AEA NUVO Flight N8, N13, N22 Ribbon Microphone Kit

The AEA NUVO Flight puts AEA’s full range of active ribbon technology in a single package - the N8, N13, and N22. Three purpose-built microphones that cover every recording scenario from inches to feet. All three microphones share AEA’s proven active architecture: custom Lehle transformer, 141 dB SPL handling, and are Phantom-powered with consistent output—no specialized preamps required. The kit ships in a rugged hardshell flight case with custom-molded foam - ready for your next session or tour.

The package includes:

• (1) N22 for near-field (1–18”) applications and voiced for close-miking with natural proximity compensation and a presence lift that brings ribbon warmth to vocals, guitar amps, and kick drums
• (1) N13 for mid-field (8–36”) applications with ultra-thin 1.2-micron ribbon delivers enhanced transient detail for drum overheads, acoustic instruments, and strings at working distance
• (1) N8 for far-field (12” to 20+ ft) applications featuring a flat, open, and transparent sound - capturing rooms and ensembles as faithfully as human ears hear them

N8 ACTIVE RIBBON MICROPHONE

Following the successful N22 model designed for singer-songwriters and project studios, the AEA N8 sounds distinctly different despite having a similar appearance to the N22. In designing the N8, we set out to create the most open and natural sounding ribbon microphone ever made. Conceived to render acoustic spaces as faithfully as possible, the new N8 microphone excels in capturing drum overheads and rooms, strings, classical ensembles, and orchestras. As such, it is the ideal complement to the N22 microphone. But even when used up close, the N8 delivers exceptional clarity and warmth, while also taking EQ extremely well without ever being harsh. By employing a similar design philosophy as used on the popular R88 stereo ribbon microphone, the N8 achieves an astonishingly transparent sound with a superior transient response that lets AEA’s famed Big Ribbon truly shine. The aluminum ribbon in the N8 is identical to the flagship R44 model in its dimensions and tuning, putting it in direct lineage of the iconic RCA 44 type.

FEATURES:

• Open and natural sound profile
• Designed for far-field: overheads, strings, and room mics
• Unobtrusive, discreet and video friendly look
• Features the same Big Ribbon as the R44
• Phantom powered electronics for optimal performance with any preamp

N13 ACTIVE NEARFILED RIBBON MICROPHONE

The N13 is a sleek active ribbon designed with some distinctly different considerations in mind. At once open and natural, the N13 excels at medium-distance miking applications while demonstrating an impressive transient response. The N13 features a new motor design as well as a thinner, smaller ribbon (1.2 microns, rather than the standard 1.8), making it AEA's first non-Big Ribbon bidirectional mic! Relatively bright and sonically distinct from the N22 model, the N13 excels in capturing the subtle nuances of strings, acoustic guitars, and percussion. It’s also well-suited for any sources that could use a boost in top-end clarity. Even when used up close, such as on horns or vocals, the N13 delivers exceptional clarity while also taking EQ extremely well. The N13’s unobtrusive size and dark slate gray finish is ideal for live orchestral and TV work, where microphones need to be both inconspicuous and easy to position.

FEATURES:

• AEA’s first bidirectional mic to feature a small ribbon (shorter, narrower, and thinner, at 1.2 microns!)
• Designed for optimal use at mid-field distances (~8”-36”)
• Highly-tuned for excellent transient response; captures sparking highs while smoothing lows
• Low profile and slate gray finish for discreet placement
• Shines on horns, strings, acoustic guitar, and drum overheads

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. 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.

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