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Grammy-winning producer Matthew Koma Captures Space and Dimension on Hilary Duff’s luck… or something with AEA R88
“I use it on absolutely everything… it gives everything dimension, air, and width.”
Pasadena, California, June 18, 2026 — Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Matthew Koma, known for collaborations with artists including Zedd, Shania Twain, and P!nk, recently produced his wife Hilary Duff’s latest album, luck… or something. Across this project and others, including work with his band Winnetka Bowling League, Koma has consistently turned to the AEA R88 stereo ribbon microphone as a core part of his recording process, using it to capture a sense of space, depth, and natural stereo imaging.
When it came to luck… or something, Koma and Duff set out to revisit the sound that defined her early career, drawing inspiration from the bright, organic pop productions of the early 2000s while reinterpreting them through a modern lens. Much of the record's character, Koma notes, came from the musicians involved, including drummer Griffin Goldsmith, whose performances helped bring clarity and energy to each track.
To capture that balance of organic instrumentation and contemporary production, Koma leaned heavily on the AEA R88 throughout the recording process. The microphone became a central part of his setup, used across a wide range of sources in each session.
“I use it on absolutely everything,” says Koma. “As a room mic for drums, on acoustics, piano, organ, and even background vocals. I love how it captures a room. It gives everything such dimension, air, and width.”
To complement the R88, Koma pairs it with AEA’s RPQ3 preamp and EQ, using the combination as a consistent front-end throughout his sessions. “I can’t imagine using the R88 without the RPQ3,” he says. “It has a way of gaining the mic without adding any intrusive noise. And the EQ has a ton of character. I love it on acoustics. That chain is pure magic.”
That sense of space also informed how Koma approached certain elements throughout the record. “We started re-amping a lot of our drum loops back through a Princeton and used the R88 about 10 feet back from the amp,” he explains. “That kinda became this weird glue we used on every tune to give some air to stuff that felt a little more digital out of the box.”
Beyond luck… or something, Koma has incorporated the R88 across a wide range of projects, from his work with Winnetka Bowling League to sessions with artists including Good Charlotte and The Runarounds. Over time, the microphone has become a constant in his setup.
“It’s influenced the recordings in a major way,” says Koma. “This thing is such a vibe starter — and it’s my ‘always up’ mic, so anytime we’re starting an idea and want an organic element to feel slightly more colorful, it’s the go-to.”
For Koma, that consistency has made the R88 not just a tool, but a foundational part of his recording approach. “The R88 is the one,” he adds. “If I could only have one mic to record with, it would be that… hands down.”
luck… or something is available now on all major streaming platforms. Listen here: https://hilaryduff.lnk.to/luckorsomething
Header image credit: Brynn Osborn
About AEA Ribbon Mics
Founded in 1964, AEA began as a record label and mobile recording studio before expanding into microphone repairs and full-scale manufacturing. In 1998, AEA introduced the R44C — an evolution of the iconic RCA 44BX — and has since developed a full range of microphones and preamps inspired by classic designs and built to modern standards. With a commitment to ultra-low noise circuitry, musical sound, and expert craftsmanship, AEA continues to push ribbon technology forward while honoring its legacy. All AEA products are proudly handcrafted in Pasadena, California.
Learn more at aearibbonmics.com
Hunter Williams
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