AEA N22 NUVO Active Ribbon Microphone

“This is easily the most forgiving and intimate ribbon mic I have used. Its sound is equal parts beautiful, natural and well balanced. In more good news for songwriters wanting “one great mic”…” – Recording Magazine

The AEA N22 microphone was designed with the singer-songwriter musician in mind. Artists work hard at honing their musical craft for many years, and they have probably spent a considerable sum of money on their instrument. They feel strongly about their personal tone, which they have developed over many hours of practice, so they are willing to invest into a microphone that translates their tone in recording. Nonetheless, they can’t and don’t want to invest into a giant mic locker, but rather need to fulfill all their recording needs with just a few pieces of gear. The new AEA N22 delivers on exactly those key points – providing a great ribbon tone without the need for EQ in most applications, flexibility, and ease of use in home recording setups. Most importantly, the N22 was designed by listening first, and measuring only after experienced musicians and engineers told us the microphone sounded great. At this price it doesn’t break the bank, but delivers a handcrafted, US-made microphone that was built to last throughout a musician’s career. Bridging the gap between vintage and modern, ribbon and condenser, studio and live, the N22 is the perfect companion for musicians and engineers alike.

Increased upper-mid presence lets you cut through a busy mix

You’re laying down a lead vocal on top of a thick rock track. How will you ever mix this monster? Not to worry – you’re singing into the AEA N22. This cool ribbon mic sports a smooth upper-midrange presence that lets vocals, guitars, and other instruments cut through the mix – without the need for EQ in most cases. So, go ahead and record that killer vocal. AEA’s got you covered!

AEA’s NUVO Series mics give you the best of vintage and modern

The mastermind behind AEA, Wes Dooley, conceived the NUVO Series as the natural evolution of the ribbon microphone. Like other AEA ribbon microphones, NUVO Series mics are steeped in the RCA tradition, but they’ve taken a fresh approach by focusing on modern application requirements. Incredibly versatile and easy to use, the AEA N22 delivers the velvety sound of classic ribbon mics – but with added upper-mid presence, truly impressive performance specs, and bulletproof US-made build quality. And AEA has managed to deliver all this at a very reasonable price. You’ve simply got to love this mic.

Features

• Increased upper-mid presence lets you cut through a busy mix without the need for EQ
• Reduced proximity effect allows for up-close miking without boominess
• Maximum SPL of 141dB lets you use it on very loud sources
• Ribbon is heavily protected, letting you close-mic without pop-filters or wind protection
• Phantom-powered for optimal performance with a wide range of preamps
• Uses the same 2.35″ Big Ribbon that AEA microphones have built their reputation on
• Robust, easy-to-use design works with 3rd-party clamp mounts
• Custom German-made transformer with excellent bandwidth, consistency, and distortion characteristics
• Small form factor is easy to use with lightweight stands and in tight-miking situations
• Exemplary figure-8 polar pattern
• 100% handcrafted in Pasadena, CA, USA
• Requires +48V phantom power