AEA launches NUVO Flight microphone kit for studios

AEA has launched the NUVO Flight, a bundled active ribbon microphone kit that combines its N22, N13 and N8 microphones in a single set.

Aimed at near-, mid- and far-field recording in studio and live settings, the kit brings together three existing models from AEA's NUVO range. The line pairs active electronics with higher output and a smaller housing than traditional ribbon designs.

The N22 is designed for close miking at distances of 1 to 18 inches. It is intended to reduce proximity effect while retaining more top-end detail, making it suited to vocals, guitar amplifiers and percussion where the microphone is placed close to the source.

For mid-field work, the kit includes the N13, a more recent addition to the NUVO line. It uses a 1.2-micron ribbon and is positioned for recording at a working distance, including drum overheads, acoustic instruments and strings.

The third microphone is the N8, designed for far-field recording. It is intended to capture room sound and preserve low-end and top-end detail from 12 inches to more than 20 feet, with uses including room microphones, ensembles and orchestral recording.

Active Design

All three microphones use the same active ribbon design, with phantom-powered electronics, high sound pressure level handling and consistent output across a broad range of microphone preamps.

The bundled format is intended to let engineers move between recording distances and source types without switching to a different microphone family. AEA presents the set as a practical option for users working in both controlled studio environments and live settings on the road.

The microphones come in a flight case with custom-moulded foam for transport, touring and studio storage.

Price Point

The NUVO Flight is on sale now for USD $3,399 through authorised dealers.

Ribbon microphones occupy a distinct part of the recording market because of their sound character and sensitivity to placement. Traditional models have long been associated with vintage studio equipment, while newer active ribbon products aim to address practical issues such as lower output and greater dependence on specific preamp pairings.

AEA has operated in this segment for decades. Founded in 1964, it began as a record label and mobile recording studio before expanding into microphone repair and later manufacturing.

The company moved further into product development with the introduction of the R44C in 1998, a model based on the RCA 44BX design. Since then, it has broadened its line-up to include microphones and preamps that draw on older ribbon designs while adapting them for current recording needs.

The NUVO range reflects that approach by pairing ribbon elements with active electronics and a more compact build. By packaging the near-, mid- and far-field models together, AEA is offering a matched set for engineers who want coverage across several common placement scenarios.

According to AEA, all three models are handcrafted in Pasadena, California.