Mike Cottone

“As a trumpet player, there is no better choice than a ribbon microphone. That being said, AEA’s N8 and R92 are the only ribbon microphones I’ll ever need! The R92 has a lush, dark sound great for studio settings while the N8 is an amazing all around mic. It travels well, has the versatility of phantom power, and provides a huge signal. I love AEA ribbons!”

– Mike Cottone


Mike Cottone is a Juilliard and Eastman School graduate hailing from Rochester, NY. He also attended the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz led by jazz legends Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter.He has performed and recorded with the likes of Al Jarreau, Haley Reinhart, Casey Abrams, Laura Dickenson, Neil Diamond, Ruben Blades, Mike Garson, Ulysses Owens Jr, and Don Henley.Mike has also been a member of Blood Sweat and Tears, and the Bette Midler Divine Intervention Tour. He is now a first call soloist in the Los Angeles area where he performs and tours with his ownQuintet, Postmodern Jukebox, Ebi, Holophonor, The Mudbug Brass Band, and the Eagles.
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Jeff Ballard / Brad Mehldau, Ray Charles

“The [N8s] sound absolutely phenomenal!! It’s shocking to tell you the truth. The mic sound is so honest, so close to what the drums sound like. I couldn’t be more satisfied.”

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Jeff Tweedy / Wilco

“I love the AEA N22. We’ve used it on almost every electric guitar track I’ve recorded since getting that mic…”

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Joe Chiccarelli / The White Stripe, The Strokes

“I used the AEA R84 on recent sessions for vocal [and guitars]. It just kept on sounding better and better. It’s very bright and open with an extended low end…”