Description

RCA 44 ribbon microphones remain an essential part of studio life more than 50 years after manufacturing ceased in 1955. Their open sound and accurate polar pattern are still unlike anything else available. Never harsh, the 44 flatters a broad array of timbres and fits easily into the mix. The 44 EQs well, but generally does not need it. If you appreciate proximity effect, nothing matches the warmth of the 44.

By the '90s, RCA 44s were becoming increasingly difficult for artist and studios to purchase as collectors bought them up. Specializing in ribbon microphones, AEA consulted with the engineers who originally designed and built the RCA microphones, located original ribbon material, built tooling and custom made all the parts to recreate the RCA 44 B/BX design to RCA’s original specifications. In 1998, after years of painstaking work, AEA began production of one of the most important ribbon mic of all time: the AEA R44C. But the quest was not over yet ...

How Is the A440 Different From Other Ribbon Microphones?

The A440 combines phantom power with the Big Ribbon sound for the first time. With the release of the A440, AEA has synthesized more than 30 years of experience with high performance mics. The A440 has its own personality, but visually and sonically shares a close kinship with the R44. With a sensitivity of –32.5dBV per Pascal (94dB SPL) and an equivalent noise level to 6dB SPL(A), it has a dynamic range as wide as any microphone on the market.

The A440 shares all the pleasing characteristics of AEA’s other Big Ribbon microphones, such as a fast transient response and no unpleasant resonances. Combining this with active electronics results results in a strong, distinctive sound unlike any other microphone.

The 44 remains a studio favorite 50+ years after RCA ceased production because it still sounds very good to both musicians and their audiences. Like its long-ribbon siblings, it will sound good virtually anywhere you use it.
AEA Microphones A440 Active Big Ribbon Studio Microphone
AEA Microphones A440 Active Big Ribbon Studio Microphone
AEA Microphones A440 Active Big Ribbon Studio Microphone

Features

  • Phantom-powered Big Ribbon microphone
  • JFET active electronics in the AEA TRP tradition
  • Exceptionally low-equivalent noise level 6dB(A)
  • Long-ribbon sound in the 44 tradition
  • Authentic RCA New Old Stock ribbon material
  • Investment cast bronze yoke and machined brass parts, no zinc
  • Single-diaphragm with well-controlled, native figure-8 polar pattern
  • Consistent horizontal polar response, on and off axis
  • 90º null-plane helps reject difficult acoustics
  • High SPL capability: 132.5dB with a load of 1 kohm
  • Handbuilt to order
  • Computer matched to production reference standards

Specs

  • Operating Principle: Velocity microphone
  • Frequency Response: Below 30Hz to above 20kHz
  • 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 kohm or greater
  • Polarity: Pin 2 high for positive pressure on the front of the microphone
  • Connector: XLR-3M wired to a 2 meter captive cable
  • Polar Pattern: Native bidirectional pattern
  • Horizontal: Level changes with angle, frequency response is consistent, –90dB null at 90º/270º
  • Vertical: Level changes with angle, reduced HF response above and below 0º /180º axis, null at 90º/270º
  • Transducer element
  • Ribbon Thickness: 1.8 microns (.0000018 meter) of pure aluminum
  • Ribbon Width: 4.7 mm
  • Ribbon Length: 59.7 mm
  • Included: Custom storage/shipping case, stand adapter, manual and attached two-meter microphone cable
  • Limited Warranty: Three years parts and labor, shipping not included

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