Audio Engineering Assoc A440
Ribbon Microphone, Active, Figure-8

A440

RCA 44 ribbon microphones remain an essential part of studio live more than 50 years after manufacturing ceased in 1955. Their open sound and accurage 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 90's RCA 44s were becoming increasingly difficult for artists 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 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 -32.5 dBV per Pascal (94 dB SPL) and an equivalent noise level to 6 dB 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 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.

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
• 90 degree null-plane helps reject difficult acoustics
• High SPL capability: 132.5 dB with a load of 1k ohm
• Hand built to order
• Computer matched to production reference standards

Specifications

• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Maximum SPL: 132.5 dB SPL with a 1kohm load for <1%THD
• Output Sensitivity: 30mV (-33.5 dBV)/Pa 1Pa=94dB SPL
• Equivalent Noise Level: 6 dB SPL, A-weighted per IEC 651
• Dynamic Range: 126.5 dB
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 88 dB(A) (94dB SPL minus equivalent noise)
• Output Impedance: 92 ohms broadband
• Recommended Load: 1kohm or greater
• Power: P48 phantom power, 9mA
• Polarity: Pin 2 high for positive pressure on the front of the microphone
• Connector: XLR-3M wired to a 3 meter captive cable
• Polar Pattern: Native Figure-8 (Bi-Directional)
  Horizontal: Level changes with angle, frequency response is consistent, null at right angles to major axis 90°/270°
  Vertical: Level changes with angle, reduced HF response above and below 0°/180° axis, null at right angles to major axis 90°/270°
• Ribbon Thickness: 1.8µ (0.0000018m) of pure aluminum
• Ribbon Width: 4.7mm
• Ribbon Length: 59.7mm
• Accessories:
  Included: Custom storage/shipping case, stand adapter, manual
  Optional: Any length cable, inquire for price and delivery
  Custom transformer case laser engraved with your art or logo
• Limited Warranty: Three years parts and labor, shipping not included

Our Part #  A440