AEA N13 NUVO Mid is a single-channel active ribbon microphone in the NUVO series, designed for mid-field recording applications. As AEA's first departure from the Big Ribbon format, the N13 uses a 1.2-micron aluminum ribbon measuring 33.0 mm × 2.87 mm — shorter, narrower, and thinner than the 60 mm Big Ribbon elements in the N8, N22, or R88. A new motor design combined with active JFET electronics and a German-made Lehle transformer delivers noticeably faster transient response and a brighter tonal character than AEA's Big Ribbon designs at equivalent working distances.
Thin Ribbon — Transient Speed and Mid-Field Balance
Lower ribbon mass means faster membrane displacement in response to acoustic pressure changes. At 8–36 inches, the N13 resolves instrument attack with a level of transient detail that approaches condenser performance — without the hardness in the upper frequencies that capacitor capsules introduce. The motor is tuned specifically for mid-field use, keeping proximity effect controlled at working distance: the tonal balance remains stable without the low-end buildup that occurs when standard ribbon mics are used at this range. On drum overheads the N13 renders cymbal attack and decay with natural, uncompressed detail; on strings and acoustic guitar it preserves the instrument's mid-band character without masking inner-voice clarity. The figure-8 pattern with up to 90 dB rejection at 90°/270° provides effective lateral isolation in rooms without acoustic treatment.
Active Electronics and Low-Profile Design
The JFET circuit powered by 48 V phantom and the Lehle transformer output 92 Ω broadband — the N13 connects to any preamp without concern for input impedance matching or gain headroom. Sensitivity of 11.48 mV/Pa (–38.8 dBV) combined with 141 dB SPL handling (1% THD above 1 kHz) covers the range from quiet acoustic instruments to brass and drums without switching mics. The slate gray finish and compact 225 mm × 42 mm body make the N13 practically invisible in broadcast and orchestral recording environments where mic visibility directly affects production workflow.
KEY FEATURES
- AEA's first non-Big Ribbon bidirectional mic — 1.2-micron ribbon, 33.0 mm × 2.87 mm
- Active JFET electronics + Lehle transformer (Germany)
- Output impedance: 92 Ω broadband
- Sensitivity: 11.48 mV/Pa (–38.8 dBV) at 1 kHz, no load
- Max SPL: 141 dB (1% THD harmonic distortion >1 kHz)
- Power: P48 phantom, 7 mA
- Polar pattern: figure-8 (bidirectional)
- Off-axis rejection: up to 90 dB at 90°/270° (horizontal axis)
- Recommended working distance: 8–36 inches (mid-field)
- Slate gray finish, compact profile — broadcast and orchestral applications
- Accessories: storage case, mic clip, protective sleeve
- Dimensions: 225 mm × 42 mm (max.); weight approx. 325 g
- Handmade in Pasadena, California, USA
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Operating principle: pressure gradient transducer
- Polar pattern: figure-8 (bidirectional)
- Frequency range: <20 Hz – >20 kHz
- Max SPL: 141 dB (1% THD >1 kHz)
- Sensitivity: 11.48 mV/Pa (–38.8 dBV) at 1 kHz, no load
- Output impedance: 92 Ω broadband
- Recommended load impedance: ≥1 kΩ
- Power: P48 phantom, 7 mA
- Ribbon thickness: 1.2 µm; width: 2.87 mm; length: 33.0 mm
- Ribbon material: corrugated aluminum
- Output connector: XLR-3M
- Dimensions: 225 mm (H) × 42 mm (max. diameter)
- Weight: approx. 325 g
- Made in: USA (Pasadena, CA)
