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The R44CE is the value edition of the R44C

•Same ribbon, transformer, and luscious sound as the R44C
•Simple and elegant exterior trim in black and silver
•Legendary character with more than 80 years of studio history
•Full and rich sound; smooth highs and warm lows
•‘X’ motor option delivers 6 dB more dynamic range

The Cost Effective Original
Whether it be the smooth brass section of a Hollywood soundtrack, the velvety lushness of a jazz vocal, or the larger-than-life drum sound of a classic rock record – chances are that you will find a 44 ribbon mic used on most of your favorite albums. In studio use for more than 80 years, the 44 ribbon design by RCA is as rich in history as it is in sound and character. When the company’s microphone division was closed down in 1976, we at AEA began servicing ribbon microphones, and by 1998 we were manufacturing 100% of the parts for the 44, resulting in the release of our very own version of this classic mic. Its recognizable sound produces thunderous lows due to the strong proximity effect, full and rich mids, and a unique top end to take the edge off of harsh instruments. This beautiful, natural-sounding microphone provides an unmatched authenticity of sonic reproduction, particularly when placed at a distance in a well-tuned room. The CE (cost effective) version delivers exactly the same sound as the R44C with absolutely no exceptions. By simplifying the exterior trim of the microphone and reducing manual labor for assembly, we are able to offer a more affordable 44 model for those of us who don’t require the polish and museum-grade finish of the 44C version.

History Repeating
Forty years of servicing ribbon microphones has given AEA a lot of insight into why RCA 44s are still in daily use at world-class studios. Designed in the 1930s, the 44 was a groundbreaking revolution in recording technology. At a time when engineers had only one, maybe two microphones to record anything from a solo artist to an entire orchestra, studio mics had to deliver a great sound in every application. With its extended reach, reliability, and high fidelity sound, the 44 set a new quality standard for broadcast, recording, motion pictures, and sound reinforcement work.

Even though ribbon mics fell out of fashion in the days of tape recording, many studios like Capitol Records or Warner kept their revered 44s in service. Since the advent of the digital revolution, the 44 is now back in demand more than ever. Reborn as the AEA R44, this mic is a permanent fixture in the studios of esteemed engineers and producers such as Bruce Swedien, Kevin Bacon, Shawn Murphy, and John Kurlander, and half the movies scored in Los Angeles now have an AEA 44 somewhere on the scoring stage.

SPECIFICATIONS

Operating Principle: Pressure gradient transducer

Directional Pattern: Bidirectional

Frequency Range: <20 Hz to >20 kHz

Polarity: Pin 2 high for positive pressure on front of microphone

Polar Response: Native bidirectional, figure-of-8 pattern

Horizontal: Up to 90 dB rejection at right angles to the front/back axis

Vertical: Level changes with angle of incidence, but frequency response is consistent.

Transducer Element Material:

Thickness: 1.8 µm

Width: 0.185 in (4.7 mm)

Length: 2.35 in (59.7 mm)

Microphone Dimensions:

Height: 12.25 in (31.1 cm)

Width: 4.62 in (11.7 cm)

Depth: 3.25 in (8.3 cm)

Weight with cable: 7 lb 9 oz (3.43 kg)

Connector: XLR-3M

R44C/CE Passive Microphones

Maximum SPL: 165+ dB SPL (1% third harmonic > 1 kHz)

Sensitivity: 2.25 mV/Pa (-53 dBV) into unloaded circuit

Output Impedance: 270 Ω Broadband

Recommended Load Impedance: 1.2 KΩ or greater

Phantom Power: Not required or recommended