AEA Ribbon Mics A440 Phantom-Powered Ribbon Microphone

AEA Ribbon Mics A440 Phantom-Powered Ribbon Microphone

EAN: 652401977469

A handcrafted, museum-quality replica of the 1936 to 1938 RCA 44BX with a super-hot output and active electronics, the USA-made AEA Ribbon Mics A440 is the ultimate solution for engineers, producers, and musicians who desire a high-output version of the acclaimed 44BX that can be used optimally with any preamp. Utilizing an RCA-spec 2.35 long ribbon, 44BX-interchangeable parts, and a bidirectional figure-8 polar pattern, the A440 delivers true-to-the-original tonality with up to 90 dB of rejection at the sides. Plus, it can handle extreme SPLs and capture anything from soulful vocals to full orchestras with character and class.

Thanks to its hot rod X-Motor, JFET preamp, and custom transformer, the A440 is able to produce 18 more decibels of output level over the passive R44C while delivering extremely low noise. To distinguish it from the R44s, the A440 is adorned with an umber-colored transformer case. The mic s 10 attached cable is terminated with a standard XLR 3-pin male connector for hookup to virtually any microphone preamp 48V phantom power is required to power the mic s active electronics. The integrated yoke-style cushion mount reduces bulkiness while ensuring ease of positioning in the studio. A vertical case is included for proper storage of the mic between sessions.

Legendary Big Ribbon Sound

The AEA R44 Series microphones maintain 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, R44 mics bolster mids and lows while smoothing harsh high frequencies to produce a multi-dimensional sound unique to itself.

Used on everything from crooning vocalists to full orchestras, an R44 mic is the ideal choice to capture the tone of any voice or instrument while imparting its legendary ribbon character.

Faithful Reproduction of the RCA R44BX

AEA s R44 Series microphones all share the authentic sound, feel, and look of the 1936 to 1938 RCA 44BX. The R44 Series microphones are all detailed, handcrafted replicas, using parts that are made to be interchangeable with an original RCA 44. AEA manufactures three different versions of the R44 and hot rod variants of the passive R44s.

At the core, every version of the R44 sounds the same when powered with a ribbon preamp. The major differences between the versions are the exterior look and the amount of output level.

The R44 Variants

The passive R44 is available in two exteriors-the original museum-quality replica R44C and 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 active A440 is a preamp-flexible R44 with 18 dB of extra output. It is custom-painted with the RCA classic umber-colored transformer case.

The A440 Difference

The active A440 is an ultra-premium version of the R44C. It is complete with a custom Lehle transformer, RPQ JFET preamp electronics, and the X-Motor hot rod. It retains the same sonic character of the passive R44C, but with an additional 18 dB of output and greater flexibility with different preamps. Many engineers favor their A440s over their vintage RCA 44s due to the advantages in noise performance.

Works with Any Preamp

Though it still sounds great with any AEA ribbon-optimized preamp, it is not dependent on a high-impedance, high-gain preamp for proper use. The extra output is a major advantage when recording quiet sources like vocals, soft acoustic guitars, and orchestral instruments. The active circuitry also prevents noise interference on long cable runs and when operating near large lighting rigs.

Features at a Glance

• Unparalleled warmth and legendary character
• Full and rich tonality with generous low-end and proximity effect
• Faithful reproduction of the RCA R44BX
• Ribbon material meets or exceeds original RCA spec
• Active A440 upgrade has 18 dB level increase and is optimized for all preamps
• Handles SPLs up to 136 dB
• Versatile in close-range or ambient applications
• Made in the USA