Pair of active ribbon microphones with a stereo boom arm
The AEA N8 Stereo Kit is a professional solution for stereo recording consisting of two AEA N8 active ribbon microphones and a dedicated stereo bar. The system is designed for far-field, ambient, and orchestral recording, delivering a wide, natural soundstage rich in depth.
The AEA N8 accurately captures complex sound sources such as drums, piano, strings, percussion, and ensembles, preserving transients while maintaining the smooth, musical character typical of AEA’s large ribbon microphones.
Unlike many ribbon microphones optimized primarily for close-up recording, the AEA N8 was developed to operate at a greater distance from the sound source. This feature allows you to capture the instrument’s sound along with the room’s acoustics, resulting in a more open and three-dimensional recording.
The design is based on the same acoustic principles as the AEA R88, the renowned stereo ribbon microphone. When used in pairs, the two N8s allow for extremely precise stereo setups while offering greater placement flexibility than an integrated stereo system.
The extended frequency response and ability to handle complex transients make the kit particularly well-suited for drum overheads, room microphones, grand pianos, string sections, woodwinds, choirs, acoustic ensembles, and orchestral recordings.
The N8’s natural character delivers deep low frequencies, defined mids, and smooth highs, avoiding harshness and artificial resonance even with dynamically demanding sources.
The included stereo bar allows you to mount and orient the two microphones with precision, facilitating stereo techniques such as Blumlein and spaced bidirectional configurations.
The figure-8 polar pattern offers equivalent sensitivity at the front and rear of the microphone and pronounced side attenuation. This characteristic allows you to control the balance between direct sound, ambient sound, and unwanted sources.
By positioning the two AEA N8s with their capsules aligned and rotated 90 degrees, you can create a Blumlein configuration. This technique produces a realistic stereo image, with excellent source localization and a natural reproduction of the room’s acoustics.
The ability to adjust the distance and angle of the two microphones separately makes the kit suitable for experimental setups and custom stereo recordings as well.
The AEA N8 features built-in active electronics powered by P48 phantom power. The 92 Ω output impedance ensures a stable response and a reliable signal level when used with professional preamps, mixers, and audio interfaces.
The active circuit reduces dependence on the preamp’s gain and impedance, making the microphones easy to use even in studios without preamps specifically designed for passive ribbon microphones.
With a maximum SPL of 141 dB, the AEA N8 can be used in front of powerful sound sources without losing definition. The large ribbon element responds quickly to transients while maintaining a smooth, musical response.
The frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz is among the widest in the AEA lineup and allows you to capture both the deepest fundamentals and the highest harmonic details.
Each microphone uses a corrugated ribbon made of pure aluminum that is 1.8 μm thick, 4.7 mm wide, and 59.7 mm long. Its generous dimensions and extremely low mass contribute to a natural response, sensitivity to detail, and realistic spatial reproduction.
The AEA N8 Stereo Kit is designed for sound engineers, recording studios, and live productions seeking a flexible, compact ribbon stereo system capable of capturing complex sound sources with depth and naturalness.
Technical Specifications
Power Type
Active
€ 2.678,68 Ex VAT
For European customers, select your country to view the correct price including VAT.
Normally shipped in 8-10 working days
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