AEA FC2: Fred Forssell’s Latest Tube Preamp Design
A world-class tube preamp for acoustic recording.
Announced at NAMM 2026, the AEA FC2 is a dual-channel tube preamp stage that delivers an unbelievable, harmonically pure, and transparent sound.
If you’re wondering about the model designation, FC stands for FetCode, which makes the FC2 the latest generation of Fred Forssell’s legendary hybrid topology preamp. You’ve probably come across more of his designs for brands like Millenia, PreSonus, and his own Forssell Technologies.
AEA FC2
The unique cascoded hybrid design approach allows the tubes to remain in their optimal operating state throughout the gain range, resulting in a level of dimensionality, clarity, and sonic detail that competes with some of the best solid-state preamps available. While many tube preamp stages introduce colour, the FC2 retains the ultra-clean linearity of its sound.
A new step for AEA’s preamps is the use of balanced circuitry throughout. This gives the FC2 a warm and open character, ideal for capturing intricate acoustic performances that already sound fantastic through the combination of musicianship and a high-quality instrument captured in a beautiful ambient space.
With the Grayhill stepped gain switch, you can add between 10 and 55 dB of gain in precise increments. Meanwhile, there is a 0-10 dB output trim control as well as a +10 dB boost when that little bit extra gain is necessary. In total, this provides a gain range of 10-75 dB, which is sufficient for any microphone, from the most sensitive condensers to the quietest dynamics and ribbons.
As you’d expect, a “built-to-last” construction quality is synonymous with all AEA designs, and the FC2 is no different, with precision Grayhill switches, Neutrik connectors, NKK toggles, and a 115/230V voltage selector on the rear panel that makes it usable in any region.
Pricing and Availability:
The AEA FC2 will be available soon at your favourite retailer, shipping this Spring—pricing info to follow.
At the request of some classical recording experts who are friends of AEA, the manufacturer has also launched the limited-edition R8 passive ribbon microphone. This passive version of the N8 is going for $1,299 MSRP with very limited units available.
Visit AEA at NAMM 2026 at Booth #15616
More about AEA FC2:
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