Miloco Resource - Equipment Reviews
AEA R88 microphone review by Oli Wright
There's so much gear in The Pool that you can certainly assume that this is just the first of many specialist reviews of Pool equipment by members of the Miloco studio staff. Oli Wright kicks things off with his thoughts on the AEA R88 microphone.
Specifications:
Capsule: two Large Ribbon Geometry elements (LRG)
Polar pattern: two figure-8 mics fixed at a 90-degree offset
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20Khz
Output impedance: 270 ohms
Maximum SPL: 165dB at 1kHz or higher
Looking like something from a '50s sci-fi film, the R88 microphone measures 15.9 inches long, 2.5 inches in diameter and houses twin 2-inch ribbons oriented at 90 degrees.
The R88 uses the large ribbon configuration of the classic RCA 44 series mics, which gives a solid 20Hz bass response and a smooth high end.
Optimized for stereo recording, the coincident stereo mic technique makes the R88 super directional and provides a very wide and precise stereo image. Great for drum overheads!!
Obviously you can use one side on its own, making it a very handy ribbon (like an RCA 44) and as both the front and back of the capsule are exactly the same, due to the way it's housed (unlike most ribbons), the mic is a perfect candidate for MS Stereo recordings.
WARNING! Due to the delicate nature of the long ribbons, be careful when putting up close to guitar amps!! However, placed at a suitable distance, the results can sound HUGE!
