AEA R44CE Microphone

Cost-Effective Edition. Distinguished by one-piece cushion mount and formed steel yoke with a satin nickel finish.

Same ribbon, transformer, and luscious sound as the R44C
Simple and elegant exterior trim in black and silver
Legendary character with more than 80 years of studio history
Full and rich sound; smooth highs and warm lows

‘X’ motor option delivers 6 dB more dynamic range

"It is without question the best mic I have ever used. The best sound I've ever achieved without tweaking a single knob apart from mic gain."
- Pete Townshend, The Who

The Cost Effective Original
Whether it be the smooth brass section of a Hollywood soundtrack, the velvety lushness of a jazz vocal, or the larger-than-life drum sound of a classic rock record - chances are that you will find a 44 ribbon mic used on most of your favorite albums. In studio use for more than 80 years, the 44 ribbon design by RCA is as rich in history as it is in sound and character. When the company’s microphone division was closed down in 1976, we at AEA began servicing ribbon microphones, and by 1998 we were manufacturing 100% of the parts for the 44, resulting in the release of our very own version of this classic mic. Its recognizable sound produces thunderous lows due to the strong proximity effect, full and rich mids, and a unique top end to take the edge off of harsh instruments. This beautiful, natural-sounding microphone provides an unmatched authenticity of sonic reproduction, particularly when placed at a distance in a well-tuned room. The CE (cost effective) version delivers exactly the same sound as the R44C with absolutely no exceptions. By simplifying the exterior trim of the microphone and reducing manual labor for assembly, we are able to offer a more affordable 44 model for those of us who don’t require the polish and museum-grade finish of the 44C version.

The R44 Microphone Family

The AEA R44-series microphones all share the authentic sound, feel and look of the 1936-38 RCA 44BX. The R44 series microphones are all detailed, hand-crafted replicas, using parts that are made to be interchangeable with an original RCA 44. They even feature ribbon material originally manufactured for RCA. The original 44 microphones were constantly updated during their twenty years of production, and after carefully looking at some of the technical modifications, we at AEA decided to adopt the British engineering from RCA that reduces the mic's weight and hum sensitivity. The R44C was designed to meet or exceed the output of a brand-new RCA 44. It is a museum-quality replica, featuring a bronze investment cast yoke, superior to the original zinc yokes by RCA (which tend to corrode over time), a hand-polished cushion mount and a cloth-covered Accusound Silver Studio Pro cable. The R44CX is a high-output, red-badge version of the R44C, specially designed for scoring and other applications demanding a wide dynamic range with the "classic 44" sound. The cost-effective R44CE features the exact same ribbon, transformer, and luscious sound as the R44C, but with a simpler, economical exterior trim. This version features a one-piece cushion mount, a formed steel yoke with satin nickel finish, and a star-quad XLR output cable. Finally, the R44CXE is the high output version of the R44CE combining the economical finish with the higher output of the R44CX.

Specifications and Curves
Operating Principle: Pressure gradient microphone
Directional Pattern: Bidirectional (Figure-of-8)
Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 15 kHz
Maximum SPL: 165+ dBSPL (1% third harmonic > 1 kHz)
Output Sensitivity: 2.25 mV/Pa (-53 dBV) into unloaded circuit
Output Impedance: 270 Ω nominal
Recommended Load Impedance: 1.2 kΩ or greater
Powering: Not required or recommended
Polarity: Pin 2 high for positive pressure on front of microphone.
Connector: XLR-3M wired to a 3 m captive cable
Off Axis Response:
Polar Pattern: Native bi-directional pattern

Accessories:
Included: Custom storage / shipping case, stand adapter, manual
Limited Warranty:
One year parts and labor, shipping not included. Three year extended warranty if the product is registered.
Weight with case: 7 lb 9 oz (3.43 kg)
Height: 12.25” (31.1 cm)
Width: 4.62” (11.7 cm)
Depth: 3.25” (8.3 cm)