NUVO N22
The NUVO N22 is a modern near-field and active ribbon mic with a rugged lightweight design, extended top-end clarity, and reduced proximity effect making it perfect for close miking of instruments.
Where To BuyN22 Microphone Overview
- Extended top end with a ribbon’s classic warmth
- Near-field ribbon mic with reduced proximity effect
- Balanced frequency response at 1 to 18 inches from the source
- Compact, lightweight design with rugged durability
- Active electronics and custom transformer optimized for all preamps
- Made in the U.S.A.
The Big Ribbon Reimagined
The near-field N22 is a modern ribbon mic that challenges expectations of traditional ribbon technology and can reframe the way you record with ribbons.
It delivers clarity and balance in frequency response, even when positioned just inches from the source, and can stand alone in a mix without the need for the blending additional mic signals due to its extended top-end.
It delivers clarity and balance in frequency response, even when positioned just inches from the source, and can stand alone in a mix without the need for the blending additional mic signals due to its extended top-end.
A New Approach
The N22 can be positioned inches away from an instrument and retain a balanced sound with extended top end while avoiding the room tone that can cause problems in smaller spaces or iso booths. This is what makes the N22 special.
It exhibits a high-frequency bump at 3kHz making it ideal for recording vocals, electric guitar, bass cabs, kick drum, acoustic guitar, and percussion. It is best to think of the N22’s placement in terms of inches instead of feet.
The N22 naturally reduces proximity effect while also avoiding the room tone that can cause problems in smaller spaces or iso booths. Naturally rolling off the low-end before it hits the ribbon creates a much different sound than using electronic equalization to roll off the low-end in post.
Hear the N22
Audio Examples & Techniques
“My N22 has turned out to be an incredible bass amp mic…to such an extent that I won’t record bass without it.”
- Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Beck, Air, Nine Inch Nails)
Designed for Up-Close Use
The N22 was designed to be positioned between 1 and 16 inches from the sound source. It retains a balanced frequency response across the spectrum with limited proximity effect. In a traditional ribbon mic, the proximity effect can be so strong that it obscures the mid-range, which can be extremely difficult to correct.
Unlike traditional ribbon mics, think of the N22s placement in terms of inches instead of feet. Of course, near-field mics can be positioned at a distance, but they have a more balanced sound close to the sound source.
The N22 not only handles the SPL levels of a high-gain amplifier and kick drum with ease, but it also translates all the gritty details of an instrument that musicians seek.
The N22 In Action
Made for vocals and guitar
Watch the N22 in action on Mitski’s vocals and electric guitar in this AEA Session.
An Active Ribbon for a Modern Age
With active electronics and a custom transformer, the N22 provides 12db of extra output and more preamp flexibility than traditional passive ribbon mics.
A Rugged, Roadworthy Companion
With increased durability and a small profile, it’s no wonder that a wide range of performers use AEA’s NUVO series microphones on the road. The mics are totally rugged and hold up to daily wear and tear.
From outdoor gigs at music festivals to indoor theaters, NUVO mics are the perfect companion to bring the sound of studio recordings to the live stage. With the NUVO Windscreen, never worry about the ribbon – even at windy gigs.
Bands now using N8s and N22s on the road include Bonnie Raitt, Alicia Keys, Aerosmith, Grizzly Bear, Mitski, Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives, Alabama Shakes, War On Drugs, Local Natives, The Head and The Heart, Sara Watkins, Kurt Vile, Deerhunter, Jamestown Revival, JOHNNYSWIM, Brandi Carlile, Autolux, Foxygen, Kruger Brothers, Cam, Pedro the Lion, The Districts, Valerie June, King Krule, The Head and The Heart, Ben Harper, Ought and more.
Artists
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…”
Justin Meldal-Johnsen / Beck, Nine Inch Nails, Air
“My N22 has turned out to be an incredible bass amp mic…to such an extent that I won’t record bass without it.”
Adam Granduciel / The War On Drugs
“The N8’s and the N22’s have become pretty much the standard for both the band’s touring set up and day to day recording in my studio.”
“
I love the AEA N22. We've used it on almost every electric guitar track I've recorded since getting that mic three years ago.
Jeff Tweedy (Wilco)
Recording Mag
“This is easily the most forgiving and intimate ribbon mic I have used. Its sound is equal parts beautiful, natural and well balanced. In more good news for songwriters wanting "one great mic"...”
– Paul Vnuk Jr. read the full reviewSound on Sound
“Overall AEA have seemingly achieved exactly what they intended to, by producing a ribbon mic with a brighter, more modern sound than their classic models ... while the ribbon-meets-capacitor tonal character means the mic can be used in rather more areas than a conventional ribbon microphone can. ”
– Paul White read the full reviewElectronic Musician
“The N22 brought out a smooth, organic tone from every instrument I used it on—electric guitar amp, acoustic guitar, vocals, mandolin, marimba, and drums. With the protective screen built in, I didn’t have to worry about cheating it up to a vocalist or a loud amp.”
– Gino Robair read the full reviewThe NUVO Stereo Kit
AEA’s NUVO Stereo Kit enables users to rapidly set up and accurately record in stereo on a single mic stand. It consists of either two matched N22s or N8s, and comes with all of the accessories necessary to easily configure the figure-eight microphones in Blumlein and near-coincident.
The NUVO Series
Discreet in shape and size, AEA’s NUVO series microphones are lightweight, portable and easy to position. They feature active electronics and custom transformers that provide extra output and more preamp flexibility than traditional passive ribbon mics. Both the N22 and N8 NUVO mics are the same size and offer the same ribbon sound and high-quality components as our other mics. They are all handmade in the United States.
For a more balanced sound at a distance to capture the natural tonality of your space, the AEA N8 far-field ribbon mic is a nice complement.
For a more balanced sound at a distance to capture the natural tonality of your space, the AEA N8 far-field ribbon mic is a nice complement.
Manual and Specifications
Related
Tricks of the Trade
N22 vs N8: What’s the Difference?
AEA
The AEA Sessions
AEA’s own recording series featuring our favorite artists.
Tricks of the Trade
Near-Field vs. Far-Field Ribbon Mics: What’s The Difference
Knowing the difference will change the way you record.
Tricks of the Trade
Battle of Two Near-Fields: R92 vs N22 on Guitars Amps
Tricks of the Trade
What is an Active Ribbon Microphone?
How-To
How To Record Electric Guitar With the N22
Audio samples and techniques for tracking electric guitar with the N22.