Capture lush stereo recordings in minimal setup time using any preamp with the AEA Ribbon Mics R88A, an active stereo far-field ribbon microphone designed for quick and precise Blumlein and mid-side configurations on a single mic stand. Offering the open and natural sound of two traditional side-address, large-ribbon mics in a compact and lightweight form factor designed for far-field use, the R88A ribbon mic is ideal when positioned 16" to 20' away from the source, be it for group vocals, acoustic instruments, ensembles, or drums, in the studio or on the stage.

As a far-field ribbon, the R88A provides full low- and high-end tone when capturing sources in the context of a room. Equipped with JFET electronics and a custom transformer, the R88A provides a 12 dB level increase over the passive R88mk2. Plus, it boasts the widest frequency range of any AEA mic (along with the NUVO N8). The figure-8 polar pattern of each ribbon element exhibits the classic pickup traits and side-rejection qualities associated with ribbon mics. The mic's XLR 5-pin male connector and included breakout cable (XLR 5-pin to dual XLR 3-pin) allow hookup to virtually any microphone preamps that can supply 48V phantom power. Due to the active circuitry and stable impedance of the R88A, it does not require a high-gain, high-impedance preamp for optimal performance.

2 x Figure-8 Ribbon Elements    Includes Professional Studio Boom Stand    Includes XLR Breakout and 25' XLR Cables    For Blumlein and Near-Coincident Arrays    Side-Address, Large-Ribbon Design    Open and Natural Sound    Retains Lows and Highs in Far-Field Use    Widest Frequency Range of All AEA Mics    Custom Transformer & Active Electronics    48 VDC Phantom Powered for +12 dB Output

The R88A captures a space as it sounds live and in person with all the present subtlety and nuance. Its expansive frequency response and balanced low-end make it superbly effective when capturing the full breadth of sound from the back of a room, above a drum set, or overhead a string section.

It is designed to be positioned at an ideal distance of 16 inches or farther from the source of sound. This far-field design allows for a wide range of options when positioning the R88A to best capture an instrument within the context of a room.

From as far away as 20 feet away, the R88A retains the low-end frequencies of the sources it captures, and its open, natural tonality makes it perfect to record an entire orchestra or the full low-end of a drum kit from overhead.

The proximity effect of the R88A is present when recording a source from closer than 16 inches, so this feature can be used to accentuate the low-end of a vocal or string instrument. Potential damage from loud sources is of no concern, even at such a short distance, as the R88A can handle 141+ dB SPL at 1 kHz.

The R88A uses two bidirectional figure-8 ribbons for producing an authentic representation of a performance. The pair of elements are angled in perfect phase at 90 degrees and mounted in close proximity to each other along the vertical axis of the microphone.

As an alternative to Blumlein's technique, the microphone can also be used for mid-side (MS) stereo, providing excellent mono compatibility and full control over the width of the stereo image.

The active R88A mic retains the same sonic character of the R88mk2, but with an additional 12 dB of output and a stable impedance. This gives a consistent frequency response and greater flexibility with different preamps, including those found in audio interfaces for personal computers. This is great for on-the-road musicians who might have to use a different preamp each night.

The extra 12 dB of output is vital when recording quiet sources like vocals or soft acoustic guitars. The active circuitry also prevents noise interference on long cable runs or when operating near large lighting rigs. The R88A's active circuitry requires standard 48V phantom power to operate. The premium R88A is visually distinguished by a red cable at its base.

• Open and natural sound
• Far-field ribbon mic that retains lows and highs from a distance
• Stereo version of the AEA N8 ribbon mic
• 12 dB level increase over the passive R88mk2
• Optimized for all preamps
• Compact, lightweight, and low-profile design
• Handles SPLs up to 141 dB
• Made in the USA

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can I use the blue snowball shock mount known as the ringer?

A: I'm not familiar with blue snowball mounts, but I note that the transverse arm is VERY adjustable, and the mount height point is greatly variable. I hope this helps. This is a great acoustic reflection absorber, and works really well for me.

Q: 2. This is a relatively dated mic. For my purposes, I need a high quality reliable way to record high end piano performances...looking to pair with Nikon Z6. Can this mic handle it or does anyone recommend another brand? Thank you.

A: The Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone is a great quality solution to consider for this application. Some other great options to consider would be the Azden SMX-30 and the Audio-Technica AT8024.

Q: 3. Can this be used with blue yeti microphone?

A: This baffle will fit any microphone with a standard threaded connector. It is best used for tracking vocals.

Q: 4. Hi. It this comp with nikon 7500?

A: Yes that's the camera I use this microphone with.

Q: 5. I was wondering if this microphone is compatible with the Nikon D500 camera? And how's the performance of this microphone? I did read the reviews on this microphone but I thought that I would like to get some new reviews on this microphone. Thank You!

A: I have the Nikon D5300 and it is compatible. I mainly use it for taping Vlogs and it works very well. Much better audio quality than camera alone. It will pick-up some extraneous noise, but it is limited. I found it worth the investment.

Q: 6. Is this kit compatible with the Blue Spark?

A: Any shock mount can be used with this item.

Q: 7. is the mount required in order to use this microphone for the nikon D5300?

A: It is a standard Nikon standard shoe mount. No special mount needed. You just slide it into your hot shoe on your Nikon camera and connect the 3.5mm mini-plug to your Nikon camera or Canon(I haven't tried it) etc, but if you have a flash, etc you must either remove it or get a bracket so that you can mount both your flash and mic at the sometime. It works great on my Nikon D5200. But remember if you use Nikon TTL-flash, your flash will need to communicate to the camera through the shoe mount. The mic does not communicate any other info to the camera than the miniplug. The mic will also work on other brands of cameras, camcorders, computers etc, equipped with a 3.5mm mini plug/jack which is most. The 3.5 miniplug/jack is pretty common in electronics today. It generates enough signal strength so it need no batteries. Ron

Q: 8. Is this mic compatible with Nikon D90?

A: Unfortunately, the ME-1 Stereo Microphone is not compatible with the Nikon D90 as the D90 does not have an external mic input.

Q: 9. Can I mount the Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB Microphone on this stand?

A: The ATR2100 USB will not be compatible with the shock mount, but can be used on the stand with the reflection filter using the stand clip that was included with the ATR2100.

Q: 10. Can I make this microphone also input to my computer directly?

A: The Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone would work with a computer that has a standard microphone mini input.