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Mods for the R88
- Marik
Marik offers repair and modification services for all types of ribbon mics, vintage and modern. Ribbons can be retensioned or replaced. Magnets can be upgraded. Transformers can be replaced with Marik's custom low-noise toriodal design.
Related Microphones
- More AEA microphones
AEA R88
MSRP: $1,895 Multi-Pattern Ribbon Stereo Microphone
Description
- Dual matched long ribbon transducers
- Solid bass and smooth treble response
- Fast, accurate transient reproduction
- Low self noise and high SPL capability
- Precise imaging and uniform soundstage
- Excellent off-axis frequency response
- Wide-band response from 20Hz to 20 KHz
The R88 has two figure-8 ribbon microphone transducers angled at 90 degrees to each other. A stereo microphone configuration is useful for recording situations where it is more convenient to have one microphone housing for both capsules, such as live concert recordings or drum overheads. The R88 has been optimized to produce the most natural stereo pickup possible with ribbon transducers. It has a very uniform polar frequency response, and is therefore relatively free from the “hole in the middle” effect that can occur when recording Blumlein stereo.
The R88 uses the large ribbon configuration of the classic RCA 44 series mics, which gives the mic solid 20Hz bass response and a smooth high end which is flattering to complex tones such as cymbals, strings, and woodwinds.
The R88 is very useful for chamber music, drum overheads, stereo piano pickup, horn sections, and most any coincident stereo pickup application. The high quality passive electronics in the R88 ensure a huge dynamic range with minimal distortion, but the R88 will sound best with a preamp that has at least 60dB of clean gain, low noise floor (-127dB EIN or better) and input impedance of at least 1.5 kOhm.
The R88 is minimally protected from wind blasts for the most natural sound quality possible, so a pop filter should be used when making close vocal recordings. The R88 may be used for both Blumlein stereo and M-S Stereo recording techniques. The mic is finished in Stealth black to reduce visibility in live recording situations, and features an integral shock suspension to reduce noise coupled through the mic stand.
Permalink: AEA R88
The mic was released in 2004.
| Pickup Patterns | Pads & Filters |
|---|---|
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| Ribbon Construction | Impedance | Max SPL |
|---|---|---|
| dual 1.8µm pure aluminum ribbons | 270 Ohms (Low (50-1000 Ohms)) | 165 dB |
| Weight | Length | Max Diameter | Interface(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2268g (80.00oz) | 404mm (15.91'') | 66mm (2.60'') |
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| Power Specifications |
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