Audio Engineering Associates R88 User Manual

A
udio
1029 N. Allen Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104 www.ribbonmics.com Phone: (626) 798-9128 Fax: (626) 798-2378
AEA R88 Ribbon Microphone
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.
A few things to remember about this microphone:
1) Keep it covered when not in use.
Since the R88 contains powerful magnets, it is possible for tiny pieces of metal to be drawn into the
ribbon gap. The microphone's acoustically transparent cloth surround protects the transducer from this
so-called "tramp iron," but it is wise to safeguard your investment by keeping the mic covered with the
bag supplied when not in use. Avoid leaving the microphone sitting out on a table or workbench. In our
experience this is a likely place where tramp iron may be attracted to the microphone.
2) Store the mic vertically.
Our ribbon transducers are tensioned very lightly, so that coupled air damping provides excellent
transient response. To help ensure a long life and consistent sound keep the microphone stored vertically
whenever possible to prevent "sagging" that may occur during long term horizontal storage.
3) Avoid phantom power.
Using a correctly wired cable and a decent phantom power supply, there is little
danger of damaging the microphone with phantom power. However since a faulty or miswired cable or
a poorly designed phantom power supply can cause severe damage to the transducer we recommend
avoiding the use of phantom power with your R88 as a general rule.
4) Protect the microphone from wind blasts.
In order to produce the most natural sounding pickup possible, the mic is minimally protected from
wind blasts. Avoid recording horns, drums or anything that might produce large movements of air within
12 inches of the microphone. A good rule is if you can feel wind on your hand where you would like to
place the mic, don't put it there! For closer vocal recordings, use a "popper-stopper" type windscreen to
protect the mic from plosive blasts. This mic is designed for indoor recording situations, although a "big
furry windscreen" may be adequate for some outdoor recording situations.
E
ngineering
Associates
User's Manual
• STUDIO RIBBON MICS
• M/S STEREO
• TALL STANDS
• MIC POSITIONERS
©Sept 2004