{"product_id":"aea-a440","title":"AEA A440","description":"\u003cdiv lang=\"en\"\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAEA A440\u003c\/strong\u003e is an active Big Ribbon microphone powered by 48 V phantom — the active counterpart to the R44C, built around JFET electronics designed by Fred Forssell (Forssell Technologies) and a German-made Lehle transformer. The 1.8-micron aluminum ribbon at 59.7 mm × 4.7 mm from NOS RCA material, the X-Motor with two additional magnets, the bronze investment cast yoke, and the hand-polished cushion mount are identical to the R44CX. Active JFET electronics powered by P48 phantom deliver +18 dB of output over the R44C and a self-noise floor of 9 dB(A), making the A440 one of the quietest microphones of any type in serial production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3\u003e30 mV\/Pa, 9 dB(A) — Big Ribbon Sound with Any Preamp\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003ePassive Big Ribbon microphones in far-field applications — Decca tree, orchestral room mics, overhead ambisonic arrays — demand over 70 dB of clean gain, restricting preamp compatibility to a narrow range of high-gain designs. The A440's 30 mV\/Pa sensitivity (–33.5 dBV) and 92 Ω broadband output impedance deliver a signal level higher than most condenser microphones, fully compatible with any preamp from an SSL console to a USB audio interface. The dynamic range of approximately 127 dB (136 dB SPL max minus 9 dB(A) noise floor) is among the widest achievable by any type of studio microphone. The tonal character of the Big Ribbon — dense low end with strong proximity effect, full midrange, and a gently rolling top end — remains unchanged from the R44C and R44CX. Active electronics isolate the ribbon from load impedance: the A440's tonal balance is load-independent, unlike passive ribbons whose frequency response shifts with preamp input impedance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3\u003eRibbon Protection and Far-Field Applications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eIn passive microphones, phantom power can destroy the ribbon element if the cable is unbalanced or if one phantom supply rail develops a fault. In the A440, the internal JFET circuit completely isolates the ribbon from the phantom supply — the microphone is safe with any preamp delivering 48 V. Applications where the A440 removes the limitations of the passive R44: scoring sessions and orchestral recording (low self-noise at large working distances), Decca tree configurations (high sensitivity eliminates the need for dedicated high-gain preamps), location recording and broadcast (compatibility with the full range of portable preamps and interfaces). Externally, the A440 is distinguished from the R44C by its classic RCA umber-colored transformer case — brown instead of the standard black-and-silver radio finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3\u003eKEY FEATURES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eActive version of the R44CX — X-Motor, same Big Ribbon 1.8-micron element (59.7 mm × 4.7 mm) NOS RCA\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eActive JFET electronics (designed by Fred Forssell) + Lehle transformer (Germany)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e+18 dB output over R44C — higher sensitivity than most condenser microphones\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSelf-noise: 9 dB(A) — among the quietest microphones in serial production\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDynamic range: approx. 127 dB (136 dB SPL max – 9 dB(A))\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePolar pattern: figure-8 (bidirectional)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSensitivity: 30 mV\/Pa (–33.5 dBV) into unloaded circuit\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOutput impedance: 92 Ω broadband\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMax SPL: 136+ dB (1% THD harmonic distortion \u0026gt;1 kHz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePower: P48 phantom, 7 mA\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRibbon fully isolated from phantom supply — safe with any preamp\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRCA umber-colored transformer case — distinguishes A440 from R44C\/CE\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eBronze investment cast yoke, hand-polished cushion mount (identical to R44CX)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e3 m cloth-covered Accusound Silver Studio Pro captive cable, XLR-3M\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAccessories: AEA 44VC vertical case, zippered canvas bag, stand adapter\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDimensions: 315 mm (H) × 117 mm (W) × 83 mm (D); weight approx. 3.43 kg with cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eHandmade in Pasadena, California, USA\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3\u003eTECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOperating principle: pressure gradient transducer (active, JFET)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePolar pattern: figure-8 (bidirectional)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFrequency range: 20 Hz – \u0026gt;20 kHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMax SPL: 136+ dB (1% THD \u0026gt;1 kHz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSensitivity: 30 mV\/Pa (–33.5 dBV) into unloaded circuit\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSelf-noise: 9 dB(A)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOutput impedance: 92 Ω broadband\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRecommended load impedance: ≥1 kΩ\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePower: P48 phantom, 7 mA\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePolarity: Pin 2 + for positive pressure at front\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOff-axis rejection: –35 dB at 90°\/270° (horizontal and vertical)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRibbon thickness: 1.8 µm; width: 4.7 mm; length: 59.7 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMotor: X-Motor (+2 magnets vs. R44C)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eConnector: XLR-3M on 3 m cloth-covered Accusound Silver Studio Pro captive cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDimensions: 315 mm (H) × 117 mm (W) × 83 mm (D)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eWeight: approx. 3.43 kg (with cable)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMade in: USA (Pasadena, CA)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"AEA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54014121902417,"sku":"27622","price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0729\/8741\/0769\/files\/AEAA4401.jpg?v=1781105356","url":"https:\/\/wrdtunes.com\/de\/products\/aea-a440","provider":"Wired Tunes","version":"1.0","type":"link"}