AEA R44CE Ribbon Microphone

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!

The R44CE is the value edition of the R44C. The R44CE contains the same motors as its museum-quality counterparts, but use a less expensive shell for those who are interested in having that 44 sound, but would rather not pay for the museum-quality trimmings. It comes with a black transformer case with white emblem logo and one-piece cushion mount, satin nickel grill and formed steel yoke with a satin nickel finish. The R44CE comes with a captive three-meter starquad XLR output cable and AEA 44VC vertical carrying case for proper shipping and storage.

Features

• An accurate reproduction of the original RCA Ribbon Mic
• Identical performance as the R44C, with cost effective construction
• 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

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 consistent, –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.