AEA A440

AEA A440 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.

30 mV/Pa, 9 dB(A) — Big Ribbon Sound with Any Preamp

Passive 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.

Ribbon Protection and Far-Field Applications

In 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.

KEY FEATURES

• Active version of the R44CX — X-Motor, same Big Ribbon 1.8-micron element (59.7 mm × 4.7 mm) NOS RCA
• Active JFET electronics (designed by Fred Forssell) + Lehle transformer (Germany)
• +18 dB output over R44C — higher sensitivity than most condenser microphones
• Self-noise: 9 dB(A) — among the quietest microphones in serial production
• Dynamic range: approx. 127 dB (136 dB SPL max – 9 dB(A))
• Polar pattern: figure-8 (bidirectional)
• Sensitivity: 30 mV/Pa (–33.5 dBV) into unloaded circuit
• Output impedance: 92 Ω broadband
• Max SPL: 136+ dB (1% THD harmonic distortion >1 kHz)
• Power: P48 phantom, 7 mA
• Ribbon fully isolated from phantom supply — safe with any preamp
• RCA umber-colored transformer case — distinguishes A440 from R44C/CE
• Bronze investment cast yoke, hand-polished cushion mount (identical to R44CX)
• 3 m cloth-covered Accusound Silver Studio Pro captive cable, XLR-3M
• Accessories: AEA 44VC vertical case, zippered canvas bag, stand adapter
• Dimensions: 315 mm (H) × 117 mm (W) × 83 mm (D); weight approx. 3.43 kg with cable
• Handmade in Pasadena, California, USA

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Operating principle: pressure gradient transducer (active, JFET)
• Polar pattern: figure-8 (bidirectional)
• Frequency range: 20 Hz – >20 kHz
• Max SPL: 136+ dB (1% THD >1 kHz)
• Sensitivity: 30 mV/Pa (–33.5 dBV) into unloaded circuit
• Self-noise: 9 dB(A)
• Output impedance: 92 Ω broadband
• Recommended load impedance: ≥1 kΩ
• Power: P48 phantom, 7 mA
• Polarity: Pin 2 + for positive pressure at front
• Off-axis rejection: –35 dB at 90°/270° (horizontal and vertical)
• Ribbon thickness: 1.8 µm; width: 4.7 mm; length: 59.7 mm
• Motor: X-Motor (+2 magnets vs. R44C)
• Connector: XLR-3M on 3 m cloth-covered Accusound Silver Studio Pro captive cable
• Dimensions: 315 mm (H) × 117 mm (W) × 83 mm (D)
• Weight: approx. 3.43 kg (with cable)
• Made in: USA (Pasadena, CA)