AEA N8 Active Ribbon Microphone

The NUVO N8 is a modern and active ribbon mic that captures a space as it sounds live and in person, with all the present subtlety and nuance. The N8 effortlessly records complex sources like drums, strings, piano, and other instruments that produce intricate transients, harsher highs, and bellowing lows.

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 or above a drum set.

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 harsher highs and bellowing lows. The full potential of the N8 is perhaps best realized when part of a stereo array since it draws from the same successful concepts as the AEA R88.

The Far-field Ribbon

The N8 is a far-field ribbon mic, meaning it is ideally designed to be placed at a distance of 12 inches or further from the sound source. This allows a huge range of positions for the N8s to naturally capture an instrument within the context of a room.

As far away as 20 feet, the N8 retains the low end of the frequency spectrum. Combined with its open and natural tonality, the N8’s far-field design makes it perfect as mains for capturing entire orchestras or on overheads to record the full low end of a drum kit. If used closer than 12 inches, proximity effect comes into play. This beneficial effect can be used to thicken up the sound of a voice or instrument.

The N8 can be positioned close to instruments and other loud sources when proximity effect is desired easily handling 141+ dB SPL at 1 kHz.

For a more balanced sound from up close with reduced proximity effect, the AEA N22 near-field ribbon mic is a nice complement.

The N8 In Action
A mic made for drums

Watch the N8s in action on Zach Harmon’s drumming in this AEA Session.

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.
On the Road with the N8

Bands now using N8s and N22s on the road include Bonnie Raitt, Alicia Keys, Aerosmith, 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, and more.

Tape Op

“The N8 shares some sonic DNA with the R88 for sure, so it was like being able to use that beast of a mic in a dual mono, Glyn Johns configuration, and the take turned out great in combination with the other kit. Honestly, I didn't find anything that the N8 didn't make sound great anywhere you'd use a normal ribbon…”

Sound on Sound

“For more classical orchestral instruments, the N8 sounded sublime on cello and violin, and (excuse the total heresy!) I think I preferred it to my life-long favourite ribbon, the Coles 4038!... This is a very nice and well-priced microphone and I think Wes and AEA really have realised a ribbon mic for the 21st century. Highly recommended.”

Recording Mag

“All the AEA models sound great, and ever since my 2012 review the R88mk2 has been on my short list of must-haves as the “set it and forget it” room mic. However, I am now thinking the N8 may be the better choice in the long run. It offers more versatility and placement options thanks to its smaller size and light weight, and I love how it pairs with the N22... Oh, decisions, decisions.”

N8 Microphone Overview

Astonishingly open and natural sound
Far-field ribbon mic designed to retain low end and top end at a distance
Same design philosophy as the AEA R88 stereo ribbon mic
Compact, lightweight, and discreet design
Active electronics and custom transformer optimized for all preamps

Mogami Gold Studio XLR Male to XLR Female Microphone Cable - 25 ft

When you get your Mogami Gold Neglex Quad Mic Cable, you'll see why virtually every major recording facility in the world is wired with Mogami cable. Mogami is famous for unmatched accuracy, extremely low noise, and remarkable flexibility. Top engineers rave about Mogami mic cable's amazing clarity and silent background. If accuracy in reproduction is your goal, Mogami Gold Neglex Quad Mic Cable is the cable for you.

Features

Accurate cable
Wide frequency response
High cancellation of hum and noise
Increases dynamic range
Lifetime guarantee

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, reproductive, and developmental harm. For more information, visit www.p65warnings.ca.gov