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AEA NUVO Big Ribbons™ N22 near-field vs. the N8 far-field.
The natural directional pattern for a ribbon microphone is a figure-eight. All ribbons natively have proximity effect, e.g. the bass response
increases as it gets closer to the sound source. At some distance from the sound source, the bass and treble balance well. We designed the N22's
balance for close-up and the N8's for far away from the sound source. Although the physical profile is the same, their music recording perfor-
mance is quite different on the near to far microphone placement continuum.
We accomplished this acoustically, not electrically. Both microphones use the same Big Ribbon™ from the R44 series with its subsonic 16.5 Hz
tuning. What is quite different between the N22 and the N8 is the motor structure that supports, surrounds and protects the ribbon from wind,
infra-sonics and breath blasts. These two mics were developed for AEA's 50th year celebration and define the practical limits for this architec-
ture.
The silver N22 near-field NUVO is highly protected and when close-up has a natural sounding bass to treble balance. Its combination of excellent
sound and ribbon protection is unrivaled. With the optional windscreen it is amazing and survives and thrives in a wide range of working environ-
ments. It is bass shy for more distant sources, which is helpful in avoiding bleed in the studio or feedback from stage monitors.
The black N8 far-field NUVO is a minimalist design. As with our other minimalist design, the stereo R88, we interposed as little as possible
between the sound source and the ribbon. These mics have substantial proximity effect so, for a natural bass to treble balance, sound sources
should be feet rather than inches away. It can be used close up when more bass is desired, high-pass EQ is used, or with the windscreen.
As with the AEA mono R84 and stereo R88, the NUVOs' outsides look similar and their ribbons and transformer/electronics are the same.
However each microphone's internal parts and assembly are quite different. Using the same internal parts would be convenient, but would limit
performance. Our motto: "As simple as we can make it, as complex as it needs to be." These designs should work well for 80+ years, as have the
RCA ribbons we've been servicing for 40 years.
For more than half a century, AEA has been using, servicing, selling, and since 1998 manufacturing Big Ribbon tm microphones. The NUVOs
celebrate what we've learned about the art and science of ribbon microphones. We hope you enjoy using them as much as we've enjoyed hearing
your recordings.
ribbonmics & preamps
www.ribbonmics.com | tel: +1-626-798-9128 | fax: +1-626-798-2378
since 1964
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