AEA N8 Phantom Powered Ribbon Microphone Quick n' Dirty
In this video, Sound Pure pro audio specialist Marc Kuzio describes the many benefits of the AEA N8 Phantom Powered Ribbon Microphone and we hear a sample of this mic in action on drums.
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Watch & listen
AEA Sessions - Fiddle Medley
Also in this recording AEA R88 MKII Stereo Ribbon Microphone
NPUT LIST:Fiddle - N8 - Edirol R44 PreampRoom Mic - R88 - Edirol R44 PreampConverters: Edirol R44DAW: Nuendo 4 @ 48k/24bit
AEA Sessions - Cello
Also in this recording AEA R88 MKII Stereo Ribbon Microphone AEA RPQ Stereo Ribbon Preamp
INPUT LIST:Cello - N8 - Millennia PreampRoom Mic - R88 - RPQ PreampDAW: ProTools HD @ 96k/24bit
AEA Sessions -Drum Solo
Also in this recording AEA R44 CE Ribbon Microphone AEA R88 MKII Stereo Ribbon Microphone
INPUT LIST:Kick - R44 - RPQ PreampOverheads - N8 (x2) - Millennia PreampRoom Mic - R88 - RPQ PreampDAW: ProTools HD @ 96k/24bit
From AEA
Features
- Designed for overheads, strings, and room mics
- Unobtrusive, video friendly look
- The same Big Ribbon™ as the R44
- Phantom powered electronics for optimal performance with any preamp
- 100% manufactured in Pasadena, CA
Modern Look, Big Ribbon Sound
Following the successful N22 model designed for singer-songwriters and project studios, the 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.
The N8’s unobtrusive size and the “stealth” matte black finish is ideal for orchestral and TV work, where microphones need to be easy to position and more or less invisible. The N8’s phantom-powered electronics and a custom German transformer complete the package and deliver groundbreaking low level detail and optimal distortion performance, even when driving long cable lines in remote recording situations. Just like all other AEA products, the N8 is 100% manufactured in Pasadena, CA.
The N8 is the second member of AEA’s NUVO series of microphones. Rooted in the RCA tradition just like other AEA ribbon microphones, all NUVO microphones are designed to offer a fresh approach to the ribbon transducer and represent Wes Dooley’s take on the evolution of the ribbon microphone.
Specifications
Operating Principle:
- Pressure gradient microphone
Directional Pattern:
- Bidirectional or Figure-of-8
Frequency Range:
- 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL:
- 141 dBSPL (1% third harmonic > 1 kHz)
Output Impedance:
- 92 Ω broadband
Recommended Load Impedance:
- 1.0 kΩ or greater
Powering:
- P48 phantom power, 7 mA
Polarity:
- Pin 2 high for positive pressure at the front of the microphone.
Connector:
- XLR-3M
Off Axis Response:
Polar Pattern:
- Native bidirectional pattern
Horizontal:
- Level changes with angle, frequency response is consistent, –35 dB null at 90° / 270°
Vertical:
- Level changes with angle, reduced HF response above and below 0° / 180° axis, –35 dB null at 90° / 270°
Transducer element:
Ribbon Thickness:
- 1.8 μ (0.0000018 m) of pure aluminum
Ribbon Width:
- 0.185” (4.7 mm)
Ribbon Length:
- 2.35” (59.7 mm)
Accessories:
Included:
- Storage / shipping case, microphone stand clip, custom protective mic sleeve, user manual
Optional:
- Matched stereo pair
Limited Warranty:
- One year parts and labor, shipping not included. Three year extended warranty if the product is registered.
Height:
- 8.83” (32.4 cm)
Width:
- 1.62” (4.1 cm)
Depth:
- 1.62” (4.1 cm
Free 3-Year Warranty
Sound Pure stands behind our products. Free three-year warranty on this item. Coverage exclusions live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.
Level of support and expertise that simply isn't available at big-box megastores. Read the warranty →
Returns
Not eligible for Try Before You Buy or the 48-hour approval period. Standard return policy applies — see Terms & Conditions, Section 18 for details.
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