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Audio Engineering Associates
R44 Series
Studio Ribbon Microphones
An accurate reproduction of the original RCA Ribbon Mic
Uses the same ribbon material as the original
Built to the highest studio standards possible
A single diaphragm Figure 8 ribbon microphone
High null-axis rejection
Custom AEA Transformer
High SPL capability, max level of 140dB plus above 200Hz
Low Self Noise
Consistent polar response
Operable in high humidity environments
Sounds equal to or better than the original RCA 44
RCA 44 ribbon microphones have remained an essential part of studio
life well after RCA stopped manufacturing them in 1955. The sound
and response of the 44 B/BX were unlike anything else available,
and was cherished for its smoothness, forgiving nature and unique
tonal balance. As collectors began to buy up the supply of RCA
44’s through the 90’s, the availability of this wonderful ribbon mic to
the studio was greatly endangered. Wes Dooley, a specialist in ribbon mics of all kinds, has now restored the 44 type microphone to its
rightful position in the studio. After tracking down the engineers who
designed and built the original RCA 44, AEA acquired ribbon material, made the tooling and custom machined all the parts necessary
to build the original RCA 44 B/BX design to its original specifications,
just as it was in the 1930s. After years of painstaking work, AEA has
again begun production of the most important ribbon mic of all time:
the AEA R44C.
How is the R44 different from other ribbon microphones ?
The 44 was RCA’s best microphone from the 1930s into the ‘50s. Is AEA’s R44 that good? Both listeners and measurements say
that the R44 is better and, we’ve been listening to both users and ex-RCA engineers for over 25 years. We start by using only ribbon material originally manufactured for RCA. Next, we use modern magnet technology which is much more robust than period
magnets. We also combined the original American undamped ribbon design with the British RCA 44 innovations that lower the
weight and hum sensitivity.
The R44 design runs contrary to all current ribbon microphone manufacturing. It is large and heavy when other microphones are
smaller and lighter. The internal ribbon element is by far the longest and its resonance tuning the lowest of today’s ribbon microphones. It is a pure undamped ribbon design, an approach that has been out of production for over 50 years while remaining in
continuous studio use. It is different, and its sound is unique.
The R44 sounds good on everything. Leave it out and use it whenever you need to do a quick take. Bruce Swedien particularly
likes them on vocals, Joe Chicarelli on sax, Allen Sides on electric guitar. Everyone has a favorite use and everyone finds they
sound good anywhere: brass, woodwinds, percussion, strings or voice work.
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Specifications:
Operating Principle: Velocity microphone
Frequency Response: Below 30 Hz to above 20 kHz
Maximum SPL: 140 + dB SPL above 200Hz for 1% third harmonic
Output Sensitivity: 2.25 mV / Pa into unloaded circuit
Output Impedance: 270 ohms broadband
Recommended Load: 1.2 K ohm or greater
Powering: Not required or recommended
Polarity: Pin 2 high for positive pressure on the front of the microphone.
Connector: XLR-3M wired to a 2 meter captive cable
Off Axis Response:
Polar Pattern: Native bi-directional pattern
Horizontal: Level changes with angle, frequency response is consis-
tent, –90 dB null at 90 / 270 degrees
Vertical: Level changes with angle, reduced HF response above and
below 0 / 180 degree axis, null at 90 / 270 degrees
Transducer element
Ribbon Thickness: 1.8 microns ( .0000018 meter ) of pure aluminum
Ribbon Width: 4.7 mm
Ribbon Length: 59.7 mm
Accessories:
Included: Custom storage / shipping case, stand adapter, manual and
attached two-meter microphone cable
Weight: 7 pounds, 9 ounces in storage case
Length: 12.25 inches, Width: 4.62, Depth: 3.25”
Options
X 6 dB more output than original RCA 44B/BX
sound is slightly more forward, red logo
M Hand tuning to stereo match a pair
G Chrome finish grill for the R44 CNE
HP Switchable high-pass (low-cut) filter
U Custom body graphics or colors
F Custom microphone flag
Accessories
B Gray twill zippered bag
S Round low profile desk stand
Spares
AD-1 5/8”-27 stand adapter for Vintage RCA 44 &
AEA R44C/CX
44VC Vertical carry case for one or two (44VC-2)
For more information contact:
Manufactured by Audio Engineering Associates:
1029 N. Allen Ave. Pasadena, California 91104, USA
Tel: +626-798-9128 Fax: +626-798-2378 www.ribbonmics.com
Limited Warranty:
Three years parts and labor, shipping not included.
Displayed range from 100 Hz up due to measurement room size limitations.
Other AEA recording tools:
R84 Studio Ribbon Microphone
R88 Stereo Ribbon Microphone
R92 Stereo Ribbon Microphone
The Ribbon Pre
Stereo Microphone Positioners
Collapsible Tall Stands for on-location
Heavy-duty Microphone Stands and Booms
Decca Trees and Surround Microphone Arrays
The New Stereo Soundbook, Third Edition.
Plenty of information, no math required. www.stereosoundbook.com
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