The AEA N22 has quickly become one of my favorite microphones in the studio. The sound quality is beautifully smooth and rounded — rich without being muddy, and detailed without ever turning harsh. There’s a natural “finished” character to the tone that makes everything feel more musical right away.
It’s been especially perfect for my wind instruments. It captures the body and warmth of the instrument while keeping the edge under control, so the result feels full, elegant, and incredibly pleasant to listen to. Articulation stays clear, but the overall tone remains round and beautiful.
Another big highlight is how quiet it is. The noise floor is impressively low, which makes it easy to record delicate passages and soft dynamics without worrying about hiss or unwanted background noise.
If you’re looking for a mic that delivers a warm, refined sound with excellent clarity — especially on winds — the N22 is an outstanding choice.