Hears Like Your Ears
The N8 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 boasts the widest frequency range of any mic in the AEA lineup and effortlessly manages more complex source audio like drums, strings, piano, and other instruments that produce intricate transients, harsh highs, and bellowing lows. The full potential of the N8 is perhaps best realized when configured in a stereo array, as it draws on the same successful sonic concepts as the AEA R88.
The Far-field Ribbon
The N8 is a far-field ribbon mic, meaning it is designed to be positioned at an ideal distance of 12 inches or farther from the source of sound. This far-field design allows for a wide range of options when positioning the N8 to best capture an instrument within the context of a room.
From as far away as 20 feet away, the N8 retains the low end frequencies of the sources it captures, and its open, natural tonality makes it perfect to record an entire orchestras or the full low end of a drum kit from overhead. The proximity effect of the N8 is present when recording a source from closer than 12 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 N8 can handle 141+dB SPL at 1 kHz.
If less proximity effect is desired when recording at close range, the near-field AEA N22 is an effective ribbon mic to complement the N8’s far-field performance.
An Active Ribbon for a Modern Age
With active electronics and a custom transformer, the N22 provides 12db of extra output and more preamp flexibility than traditional passive ribbon mics.
- The N22 uses the same custom transformer utilized in the AEA A440 and R84A microphones, enabling an additional 12db of output and a stable impedance. Though it still sounds great with any AEA ribbon-optimized preamp, it is not dependent on a high impedance, high gain preamp for proper use.
- The extra output is a major advantage when recording quiet sources like vocals and soft acoustic guitars. The active circuitry also prevents noise, interference on long cable runs and when near operating near large lighting rigs.
A Mono Version of the AEA R88
The N8 is the mono version of the AEA R88 stereo microphone with active electronics.
Engineers in both the studio and on the scoring stage who use the R88 desired a mono version that was more discreet, lightweight and easier to position. The N8 and R88 share the same minimalist design philosophy and honest sound. A pair of N8s with the NUVO stereo kit can emulate the R88, but a special preamp is not needed since the N8 uses active circuitry.
A Rugged, Roadworthy Companion
With increased durability and a small profile, it’s no wonder that a wide range of performers use AEA’s NUVO series microphones on the road. The mics are totally rugged and hold up to daily wear and tear.
From outdoor gigs at music festivals to indoor theaters, NUVO mics are the perfect companion to bring the sound of studio recordings to the live stage. With the NUVO Windscreen, never worry about the ribbon – even at windy gigs.
Bands now using N8s and N22s on the road include Bonnie Raitt, Alicia Keys, Aerosmith, Grizzly Bear, Mitski, Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives, Alabama Shakes, War On Drugs, Local Natives, The Head and The Heart, Sara Watkins, Kurt Vile, Deerhunter, Jamestown Revival, JOHNNYSWIM, Brandi Carlile, Autolux, Foxygen, Kruger Brothers, Cam, Pedro the Lion, The Districts, Valerie June, King Krule, The Head and The Heart, Ben Harper, Ought and more.
The NUVO Series
Discreet in shape and size, AEA’s NUVO series microphones are lightweight, portable and easy to position. They feature active electronics and custom transformers that provide extra output and more preamp flexibility than traditional passive ribbon mics. Both the N22 and N8 NUVO mics are the same size and offer the same ribbon sound and high-quality components as our other mics. They are all handmade in the United States.
For a more balanced sound at a distance to capture the natural tonality of your space, the AEA N22 near-field ribbon mic is a nice complement.
