Since 1969, Hyde Street Studios has served as a creative hub in San Francisco. Founded by Wally Heider, he wanted to give artists an alternative to the rigid LA studio system. He did just that by creating a multi-room facility that became a cultural landmark, recording legends like the Grateful Dead, Tupac Shakur, Green Day,…
From jazz ensembles to Broadway pits, drummer and educator Karl Latham has built a career on versatility. Whether locking into a groove with a click or exploring wide-open avant-garde soundscapes, his approach always centers on capturing the essence of the music in front of him. Latham’s attention to detail goes far beyond sticks and cymbals—his…
At Elon University, music production and live sound students aren't just reading from textbooks; they're learning hands-on with the same premium gear trusted by top professionals. Rick Earl, Production Manager for Cultural and Special Programs, plays a key role in shaping that experience. With a life-long career in live sound that spans mixing bands as…
The AEA N28 Nuvo Series stereo ribbon microphone is our latest step in providing the finest, most pristine, and natural-sounding audio products. The all-new design is an evolution of our work with stereo ribbon designs, not a replacement for the R88 (or active R88A). Instead, it complements it with modern mid-field applications in mind. If…
Matching any mic with an appropriate preamp is crucial for achieving its best performance. That goes especially for ribbon mics. The right mic pre is the secret to their storied low-end, detailed response and natural character. Thankfully, creating the perfect pairing is easy if you know what to look for. We’ll assume that any mic…
Our passion for ribbon microphones runs deep. It’s woven into every ribbon and microphone we craft. But the mics would not be possible without the skilled hands and minds of our team. That’s especially true of the visionary leaders who guide our path. It was Wes Dooley who took AEA from RCA repairs, to one…
"If you wanted to make a difference, there was an opportunity. " Our passion for ribbon microphones runs deep. It's woven into every ribbon and every microphone we craft. But the mics' ability to capture sound with unparalleled warmth and nuance wouldn't be possible without the skilled hands of our team. Today, we spotlight…
Great recordings demand great dynamics, and getting great dynamics demands a great compressor. That’s why we’re so happy to introduce you to our AEA 1029 Stereo VCA (Voltage-Controlled Amplifier) Compressor. Whether you're tracking vocals with your favorite ribbon microphone, mixing audio for film, or fine-tuning your latest project, this half-rack design’s clean squeeze is exactly…
We’re proud that, to many, the AEA name is synonymous with fine ribbon microphones. We may be biased, but we think our TRP (The Ribbon Pre) microphone preamplifiers make them sound even better. Now, in their 3rd-generation, the TRP3 and TRP500 are our cleanest and most musical designs yet. Here’s an in-depth look at the…
In the early days of recording and broadcasting, ribbon microphones reigned supreme. To this day, studio engineers and broadcast professionals continue to turn to ribbon microphones for their unique sonic signature. Few ribbon microphones have had the same impact on recorded music as the original RCA R44. Now immortalized in the modern AEA R44 Series,…
The better you understand your microphones and their distinct features, the more effectively you can use them. So, learning microphone terminology is not just a theoretical exercise but a practical step toward capturing better recordings. Here's a quick reference list of commonly used microphone terms, their meanings, and how they can be applied to enhance…
Condensers and dynamic microphones have dominated the world of live sound for years. But times are changing. With innovations in design and manufacturing, ribbon mics are making their way onto more and more stages, and with good reason. If you're a sound engineer looking to expand your sonic palette, incorporating ribbon mics into your live…
NAMM 2025 is kicking off today and we’re thrilled to be unveiling two brand-new products that are sure to turn heads: the AEA N28 Stereo Ribbon Microphone and the AEA 1029 Stereo VCA Compressor. Visit us at Booth 15616 to get an exclusive first look and hear them in action! Introducing the AEA N28 Active…
When it comes to capturing a natural reproduction of a soundstage, AEA R88 Series ribbon microphones prove that some of the very first recording methods are still some of the best. Here, we'll examine the series’ Blumlein-inspired design, discuss the mics in action, and give tips for achieving stellar recordings. The Blumlein Advantage The Blumlein…
In the world of professional audio engineering, few projects stand out as both exhilarating and daunting as recording a live performance with a legendary band like Weezer. For Jack Mason, a seasoned recording engineer at Spotify, this opportunity was a dream come true. With a career that began with a humble recording setup in high…
