AEA Ribbon Mics NUVO N13 Active Mid-Field Ribbon Microphone

AEA Ribbon Mics N13 Overview

With sparkling highs and smooth lows, the N13 Active Ribbon Microphone from AEA Ribbon Mics is the mid-field entry to AEA`s NUVO series, offering a ribbon mic for small and medium rooms with less than optimal acoustics. Ideal for drums, acoustic guitar, piano, horns, and strings, the N13 is highly tuned for the capture of transients.

The bidirectional ribbon in the N13 is AEA`s smallest and thinnest ribbon yet at a mere 1.2 microns. This helps enhance transient response while ensuring optimal mid-field performance, allowing the mic to roll-off some low end and add clarity to your sound at distances of 1 to 3`. This lighter ribbon also reduces the intensity of the proximity effect, making it ideal for instrument recording. The low-profile design with a slate gray finish helps to ensure discreet placement, an especially useful feature for live broadcast scenarios. This microphone is 100% handcrafted in Pasadena, California and includes a mic stand clip, a storage case, and a custom protective mic sleeve.

The Middle Road of the NUVO Series

Discreet in both shape and size, AEA`s NUVO series microphones have long been user favorites for their clarity, portability, and higher-output active electronics. The near-field N22 delivers clarity and balance for close-up sources, while the far-field N8 excels at capturing the open, natural tonality of entire rooms and ensembles. The only missing piece? A stand-out mid-field companion.

Enter the N13, an equally sleek active ribbon designed with some distinctly different considerations in mind. At once open and natural, the N13 excels at medium-distance miking applications while demonstrating an impressive transient response. The N13 features a new motor design as well as a thinner, smaller ribbon (1.2 microns, rather than AEA`s standard 1.8), making it their first non-big ribbon bidirectional mic.

Sonically Distinct, Functionally Versatile

Relatively bright and sonically distinct from the N22 model, the N13 excels in capturing the subtle nuances of strings, acoustic guitars, and percussion. It`s also well-suited for any sources that could use a boost in top-end clarity.

Even when used up close, such as on horns or vocals, the N13 delivers exceptional clarity while also taking EQ extremely well. The N13`s unobtrusive size and dark slate gray finish is ideal for live orchestral and TV work, where microphones need to be both inconspicuous and easy to position.

Under the Hood

With phantom-powered JFET electronics and a custom German transformer (identical to the other NUVO models), the N13 performs equally well with a wide range of preamps ranging from vintage high-end models to USB audio interfaces common in home studio setups. The full potential of the N13 is perhaps best realized when configured in the NUVO Stereo Kit, as it draws on the same successful sonic concepts as the AEA R88 stereo mic.

EAN: 652401978312