AEA R44C Studio Ribbon Microphone
Features of AEA R44C Studio Ribbon Microphone
- Museum grade reproduction of the RCA 44B/BX
- New-old stock (NOS) RCA ribbon material
- Legendary character with more than 80 years of studio history
- Full and rich sound; smooth highs and warm lows
- ‘X’ motor option delivers 6 dB more dynamic range for film scoring
The Reinvention of a Classic – The AEA R44C Studio Ribbon Microphone
In studio use for more than 80 years, the 44 ribbon design by RCA is as rich in history as it is in sound and character. When the company’s microphone division was closed down in 1976, we at AEA began servicing ribbon microphones, and by 1998 we were manufacturing 100% of the parts for the 44, resulting in the release of our very own version of this classic mic. Its recognizable sound produces thunderous lows due to the strong proximity effect, full and rich mids, and a unique top end taking the edge off of harsh instruments. This beautiful, natural-sounding microphone provides an unmatched authenticity of sonic reproduction, particularly when placed at a distance in a well-tuned room.
History Repeating
Forty years of servicing ribbon microphones has given AEA a lot of insight into why RCA 44s are still in daily use at world-class studios. Designed in the 1930s, the 44 was a groundbreaking revolution in recording technology. At a time when engineers had only one, maybe two microphones to record anything from a solo artist to an entire orchestra, studio mics had to deliver a great sound in every application. With its extended reach, reliability, and high fidelity sound, the 44 set a new quality standard for broadcast, recording, motion pictures, and sound reinforcement work.
Even though ribbon mics fell out of fashion in the days of tape recording, many studios like Capitol Records or Warner kept their revered 44s in service. Since the advent of the digital revolution, the 44 is now back in demand more than ever. Reborn as the AEA R44, this mic is a permanent fixture in the studios of esteemed engineers and producers such as Bruce Swedien, Kevin Bacon, Shawn Murphy, and John Kurlander, and half the movies scored in Los Angeles now have an AEA 44 somewhere on the scoring stage.
The R44 Microphone Family
The AEA R44-series microphones all share the authentic sound, feel and look of the 1936-38 RCA 44BX. The R44 series microphones are all detailed, hand-crafted replicas, using parts that are made to be interchangeable with an original RCA 44. They even feature ribbon material originally manufactured for RCA. The original 44 microphones were constantly updated during their twenty years of production, and after carefully looking at some of the technical modifications, we at AEA decided to adopt the British engineering from RCA that reduces the mic’s weight and hum sensitivity. The R44C was designed to meet or exceed the output of a brand-new RCA 44. It is a museum-quality replica, featuring a bronze investment cast yoke, superior to the original zinc yokes by RCA (which tend to corrode over time), a hand-polished cushion mount and a cloth-covered Accusound Silver Studio Pro cable. The R44CX is a high-output, red-badge version of the R44C, specially designed for scoring and other applications demanding a wide dynamic range with the “classic 44” sound. The cost-effective R44CE features the exact same ribbon, transformer, and luscious sound as the R44C, but with a simpler, economical exterior trim. This version features a one-piece cushion mount, a formed steel yoke with satin nickel finish, and a star-quad XLR output cable. Finally, the R44CXE is the high output version of the R44CE combining the economical finish with the higher output of the R44CX.
Applications
- Drum Overheads
- Horns
- Room miking
- Brass
- Vocals
- Strings
The AEA R44C Studio Ribbon Microphone are also available as Matched Pairs
Quotes:
Eddie Van Halen, Guitarist, Van Halen, Los Angeles – “These are the best f#%*ing mics I’ve ever used!”
Pete Townshend, The Who, London – “They are BEYOND wonderful. I used them extensively on my recordings for the new Who record – on my vocals, acoustic guitars, mandolins, banjos, piano, string quartet (the stereo)…It is without question the best mike I have ever used. The best sound I’ve ever achieved without tweaking a single knob apart from mic gain. I feel as though I’ve gone back in time to a place where getting a sound was easy. It’s almost impossible to make it sound bad!”
Jory K. Prum, studio.jory.org, New York – “I’ve been thoroughly enjoying my R44CNE and use it on nearly ever project that comes through the door. It’s got such a beautiful tone and, of course, it looks impressive, too!!!!!”
Can be factory matched paired as required.
Specifications and Curves
- Operating Principle: Pressure gradient microphone
- Directional Pattern: Bidirectional (Figure-of-8)
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 15 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 165+ dBSPL (1% third harmonic > 1 kHz)
- Output Sensitivity: 2.25 mV/Pa (-53 dBV) into unloaded circuit
- Output Impedance: 270 Ω nominal
- Recommended Load Impedance: 1.2 kΩ or greater
- Powering: Not required or recommended
- Polarity: Pin 2 high for positive pressure on front of microphone.
- Connector: XLR-3M wired to a 3 m captive cable
Off Axis Response:
- Polar Pattern: Native bi-directional pattern
- Horizontal: Level changes with angle, frequency response is consistent, –35 dB null at 90° / 270°
- Vertical: Level changes with angle, reduced HF response above and below 0° / 180° axis, –35 dB null at 90° / 270°
Transducer element:
- Ribbon Thickness: 1.8 μ (0.0000018 m) of pure aluminum
- Ribbon Width: 0.185” (4.7 mm)
- Ribbon Length: 2.35” (59.7 mm)
Accessories:
- Included: Custom storage / shipping case, stand adapter, manual
- Optional: Any length cable, inquire for price and delivery.
- Limited Warranty: One year parts and labor, shipping not included. Three year extended warranty if the product is registered.
- Weight with case: 7 lb 9 oz (3.43 kg)
- Height: 12.25” (31.1 cm)
- Width: 4.62” (11.7 cm)
- Depth: 3.25” (8.3 cm)