pressure gradient transducer
- Directional Pattern: Bidirectional
- Frequency Range: < 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 165 dB SPL (1% third harmonic > 1 kHz)
- Sensitivity: 2.5 mV/Pa (-52 dBV) into unloaded circuit
- Output Impedance: 270 Ω broadband
- Load Impedance: 1.2 kΩ or greater
- Phantom power: Not required or recommended
- Polarity: Pin 2 and 4 high for positive pressure at the front of the microphone.
- Off Axis Response: Bidirectional
- Horizontal: Level changes with angle, frequency response is consistent, -35dB null at 90º / 270º
- Vertical: Level changes with angle, reduced HF response above and below 0º / 180º, -25 dB null at 90º / 270º
- Transducer Element Material: Pure aluminum corrugated ribbon
- Transducer Thickness: 1.8 µm
- Transducer Width: 0.185 in (4.7 mm)