Active far-field ribbon microphone
The AEA N8 is an active ribbon microphone designed for far-field, ambient, and orchestral applications. It delivers a natural, open, and three-dimensional sound, preserving the complex transients and harmonic character of instruments such as drums, piano, strings, woodwinds, and percussion.
Its design is based on the same acoustic principles underlying the AEA R88, the renowned stereo ribbon microphone from the U.S. manufacturer. The N8 inherits the R88’s ability to capture both the sound source and the room acoustics, while offering greater placement flexibility.
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 for a balanced reproduction of direct sound and ambient reflections.
The microphone is particularly effective as a room mic, overhead mic, ensemble mic, or main microphone in acoustic and orchestral recordings. Its natural response helps preserve depth, dynamics, and realism without introducing harshness in the high frequencies.
The AEA N8 easily handles sources characterized by articulate transients and a wide harmonic range. It can be used on drums, grand pianos, string sections, woodwinds, choirs, percussion, and acoustic instruments.
The extended frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz allows you to capture both the deepest fundamentals and the finest high-frequency details, while maintaining the characteristic smooth and musical character of AEA ribbon microphones.
The AEA N8 features a large pure aluminum ribbon element, just 1.8 μm thick. Its extremely low mass allows the transducer to respond quickly to dynamic changes, accurately reproducing transients and nuances.
The ribbon measures 4.7 mm in width and 59.7 mm in length. These dimensions contribute to the extended low-frequency response, the natural midrange, and the smooth high frequencies.
With a maximum SPL of 141 dB, the AEA N8 can be placed even in front of powerful sound sources without compromising signal clarity. It is therefore suitable for both delicate instruments and drums, percussion, and brass sections.
The native bidirectional polar pattern offers equivalent sensitivity on the front and rear of the microphone, with strong side-lobe attenuation. This configuration allows you to control the balance between the source, the ambience, and unwanted sounds.
In the horizontal plane, the frequency response remains consistent as the angle varies, while the level decreases progressively until reaching a null of approximately -35 dB at 90° and 270°.
In the vertical plane, high frequencies are attenuated above and below the main axes. This characteristic can be used to shape the timbre through microphone placement and tilt.
When used with a second compatible microphone, the AEA N8 can be employed in stereo configurations such as Blumlein and Mid-Side. The figure-8 polar pattern allows for the creation of wide, precise stereo images characterized by realistic reproduction of the environment.
The AEA N8 features active electronics powered by P48 phantom power. The 92 Ω output impedance ensures stable operation with professional preamps, mixers, and audio interfaces.
The active circuit reduces dependence on the preamp’s gain and impedance, making the microphone easier to use than a traditional passive ribbon microphone.
The AEA N8 is a professional solution for recording studios, sound engineers, and musicians who want a ribbon microphone capable of capturing instruments and environments with naturalness, depth, and precision.
Technical Specifications
Power Type
Active
€ 1.500,00 € 1.200,00 + VAT
Order by 11:00 a.m., we will ship by the day 01/08/2026
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