20 years servicing ribbon microphones gave us a lot of insight into why RCA 44s are still in daily studio use. During the 1990s, 44 collectors made it difficult for even recording studios to acquire one. Reborn as the AEA R44, today you´ll find engineer/producers such as Bruce Swedien, Kevin Bacon and Shawn Murphy using them around the world. Half the movies scored in Los Angeles now have at least one 44 on the scoring stage.

The AEA R44 Series Microphones
The AEA R44 series microphones all share the authentic sound, feel and look of the 1936-38 RCA 44BX. They combine the 1930s US sound with British engineering from RCA that reduces the mic´s weight and hum sensitivity. The R44 series microphones are all hand-crafted replicas in detail, using parts that are made to be interchangeable with an original RCA 44, even featuring ribbon material originally manufactured for RCA. The R44C was designed to meet or exceed the output of an RCA 44 when it was new. The R44CX is a high-output version of the R44C especially designed for scoring and other applications demanding a wide dynamic range with the "classic 44" sound.

The R44 series microphones are passive, like an RCA 44 is, and can be used in a wider range of situations without distorting than active microphones can. For the active version of the R44, check out the AEA A440 page. The A440 has the hottest signal and therefore can boast to be the quietest (highest signal to noise ratio) of any ribbon mic on the planet!

Product 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 Limited Warranty:

Three years parts and labor, shipping not included.

Reviews:

User Reviews

"These are the best f#%*ing mics I´ve ever used!"
–Eddie Van Halen,Guitarist, Van Halen, Los Angeles

"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!"
–Pete Townshend,The Who, London

"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!!!!!"
–Jory K. Prum,studio.jory.org, New York

Reviews in English:

AEA R44 Review
Built as an authentic replica of one of the all-time classic mics, this premium ribbon model brings a unique character to the modern studio.
www.soundonsound.com–Requires subscription

AEA R44 Review
September 01, 2000, Pro Audio Review, by Russ Long
"Audio Engineering Associates R44C and R44CX Ribbon Microphones"
The AEA R44C is one of the best ribbon microphones available today. Purchasing an AEA R44C or R44CX not only mean you acquire a fantastic microphone, it also means you own a piece of history.
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AEA R44 Review
August 01, 2000, Studio Sound
AEA´s reproduction has won plaudits from engineers like Bruce Swedien, Allen Sides and Shawn Murphy, all with plentiful experience of the original and all saying the AEA version is as good or better. It may be tempting to think of it as a useful movie prop that happens to work, but this is a serious microphone that delivers something special.
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AEA R44 Review
July 01, 2000, Audio Media
"Audio Engineering Associates R44C and R44CX"
It may very well be the perfect microphone for those who wish to relive the good old days, or for anyone who would like to experience working with the classic design. It is obvious that the AEA R44C and its accessories were created by folks who truly appreciate the history and art of audio.
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AEA R44 Review
Apr 01, 1999, Mix, by Shawn Murphy
"Audio Engineering Assocociates´ R44C: RCA Ribbon Microphone Re-creation"
There is a sweetness and beautiful authority to the 44 sound that has not been re-created until now. As so many of the original units are in disrepair or out of service, the availability of a new microphone with these characteristics is very welcome. In all, the AES R44C is a very successful re-creation, one of the best in current memory.
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AEA R44 Review
Dec 01, 1998, Pro Audio Review, by Frank Beacham
"The High Art of the Microphone"
That great bottom end has made the 44 a favorite for voice, horns, upright bass and guitar, not to mention audio drama where groups of performers can "work" the microphone simultaneously.
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