AEA R44CXE is a passive ribbon microphone with the X-Motor modification — the R44CE variant fitted with two additional magnets that increase output by 6 dB over the original RCA 44BX. The 1.8-micron aluminum ribbon at 59.7 mm × 4.7 mm, the transformer, and the resonant tuning use ribbon material originally manufactured for RCA — identical across all R44 series variants. Externally, the R44CXE differs from the R44CX in its one-piece cushion mount, formed steel yoke with satin nickel finish, and a red badge instead of black. Electronics and tonality are identical to the R44CX.
X-Motor — 6 dB More Output, Same RCA 44 Character
The X-Motor modification adds two permanent magnets to the ribbon motor, increasing the magnetic field in the gap and raising the signal induction by 6 dB. The tonal character — the classic undamped RCA 44BX sound of the 1936–1938 period, with full, smooth low end, relaxed high frequencies, and a well-defined midrange — remains unchanged. The 6 dB of additional output translates directly to a higher signal-to-noise ratio when tracking quiet sources, a wider dynamic range in orchestral and scoring sessions, and more working margin with preamps of moderate gain. The passive, undamped ribbon design — the only such construction still in continuous production for over 50 years — provides maximum headroom without clip at SPLs above 165 dB.
Passive Circuit, Preamp Requirements and RCA 44 Interoperability
The R44CXE requires no phantom power — all R44 series microphones are passive and vulnerable to 48 V with unbalanced cabling. Sensitivity of 2.25 mV/Pa (–53 dBV) and 270 Ω output impedance require a preamp with at least 60 dB of gain and an input impedance above 1.2 kΩ. All mechanical and acoustic components of the R44 series are interchangeable with an original RCA 44BX — ribbon, transformer, motor parts. AEA manufactures 100% of the internal components in-house or from ribbon material originally produced for RCA. The microphone is supplied with a 3-meter starquad captive cable terminated in XLR-3M and an AEA 44VC vertical carrying case.
KEY FEATURES
- Passive RCA 44BX ribbon with X-Motor modification (+6 dB output vs. R44CE/R44C)
- Identical electronics and tonality to the R44CX — differs only in exterior finish
- 1.8-micron aluminum ribbon — 59.7 mm × 4.7 mm, ribbon material originally produced for RCA
- Undamped ribbon design — longest ribbon and lowest resonant tuning of any ribbon in 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 nominal
- Recommended load impedance: ≥1.2 kΩ
- Phantom power: not required or recommended
- All parts interchangeable with original RCA 44BX
- Red badge distinguishes X-Motor version from standard R44CE
- 3 m starquad captive cable, XLR-3M; AEA 44VC vertical case included
- Dimensions: 311 mm (H) × 117 mm (W) × 83 mm (D); weight approx. 3.4 kg with cable
- Handmade in Pasadena, California, USA
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Operating principle: pressure gradient transducer (passive, undamped)
- Polar pattern: figure-8 (bidirectional)
- Frequency range: 20 Hz – 15 kHz
- Max SPL: 165+ dB (1% THD >1 kHz)
- Sensitivity: 2.25 mV/Pa (–53 dBV) into unloaded circuit
- Output impedance: 270 Ω nominal
- 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
- X-Motor modification: +2 magnets, +6 dB output vs. R44CE
- Connector: XLR-3M on 3 m starquad captive cable
- Dimensions: 311 mm (H) × 117 mm (W) × 83 mm (D)
- Weight: approx. 3.4 kg (with cable)
- Made in: USA (Pasadena, CA)
