AEA R44CE is a passive ribbon microphone — the cost-effective version of the R44C with identical internal components, ribbon element, and transformer, differing only in exterior finish. A black transformer case with white logo, satin nickel formed-steel yoke, one-piece cushion mount, and starquad XLR cable replace the R44C's bronze investment cast yoke, hand-polished mount, and cloth-covered Accusound Silver Studio Pro cable. The 1.8-micron ribbon at 59.7 mm × 4.7 mm from ribbon material produced for RCA, the 16.5 Hz resonant tuning, and the transformer are identical to the R44C and the original 1936–1938 RCA 44BX.
R44C Sound at a Lower Cost
The R44CE is the only point in the R44 line where the difference between models is purely cosmetic, not acoustic. The undamped 59.7 mm ribbon tuned to 16.5 Hz — the longest and lowest-tuned ribbon in current production — delivers the same tonal character as the R44C: dense, articulate low end with strong proximity effect at close range, full midrange, and a smooth, gently rolling top end. The characteristic ~2 dB/octave tilt from low to high produces the warmth and three-dimensionality that makes the 44 design consistently flattering for vocals, brass, and strings. Maximum SPL of 165+ dB means the passive ribbon handles loud sources without clip in situations where active microphones could saturate. Off-axis rejection to 90 dB at 90°/270° allows effective use of the figure-8 pattern for mid/side or Blumlein arrays with a pair.
Passive Circuit, Preamp Requirements and RCA 44 Interoperability
The R44CE 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 — the same requirements as the R44C. All mechanical and acoustic components of the R44 series are interchangeable with the original RCA 44BX. The microphone ships with a 3-meter starquad captive cable terminated in XLR-3M and an AEA 44VC vertical carrying case. The X-Motor modification (+6 dB output) is available as the R44CXE variant.
KEY FEATURES
- Passive RCA 44BX replica — identical internals to R44C, cost-effective exterior finish
- 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
- Satin nickel formed-steel yoke, black transformer case with white logo
- Black badge (vs. red badge on X-Motor versions)
- 3 m starquad captive cable, XLR-3M; AEA 44VC vertical case included
- Dimensions: 311 mm (H) × 117 mm (W) × 83 mm (D); weight: 2.65 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 starquad captive cable
- Dimensions: 311 mm (H) × 117 mm (W) × 83 mm (D)
- Weight: 2.65 kg
- Made in: USA (Pasadena, CA)
