AEA R44C is a passive ribbon microphone — a museum-quality replica of the 1936–1938 RCA 44BX and the flagship model of the R44 series. The 1.8-micron aluminum ribbon at 59.7 mm × 4.7 mm is made from material originally manufactured for RCA. The undamped motor uses neodymium permanent magnets, 16.5 Hz resonant tuning, and a transformer interchangeable with the original RCA 44BX. Construction is at museum grade: a bronze investment cast yoke in place of the original RCA zinc yoke (which corrodes over decades), a hand-polished cushion mount, and a cloth-covered Accusound Silver Studio Pro cable. The black-and-silver "radio finish" with polished chrome grille distinguishes the R44C from the CE and CX variants.
Undamped 59.7 mm Ribbon — Ninety Years of Tonality in Modern Production
The R44C combines the original American undamped ribbon design with British RCA Ltd. engineering modifications that reduce weight and hum sensitivity. The longest ribbon in current production (59.7 mm) tuned to 16.5 Hz operates without mechanical resonances in the 20 Hz–20 kHz band — dense, articulate low end with strong proximity effect at close range, full midrange, and a smooth, gradually rolling top end with a characteristic ~2 dB/octave tilt from low to high. This tonal balance — warm, three-dimensional, and consistently flattering — is what engineers like Bruce Swedien (vocals), Joe Chicarelli (saxophone), and Allen Sides (electric guitar) reached for across a full mic locker. Maximum SPL of 165+ dB at 1% THD provides unlimited headroom on loud sources — the passive ribbon does not saturate in conditions where active microphones would.
Construction Standards and Preamp Requirements
All mechanical, acoustic, and electrical components of the R44C are interchangeable with an original RCA 44BX — ribbon, transformer, motor parts. AEA manufactures every component in-house using original RCA ribbon material. The R44C requires no phantom power — 48 V can damage the ribbon. Sensitivity of 2.25 mV/Pa (–53 dBV) and 270 Ω output impedance require a preamp with at least 60 dB of gain and input impedance above 1.2 kΩ for full frequency response and dynamic range. For loud sources, any console preamp presenting above 5 kΩ is adequate. The microphone ships with a 3-meter cloth-covered Accusound Silver Studio Pro captive cable, a zippered canvas bag, and an AEA 44VC vertical carrying case.
KEY FEATURES
- Museum-quality RCA 44BX replica — flagship model of the R44 series
- 1.8-micron aluminum ribbon — 59.7 mm × 4.7 mm, ribbon material originally produced for RCA
- Undamped ribbon design — 16.5 Hz resonant tuning, longest ribbon in current production
- Polar pattern: figure-8 (bidirectional)
- Max SPL: 165+ dB (1% THD harmonic distortion >1 kHz)
- Sensitivity: 2.25 mV/Pa (–53 dBV) into unloaded circuit
- Output impedance: 270 Ω broadband
- Recommended load impedance: ≥1.2 kΩ
- Phantom power: not required or recommended
- All parts interchangeable with original RCA 44BX
- Bronze investment cast yoke, hand-polished cushion mount
- Black-and-silver "radio finish" with polished chrome grille
- Black AEA badge (vs. red badge on X-Motor versions)
- 3 m cloth-covered Accusound Silver Studio Pro captive cable, XLR-3M
- Accessories: AEA 44VC vertical case, zippered canvas bag, stand adapter
- Dimensions: 311 mm (H) × 117 mm (W) × 83 mm (D); weight approx. 3.43 kg
- Handmade in Pasadena, California, USA
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Operating principle: pressure gradient transducer (passive, undamped)
- Polar pattern: figure-8 (bidirectional)
- Frequency range: <20 Hz – >20 kHz
- Max SPL: 165+ dB (1% THD >1 kHz)
- Sensitivity: 2.25 mV/Pa (–53 dBV) into unloaded circuit
- Output impedance: 270 Ω broadband
- Recommended load impedance: ≥1.2 kΩ
- Phantom power: not required or recommended
- Polarity: Pin 2 + for positive pressure at front
- Off-axis rejection: up to 90 dB at 90°/270° (horizontal)
- Ribbon thickness: 1.8 µm; width: 4.7 mm; length: 59.7 mm
- Resonant tuning: 16.5 Hz
- Connector: XLR-3M on 3 m cloth-covered Accusound Silver Studio Pro captive cable
- Dimensions: 311 mm (H) × 117 mm (W) × 83 mm (D)
- Weight: approx. 3.43 kg
- Made in: USA (Pasadena, CA)
