AEA N22 NUVO Stereo Kit is a matched pair of active ribbon microphones N22 with a complete stereo rigging package — SMS stereo bar, NUVO Blumlein Coupler, two windscreens, and an SKB travel case. The N22 is the first microphone in the NUVO series: a cylindrical body in satin nickel finish, 1.8-micron Big Ribbon at 59.7 mm × 4.7 mm, active JFET electronics with a German-made Lehle transformer (identical to the one used in the A440 and R84A), and a multi-layer acoustic screen that suppresses proximity effect. The kit was developed at the request of engineer John Kurlander (The Beatles, Lord of the Rings, Skyrim) for fast and precise stereo setup on a single stand.
Big Ribbon in the Near Field — Proximity Control and Ribbon Protection
Most passive Big Ribbon microphones are voiced for medium and far-field placement — close work produces low-end buildup that requires EQ correction. The N22 solves this acoustically: a multi-layer screen of fabric and metal mesh damps the proximity effect and simultaneously protects the ribbon from wind blasts. The mic can be placed directly in front of a guitar amplifier speaker or a vocalist without a separate pop filter. A characteristic presence lift around 3 kHz distinguishes the N22 from traditional ribbon voicings and allows it to sit in a mix without EQ. A Blumlein pair of N22s above a drum kit, piano, or ensemble delivers a balanced stereo image with natural depth and controlled low end at working distances from a few inches to about a meter.
Active Electronics and Blumlein Coupler on a Single Stand
The Lehle transformer provides 12 dB of additional output over a passive ribbon and maintains 92 Ω broadband output impedance — the N22 operates at full resolution from a USB audio interface without requiring a dedicated high-gain preamp. Sensitivity of 6.2 mV/Pa (–44.1 dBV) and 141 dB SPL handling cover the range from quiet acoustic instruments to drums and amplifiers. The NUVO Blumlein Coupler locks both microphones head-to-head in a precise 90° figure-8 Blumlein array or near-coincident configuration; the SMS Stereo Bar provides flexible positioning on any standard stand. The matched pair removes the need for level calibration between sessions.
KEY FEATURES
- Two matched NUVO N22 active ribbon microphones
- Big Ribbon — 1.8-micron aluminum, 59.7 mm × 4.7 mm
- Active JFET electronics + Lehle transformer (Germany) — +12 dB output vs. passive ribbon
- Output impedance: 92 Ω broadband
- Sensitivity: 6.2 mV/Pa (–44.1 dBV) at 1 kHz, no load
- Max SPL: 141 dB (1% THD harmonic distortion >1 kHz)
- Power: P48 phantom, 7 mA (per microphone)
- Polar pattern: figure-8 (bidirectional) — both microphones
- Multi-layer acoustic screen — proximity reduction and wind blast protection
- Recommended working distance: 1–18 inches (near-field)
- Off-axis rejection: up to 90 dB at 90°/270°
- Kit contents: 2 × N22, SMS Stereo Bar, NUVO Blumlein Coupler, 2 × windscreen, SKB case
- Microphone dimensions: 225 mm × 41 mm (diameter); weight approx. 335 g (each)
- Handmade in Pasadena, California, USA
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (per microphone)
- 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: 6.2 mV/Pa (–44.1 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: 4.7 mm; length: 59.7 mm
- Ribbon material: corrugated aluminum
- Output connector: XLR-3M
- Dimensions: 225 mm (H) × 41 mm (diameter)
- Weight: approx. 335 g
- Made in: USA (Pasadena, CA)
