AEA N28 NUVO Stereo is an active stereo ribbon microphone in a fixed Blumlein configuration — two matched bidirectional transducers set at 90° to each other inside a single compact body. A new motor design with 1.8-micron ribbons measuring 33.3 mm, Lehle 1:89 transformers, and a dual-buffer impedance topology designed by Fred Forssell deliver a phase-coherent stereo image without requiring two separate microphones or a high-gain ribbon preamp.
Blumlein in a Single Body — Geometry and Phase Without the Setup Variables
In a conventional Blumlein pair built from two separate mics, precise angular alignment is the critical variable — a few degrees of offset translates directly into stereo image skew. The N28 solves this structurally: both transducers are factory-set at exactly 90°, precision-matched to within ±0.5 dB between channels, and coaxial by design. Every placement produces the same geometrically accurate Blumlein pair. The recommended working distance is 8 inches to 3 feet — mid-field range where the motor's low-end tuning keeps proximity effect controlled. The mic exits via a single XLR-5M connector; the included 15-foot breakout cable (XLR-5F to 2 × XLR-3M) splits the channels at the preamp end, removing the need for a separate splitter box.
Active Electronics — Compatible with Any Preamp
Passive stereo ribbons like the R88 demand a high-gain, high-impedance preamp — preamp selection becomes part of the system design. The N28's active impedance buffer and 1:89 transformer output 92 Ω broadband, compatible with virtually any preamp from a USB audio interface to a tour console. Sensitivity of 6.10 mV/Pa (–44.3 dBV) is lower than the N22 or N8, but the active electronics remove the need for hunting down 70+ dB of quiet gain. Off-axis rejection hits –35 dB horizontally at 90°/270° — standard figure-8 performance that gives useful separation from lateral sound sources in rooms without ideal acoustics. The compact 270 mm body and unobtrusive profile make it practical for broadcast, video, and stage use where mic visibility is a factor.
KEY FEATURES
- Two active bidirectional ribbon transducers in a fixed Blumlein pair (90°)
- New motor design — 1.8-micron aluminum corrugated ribbon, 33.3 mm × 2.2 mm
- Lehle 1:89 transformers, dual-buffer impedance amp topology
- Channel matching: ±0.5 dB
- Output impedance: 92 Ω broadband
- Sensitivity: 6.10 mV/Pa (–44.3 dBV) at 1 kHz
- Max SPL: 135 dB at 1 kHz
- Power: P48 phantom, 7 mA
- Off-axis rejection: –35 dB horizontal / –25 dB vertical at 90°/270°
- Recommended working distance: 8 inches to 3 feet (mid-field)
- Connector: XLR-5M; 15 ft breakout cable (XLR-5F → 2 × XLR-3M) included
- Accessories: windscreen, shock mount clip, storage case, protective sleeve
- Dimensions: 270 mm × 412 mm; weight: 400 g
- Handmade in Pasadena, California, USA
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Operating principle: pressure gradient transducer
- Polar pattern: two figure-8 in fixed Blumlein pair (90°)
- Frequency range: <20 Hz – >20 kHz
- Max SPL: 135 dB at 1 kHz
- Sensitivity: 6.10 mV/Pa (–44.3 dBV) at 1 kHz, no load
- Output impedance: 92 Ω broadband
- Recommended load impedance: ≥1 kΩ
- Power: P48 phantom, 7 mA
- Ribbon thickness: 1.8 µm; width: 2.2 mm; length: 33.3 mm
- Channel matching: ±0.5 dB
- Output connector: XLR-5M
- Dimensions: 270 mm (H) × 412 mm (W)
- Weight: 400 g
- Made in: USA (Pasadena, CA)
