AEA N22 Active Ribbon Microphone

The AEA N22 is a modern near-field and active ribbon mic with a rugged lightweight design, extended top-end clarity, and reduced proximity effect making it perfect for close miking of instruments. It delivers clarity and balance in frequency response, even when positioned just inches from the source, and can stand alone in a mix without the need for the blending additional mic signals due to its extended top-end.

A NEW APPROACH

The N22 can be positioned inches away from an instrument and retain a balanced sound with extended top end while avoiding the room tone that can cause problems in smaller spaces or iso booths. This is what makes the N22 special.

It exhibits a high-frequency bump at 3 kHz making it ideal for recording vocals, electric guitar, bass cabs, kick drum, acoustic guitar, and percussion. It is best to think of the N22’s placement in terms of inches instead of feet.

The N22 naturally reduces proximity effect while also avoiding the room tone that can cause problems in smaller spaces or iso booths. Naturally rolling off the low-end before it hits the ribbon creates a much different sound than using electronic equalization to roll off the low-end in post.

DESIGNED FOR UP-CLOSE USE

The N22 was designed to be positioned between 1 and 16 inches from the sound source. It retains a balanced frequency response across the spectrum with limited proximity effect. In a traditional ribbon mic, the proximity effect can be so strong that it obscures the mid-range, which can be extremely difficult to correct.

Unlike traditional ribbon mics, think of the N22s placement in terms of inches instead of feet. Of course, near-field mics can be positioned at a distance, but they have a more balanced sound close to the sound source.

The N22 not only handles the SPL levels of a high-gain amplifier and kick drum with ease, but it also translates all the gritty details of an instrument that musicians seek.

AN ACTIVE RIBBON FOR A MODERN AGE

With active electronics and a custom transformer, the N22 provides 12 dB 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 12 dB 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 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.

FEATURES:

• Extended top end with a ribbon’s classic warmth
• Near-field ribbon mic with reduced proximity effect
• Balanced frequency response at 1 to 18 inches from the source
• Compact, lightweight design with rugged durability
• Active electronics and custom transformer optimized for all preamps
• Made in the U.S.A.

TESTIMONIALS:

"The mics are a huge success! Our monitor guy and FOH guy want to buy a pair each... :)”
Hanan Rubinstein - Guitarist for Alicia Keys

“I mix a lot of records for independent artists and singer-songwriters. I tried the AEA N22 on a wide range of sources and it always sounded good, which means that artists recording with the N22 will never deliver a bad sounding recording to me! The mic has a thickness and body that sounds very natural and that works great on instruments that can use a bit of heft and rounding off.“
Ronan Chris Murphy - Producer/engineer for King Crimson, Terry Bozzio, Steve Stevens

“I’m excited by this mic. The mids are great and well voiced for electric guitar. No congestion in the low mid area makes it easy to control. It has a great 500 Hz ‘bark’ to it and pairs well with API or Neve preamps. It’s the brightest ribbon I have ever heard – but in a good way. This mic is taking my 100 Watt Marshall Plexi right up the gazoo ;-)”
Brett Chassen - Producer/engineer/session drummer for Kulick brothers, Bret Michaels, Lynch Mob

“It’s a clear winner on acoustic guitar. The smooth midrange, and more open top end (compared with other ribbons) make it the perfect choice. On a male vocal, it was a really close call between the N22 and my Wagner U47. I was leaning towards the AEA N22, but the singer slightly preferred the U47 in a blind test.”
Ben Tolliday - Producer/engineer for Wolfmother, Alanis Morissette, Lord Huron