AEA NUVO Flight is a complete kit of three active ribbon microphones from the NUVO series — N22, N13, and N8 — packed in a rugged hardshell flight case with custom-molded foam. Each microphone covers a distinct working distance: near-field, mid-field, and far-field. All three share the same active architecture: a German-made Lehle step-up transformer, JFET electronics powered by 48 V phantom, 92 Ω output impedance, and 141 dB SPL handling. No high-gain ribbon preamp required — the active design delivers consistent output with a wide range of preamps, from studio consoles to USB audio interfaces.
Three Ribbon Characters — One Complete Signal Chain
The N22 (near-field, 1–18 inches) works behind a multi-layer acoustic screen that suppresses proximity effect and protects the ribbon element from wind blasts, allowing use on vocals without a separate pop filter. Its 1.8-micron Big Ribbon at 60 mm delivers upper-mid presence and top-end clarity characteristic of AEA's flagship designs in a compact body. The N13 (mid-field, 8–36 inches) is AEA's first departure from the Big Ribbon format — a shorter, narrower 1.2-micron ribbon at 33 mm that responds faster to transients and sits brighter in the frequency balance than the N22 or N8. It's the mic that covers drum overheads, strings, acoustic guitar, and piano at working distance without the top-end rolloff typical of classic ribbon designs. The N8 (far-field, 12 inches to 20+ feet) uses the same 60 mm Big Ribbon as the N22 but in a motor tuned after the R84, delivering a flat, open, neutral response designed to capture the acoustics of a space faithfully — rooms, ensembles, orchestral sections.
Field-Ready Format and Stereo Configurations
All three microphones share an identical body format: 225 mm length, 35–42 mm diameter, approximately 325 g. The compact size and figure-8 pattern enable Blumlein or near-coincident stereo setups on a single stand using the included shockmounts. The flight case with custom-molded foam is built for touring use — the kit moves between studio sessions, stage setups, and location recordings without compromising ribbon element safety. The slate gray finish of the N13 and low-profile body across the line make them inconspicuous in orchestral and broadcast environments where mic visibility is a concern.
KEY FEATURES
- 3-microphone active ribbon kit: N22 (near-field), N13 (mid-field), N8 (far-field)
- Polar pattern: figure-8 (bidirectional) — all models
- Active JFET electronics + Lehle step-up transformer (Germany) — all models
- Output impedance: 92 Ω broadband — all models
- Max SPL: 141 dB (1% THD above 1 kHz) — all models
- Power: P48 phantom, 7 mA — all models
- N22: 1.8-micron Big Ribbon, 60 mm, multi-layer screen, reduced proximity effect
- N13: 1.2-micron ribbon, 33 mm — AEA's first non-Big Ribbon bidirectional, enhanced transient response
- N8: 1.8-micron Big Ribbon, 60 mm, flat far-field voicing, R84-derived motor
- Recommended distances: N22 1–18" / N13 8–36" / N8 12" to 20+ ft
- Sensitivity (N13): 11.4 mV/Pa (–38.8 dBV) at 1 kHz, no load
- Hardshell flight case with custom-molded foam + shockmounts included
- Handmade in Pasadena, California, USA
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Operating principle: pressure gradient transducer
- Polar pattern: figure-8 (bidirectional)
- Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (all models)
- Max SPL: 141 dB (1% THD harmonic distortion >1 kHz)
- Sensitivity (N13): 11.4 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: 1.8 µm (N22, N8) / 1.2 µm (N13)
- Microphone dimensions: 225 mm × 42 mm (max.)
- Weight: approx. 325 g (each microphone)
- Kit price: $3,399 USD
- Made in: USA (Pasadena, CA)
