AEA N8 NUVO is an active ribbon microphone in the NUVO series designed for far-field recording — the mono counterpart to the R88, with active electronics. A cylindrical body in matte black finish (225 mm × 42 mm), 1.8-micron aluminum ribbon at 59.7 mm × 4.7 mm, 16.5 Hz resonant tuning, and a German-made Lehle transformer (identical to the one in the A440 and R84A) operate in a unity-gain topology: the step-up transformer raises signal level while a JFET buffer lowers the output impedance to 92 Ω broadband without adding voltage gain. The N8 shares the same design philosophy and tonal character as the R88 MK2 — open, flat, far-field ribbon response — in a body ten times lighter and visually unobtrusive.
Far-Field from 12 Inches to 20+ Feet — Flat Balance Without Proximity Effect
The N8's motor has no multi-layer proximity suppression screen like the N22 — it is tuned for placement at 12 inches and beyond, where the 59.7 mm Big Ribbon retains complete tonal balance: full low end, open top, and smooth midrange without transient compression. It has the widest frequency response in the NUVO lineup — together with the passive R88 MK2, the only two AEA microphones fully voiced for far-field capture. A pair of N8s in a Blumlein array reproduces the soundstage identically to the R88 MK2, but the active electronics eliminate the need for a dedicated high-gain ribbon preamp. The figure-8 pattern with up to 90 dB rejection at 90°/270° in a vertical Decca tree or overhead configuration isolates the target ensemble from lateral reflections and acoustically poor side spaces.
Active Electronics, Low-Profile Design and Stage Applications
The Lehle transformer and JFET buffer powered by 48 V phantom protect the ribbon from the supply voltage and reject electromagnetic interference from lighting rigs — critical on location recordings and live performances with large overhead rigs. The matte black finish and 225 mm × 42 mm body are practically invisible in orchestral and broadcast environments. Maximum SPL of 141 dB handles drums, cymbals, and brass sections while retaining dynamic range across quiet sources in the same recording pass. N8 ships with a storage case, mic clip, and protective sleeve. A pair of N8s with the NUVO Stereo Kit replicates the R88 configuration without a dedicated ribbon preamp.
KEY FEATURES
- Active NUVO series ribbon microphone — far-field, mono counterpart to the R88
- Big Ribbon — 1.8-micron aluminum, 59.7 mm × 4.7 mm (identical to R44)
- Active unity-gain JFET electronics + Lehle transformer (identical to A440 and R84A)
- Output impedance: 92 Ω broadband (load-independent)
- Sensitivity: 8.3 mV/Pa (–41.6 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°
- Recommended working distance: 12 inches to 20+ feet (far-field)
- Flat frequency response — no proximity compensation, widest bandwidth in NUVO line
- Matte black finish — low profile for orchestral, broadcast, and TV use
- 16.5 Hz resonant tuning — direct lineage with RCA 44 and R84
- Accessories: storage case, mic clip, protective sleeve
- Dimensions: 225 mm × 42 mm (max. diameter); weight approx. 340 g
- Handmade in Pasadena, California, USA
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Operating principle: pressure gradient transducer (active, unity-gain JFET)
- Polar pattern: figure-8 (bidirectional)
- Frequency range: <20 Hz – >20 kHz
- Max SPL: 141 dB (1% THD >1 kHz)
- Sensitivity: 8.3 mV/Pa (–41.6 dBV) at 1 kHz, no load
- Output impedance: 92 Ω broadband
- Recommended load impedance: ≥1 kΩ
- Power: P48 phantom, 7 mA
- Polarity: Pin 2 + for positive pressure at front
- Off-axis rejection: up to 90 dB at 90°/270° (horizontal)
- Ribbon thickness: 1.8 µm; width: 4.7 mm; length: 59.7 mm
- Resonant tuning: 16.5 Hz
- Output connector: XLR-3M
- Dimensions: 225 mm (H) × 42 mm (max. diameter)
- Weight: approx. 340 g
- Made in: USA (Pasadena, CA)
