AEA R44CE In stock at Tidepool Audio!

AEA R44 microphones are built (and sound) exactly like vintage RCA 44BX ribbon microphones, considered the most musical sounding microphone ever built. Many of the 20th century’s most iconic recordings were recorded using the '44.

• Unparalleled warmth and legendary character
• Full and rich tonality with generous low end and proximity effect
• Faithful reproduction of the RCA R44BX with new old stock RCA ribbon material
• Economy exterior R44CE exhibits same, classic sound
• Made in the U.S.A.

Whether it was the smooth brass section of the soundtrack of a classic Hollywood film, the velvety lushness of a jazz vocal or the larger-than-life drum sound of a classic rock recording, chances are an RCA 44-series ribbon microphone was used in the studio when the sound was created.
In use for more than 80 years in recording and broadcast studios throughout the world, the RCA 44 ribbon design is as rich in history as it is in sound and character. This instantly recognizable sound produces thunderous lows due to the strong proximity effect, full and rich midrange and a unique top end taking the edge off of harsh instruments.


THE LEGENDARY BIG RIBBON SOUND
The AEA R44CE maintains an iconic legacy of great ribbon mics by delivering a rich sound full of character and color.

Effective on a broad range of instruments and rooms, the R44CE bolsters mids and lows while smoothing harsh high frequencies to produce a multi-dimensional sound unlike that of any microphone the world over.

Used on everything from crooning vocalists to full orchestras, the R44CE is the ideal choice to capture the tone of any voice or instrument while imparting its legendary ribbon character.


DIFFERENT OUTSIDES, THE SAME SOUND

Our R44 Series microphones all share the authentic sound, feel and look of the 1936-38 RCA 44BX. The R44 series microphones are all detailed, hand-crafted replicas, using parts that are made to be interchangeable with an original RCA 44.

THE R44 VARIANTS

The passive R44 is available in two exteriors– the original museum-quality replica R44C and this version, the aesthetically cost-effective R44CE. Both mics have an identical sound and are exactly the same on the inside. The difference between the two is only cosmetics and price. 

“The [R44s] are BEYOND wonderful. I used them extensively on my recordings for the new Who record – on my vocals, acoustic guitars, mandolins, banjos, piano, string quartet (the stereo)…It is without question the best mic I have ever used. The best sound I’ve ever achieved without tweaking a single knob apart from mic gain. I feel as though I’ve gone back in time to a place where getting a sound was easy. It’s almost impossible to make it sound bad!

-Pete Townshend

"It sounds absolutely incredible on vocals, strings and horns alike.  And that's no exaggeration.  They are open, even and clear yet really smooth and creamy on top.  Almost like the effect of recording to tape, it smoothes frequency peaks and dynamics in a completely transparent way."

Chris Taylor (Grizzly Bear)