The AEA N8 is a side-address, phantom-powered ribbon microphone with a bidirectional (or figure-of-8) pickup pattern. Optimally designed for distant miking applications like drum overheads, rooms, strings, and classical ensembles, the N8 is also well suited for close-up use. With phantom-powered JFET electronics and a custom German transformer, the N8 achieves optimal performance with a wide range of preamps ranging from vintage high-end models to USB audio interfaces in home studio setups. The N8 is the second member of AEA's NUVO series. Rooted in the RCA tradition just like other AEA ribbons, all NUVO microphones are designed to offer a fresh approach to the ribbon transducer and represent AEA's take on the evolution of the ribbon microphone. The full potential of the N8 is perhaps best realized when configured in the NUVO Stereo Kit, as it draws on the same successful sonic concepts as the AEA R88 stereo mic.

Features:

- Open and natural sound
- Far-field ribbon mic that retains low end and top end from a distance
- Same design philosophy as the AEA R88 stereo ribbon mic
- Compact, lightweight, and low-profile design
- Features active electronics and custom transformer optimized for all preamps
- Made in the U.S.A.

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… read more 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.

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.

PHANTOM-POWERED
The N8 needs a standard 48V phantom-power source to operate, but ensure that phantom power is disengaged before plugging and unplugging the microphone. The loud pops that occur when the microphone is plugged in with phantom power engaged can damage speakers, headphones, and ears. AEA strongly recommends against using TRS or TT mic level patch bays. The patching process shorts pin-2 and/or pin-3 of the cable to ground. Sometimes even with phantom power off equipment can be damaged due to phantom power supply voltage bleed, which varies. For mic level patching AEA suggests always using an XLR patch bay.

The phantom current draw for active AEA ribbon mics is 7 milliamps. IEC specifies P48 power should be able to deliver 10 milliamps per input. Some USB and battery-powered audio interfaces won't deliver this. Please check the current values available on your unit to ensure the best performance.

read less