AEA N8 Ribbon Microphone

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, Wes Dooley and the folks at AEA 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, such as on guitar and bass amps, 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 open and natural sound 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 exceptional 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.

• Aluminum ribbon in the N8 is identical to the flagship R44 model in its dimensions and tuning
• Designed to be the most open and natural sounding ribbon microphone ever made
• +48 Volt Phantom Powered Active design
• Unobtrusive size
• "Stealth" matte black finish

• 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)