AEA R8 passive ribbon mic and FC2 valve preamp shown at NAMM

AEA brought two new products to NAMM 2026: the R8 ribbon microphone and the FC2 dual-channel valve preamplifier.

R8: a passive far-field ribbon

The R8 is a passive version of AEA's N8, a far-field ribbon microphone. It keeps the far-field design of the N8 but has no onboard electronics. AEA says the model was requested by users who record orchestras. It follows the same design approach as the R88 stereo ribbon microphone and is fitted with the same Cinemag transformer as the R44C and R88.

According to the company, the R8 has an open, natural sound and keeps an even response when placed at a distance from the source. It is a limited edition, available now while stocks last, at $1,299.

FC2: a hybrid valve preamp

The FC2 was developed together with Fred Forssell over more than a year. It is a redesigned, modernised successor to the Forssell Technologies FetCode. Its cascoded hybrid circuit is intended to keep the valves in their optimal operating range at every gain setting. AEA describes the goal as valve-like depth with the clarity of solid-state designs and natural warmth without obvious colouration.

• Fully balanced signal path from input to output, a first in AEA's preamp range.
• Gain set by a Grayhill stepped switch from 10 to 55 dB.
• Output trim with 0 to 10 dB of fine adjustment and a +10 dB boost switch.
• Neutrik connectors, Grayhill switches and NKK toggles.
• Rear-panel voltage selector for 115 V and 230 V mains.

The FC2 was the centrepiece of the AEA booth at the show. It is scheduled for spring 2026; its price had not been announced.