N13
The AEA N13 is designed to be natural and open at a mid-field distance, with a particularly strong ability to pick up fast transients. Relatively bright for a ribbon mic, the N13 microphone excels in capturing drum overheads, strings, acoustic guitars, and piano.
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N13 Microphone Overview
AEA's first non-Big Ribbon™ bidirectional microphone
Evenly balanced proximity effect at mid-field distances (~8”-36”)
1.2 micron thick ribbon excels at capturing transients
Low profile and slate gray finish for discreet placement
Shines on horns, strings, acoustic guitar, and drum overheads
Made in the U.S.A.
I've used a lot of ribbon microphones over the years, and this new N13 with its 1.2 micron ribbon and new motor produces a lovely high end that gets close to a condenser, although with a much sweeter sound.
About the N13
With phantom-powered JFET electronics and a custom German transformer, the N13 performs equally well with a wide range of preamps ranging from vintage high-end models to USB audio interfaces common in home studio setups. The full potential of the N13 is perhaps best realized when configured in the NUVO Stereo Kit, as it draws on the same successful sonic concepts as the AEA R88 stereo mic.
How is the N13 Different From the N8 and N22?
AEA’s NUVO series microphones have long been user favorites for their clarity, portability, and higher-output active electronics. The near-field N22 delivers clarity and balance for close-up sources, while the far-field N8 excels at capturing the open, natural tonality of entire rooms and ensembles. The only missing piece? A stand-out mid-field companion.
Enter the N13, an equally sleek active ribbon designed with some distinctly different considerations in mind. At once open and natural, the N13 excels at medium-distance miking applications while demonstrating an impressive transient response. The N13 features a new motor design as well as a thinner, smaller ribbon (1.2 microns, rather than our standard 1.8), making it our first non-Big Ribbon™ bidirectional mic.
Bright and sonically distinct from our N22 model, the N13 excels in capturing the subtle nuances of strings, acoustic guitars, and percussion. It’s also well-suited for any sources that could use a boost in top-end clarity. Even when used up close, such as on horns or vocals, the N13 delivers exceptional clarity while also taking EQ extremely well.
“The AEA N13 microphone is a welcome complement to my trusty R88 stereo mic, which I use on so many different families of instruments.
Like the R88, the N13 makes me very happy by capturing a warm yet detailed tone on strings, acoustic guitar and even as a mono drum mic.”
– Eric Gorfain, Arranger, Violinist, Remote Recording Engineer, The Section Quartet
