“I have been a long-time advocate of “Blumlein” since the 1960’s, when it was often the favoured orchestral technique used by HMV / EMI Classics. Since those days, there have been very few bi-directional microphone options available that were entirely suitable for the task.
However, Wes and his team have now introduced the splendid AEA N8 which I enthusiastically endorse. The N8 has a fantastically full and natural tone, and when mounted on the lightweight AEA Blumlein stereo kit, it can easily and safely be hoisted above an orchestra. The N8 Blumlein Kit provides an extremely interesting alternative to the Decca Tree, especially in smaller and less opulent acoustic spaces.”
I have been a strong supporter of AEA microphones since purchasing a pair of R44C’s back in 2000…one of my all time favourite mics. Those mics were a contributing factor to the signature sound of the Lord of the Rings soundtracks and I have treasured them ever since!
“For the last 8 months I have been beta testing a new mic for the guys at AEA…the supercardioid ribbon KU5A. It is moderately heavy to carry around, but more than worth the effort as the sound is really quite special.
I’ve always found when trying to spot-mic a solo acoustic instrument inside of an orchestral setup, that a quality condenser mic is not really happy to be placed so close in, and often times, a dynamic is not too suitable either. This is where I’ve been extremely pleased with the new supercardioid, which delivers the great AEA sound at close proximity, and now, with separation.
So far, I’ve used the KU5A on solo instruments for WoW “Battle for Azeroth”, Overwatch, and a recent score session for Howard Shore.”
