AEA N13

NUVO Series Active Short-Distance Bidirectional Ribbon Microphone for Mid-Range Recording

• Active ribbon microphone optimized for medium-range recording, from approximately 20 to 90 cm
• Figure-8 bidirectional polar pattern
• Short ribbon made of pure aluminum, only 1.2 microns thick
• Fast and detailed transient response
• Open and defined high end, with smooth and natural low frequencies
• Active JFET electronics powered by 48V phantom power
• Custom transformer manufactured in Germany
• Ideal for strings, acoustic guitar, woodwinds, percussion, and drum overheads
• Compact body with a slate-gray finish for discreet placement
• Compatible with professional preamps and USB audio interfaces
• Handcrafted in Pasadena, California

The AEA N13 is a bidirectional active ribbon microphone from the NUVO series, designed to deliver exceptional clarity, a particularly fast transient response, and the natural musicality characteristic of AEA ribbon microphones. Optimized for mid-range recording, it offers a versatile solution for capturing acoustic instruments, woodwinds, strings, percussion, and overheads with an open, detailed, and never harsh sound.

The design features a new magnetic motor and a pure aluminum ribbon that is shorter, narrower, and thinner than those found in traditional AEA Big Ribbon microphones. With a thickness of just 1.2 microns, the transducer responds quickly to transients and accurately captures the nuances of the sound source, while maintaining a smooth and controlled low end.

AEA N13 for professional mid-range recordings

The AEA N13 was developed to round out the NUVO microphone lineup. While the N22 is optimized for close-up recording and the N8 is designed to capture environments and ensembles from greater distances, the N13 truly shines in mid-field applications, typically between 20 and 90 centimeters from the sound source.

At these distances, the microphone offers an effective balance between presence, depth, and detail, reducing the need for corrective adjustments during mixing. Its open and natural response preserves the instrument’s authentic character while offering greater clarity in the high frequencies compared to other models in the series.

Bidirectional ribbon microphone with defined transients

The bidirectional Figure-8 polar pattern captures sound from the front and rear, ensuring high side rejection. This feature allows for precise control over the balance between direct sound and ambient sound, and makes the AEA N13 well-suited for stereo recording techniques such as Blumlein and Mid-Side when used in conjunction with a second microphone.

Its transient response makes the N13 particularly effective for stringed instruments, acoustic guitars, percussion, and cymbals. For woodwinds and vocals, it delivers a clear and present recording while maintaining a smooth, musical tone even when positioned close to the sound source.

Active JFET Electronics and 48V Phantom Power

The AEA N13 features JFET active electronics powered by 48V phantom power and a custom-made German-engineered transformer. This configuration provides high output level, stable impedance, and reliable operation with a wide range of preamps.

The microphone can be used with both vintage and modern professional preamps as well as with the microphone inputs of standard USB audio interfaces. The active electronics reduce dependence on the preamp’s gain and impedance, making the microphone’s performance more consistent across different recording setups.

AEA NUVO N13 for Studio, Orchestra, and Broadcast

The compact body and slate-gray finish allow for discreet placement in the studio, on stage, during orchestral recordings, or in television productions. The slim profile facilitates installation even when space is limited or when microphones need to remain inconspicuous.

Handcrafted in Pasadena, California, the AEA N13 combines professional-grade construction with a modern sound signature. It is ideal for sound engineers, musicians, and studios seeking the natural sound of a ribbon microphone with faster transient response and a more defined high-frequency range.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Active ribbon microphone
• Operating principle: pressure gradient transducer
• Polar pattern: bidirectional, Figure-8
• Optimal operating distance: approximately 20–90 cm
• Frequency response: below 20 Hz – above 20 kHz
• Maximum sound pressure level: 141 dB SPL with 1% third-harmonic distortion above 1 kHz
• Sensitivity: 11.48 mV/Pa, equivalent to -38.8 dBV, at 1 kHz
• Output impedance: 92 Ω broadband
• Recommended load impedance: 1 kΩ or higher
• Power supply: P48 phantom power
• Current draw: 7 mA
• Electronics: JFET active circuit
• Transformer: custom-made in Germany
• Polarity: Pin 2 positive for positive pressure on the front of the microphone
• Side rejection: up to 90 dB relative to the front and rear axes
• Diaphragm material: corrugated pure aluminum
• Ribbon thickness: 1.2 μm
• Diaphragm width: 0.113 inches, equal to 2.87 mm
• Diaphragm length: 1.30 inches, equal to 33 mm
• Height: 8.83 inches, approximately 23.4 cm
• Width: 1.62 inches, approximately 4.1 cm
• Depth: 1.62 inches, approximately 4.1 cm
• Weight: 330 g
• Connector: XLR-3M
• Manufacturing: Handcrafted in Pasadena, California, USA