Pasadena, California, September 29, 2025 — AEA Ribbon Mics announces that the Nuvo N28 Stereo Ribbon Microphone, the TDI Duo DI Interface, and the 1029 Stereo VCA Compressor have been selected as finalists for the 41st Annual NAMM Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Awards. The TEC Awards, a yearly celebration of achievements in pro audio technology, will take place at The NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
“It’s an honor to have the NAMM TEC Awards recognize our continued commitment to innovation in our little corner of the recording and live music spaces,” said Jule Tan, CEO of AEA Ribbon Mics. “After more than a dozen nominations, we’re hopeful that 2026 will finally bring a TEC Award trophy back to our headquarters in Pasadena.”
Nuvo N28
Launched in 2025, the Nuvo N28 is AEA’s most compact stereo ribbon microphone to date. Configured in a fixed Blumlein array, it captures an authentic, room-true stereo image while delivering the warmth and depth that define AEA ribbons. Its active design, compact footprint, and high SPL handling make it equally at home on drum overheads, acoustic ensembles, or in live recording environments.
TDI Duo
Introduced in late 2024, the TDI Duo expands AEA’s active direct box into a two-channel design. Each channel features a 10 MΩ input impedance, a proprietary Fred Forssell JFET circuit feeding a Lehle step-down transformer, and independent input, thru, pad, and ground-lift controls. Built for stage and studio, the Duo offers pristine clarity, ultra-low noise, and flexible routing for mono or stereo instruments, making it an ideal solution for bassists, guitarists, keyboardists, and engineers alike.
1029 Stereo VCA Compressor
AEA’s first foray into dynamic processing, the 1029 is a stereo compressor/limiter designed to deliver smooth, transparent compression. Featuring a proprietary Fred Forssell op-amp, THAT Corp VCA technology, and three selectable detector modes, the 1029 excels at everything from subtle bus control to fast peak limiting, all while maintaining clarity and balance.
Voting opens on December 1, 2025. To learn more about the TEC Awards, please visit www.tecawards.org.
About AEA Ribbon Mics
Founded in 1964, AEA began as a record label and mobile recording studio before expanding into microphone repairs and full-scale manufacturing. In 1998, AEA introduced the R44C — a faithful recreation of the iconic RCA 44BX — and has since developed a full range of microphones and preamps inspired by classic designs and built to modern standards. With a commitment to ultra-low noise circuitry, musical sound, and expert craftsmanship, AEA continues to push ribbon technology forward while honoring its legacy. All AEA products are proudly handcrafted in Pasadena, California.
For more information, visit https://aearibbonmics.com/