The figure-of-8 pickup pattern will let you discover the sound-response variations possible with only minor re-positioning, as the AEA R44C responds well to slight re-adjustments in both the vertical and horizontal planes. The AEA R44C version of the RCA classic is hand built by Wes Dooley using the same 1.8-micron ribbon material originally manufactured for RCA. Black and silver “radio” finish with bright … Stringed instruments — orchestral strings, harps, guitars and so forth — simply love the ribbon! The NE option, for example, incorporates some elements of the international version of the original RCA mic, with a lighter case, reduced sensitivity to hum, and a cloth-covered XLR cable. The accurate polar response allows unwanted spill to be controlled effectively, although care obviously has to be taken with a rear lobe that is as sensitive as the front. The custom 9 mA version has a 6 dbA noise floor and handles 132.5 db SPL. His company specialises in both familiar and unusual audio-related equipment and services, including a lot of forensic work. Is AEA's R44 that good? AEA R44C Bidirectional Ribbon Microphone. As AEA’s first original design, many users have questions about its lineage and connection to the R44.. A Rich History. Advice on ceiling-suspended microphone arrays. Both listeners and measurements say that the R44 is better and AEA has been listening to both users and ex-RCA engineers for over 25 years. Handmade in California by Audio Engineering Associates the AEA R44C is instantly recognisable from films and broadcasts of the 1940s and 1950s, especially for onscreen newsreaders and sportscasters. The mic exhibited the classic figure-of-eight polar response you would expect from a simple ribbon, with deep, well-defined nulls to the sides and reasonably broad front and rear lobes. What do you mean by 'subsonic components'? In fact, advances in preamp design now mean that the low noise floor inherent in ribbon mic designs can be fully realised to deliver a dynamic range worthy of 24-bit digital systems. Win! Rugged, beautiful and great sounding, the AEA R44C is destined to become a classic all of its own. Ribbon mics such as the 44, and its later siblings the 77 and KU3, were popular not only in broadcasting studios, but also on the scoring stages of most film studios where the ribbon contributed to some fantastically silky string sounds. Amongst the product line is an intriguing range of specialist microphone mounting equipment, with a clever modular system which can be used for conventional stereo arrays such as ORTF, as well as Decca Tree configurations in various sizes. Prices include VAT. Effective on a broad range of instruments and rooms, the R44 bolsters mids and lows while smoothing harsh high frequencies to produce a multi-dimensional sound unlike that … Subscribe to our Newsletter for the latest pro audio news and exclusive deals. They start by using only ribbon material originally manufactured for RCA. Advances in preamp design now mean that the low noise floor inherent in ribbon mic designs can be fully realised to deliver a dynamic range worthy of 24-bit digital systems. The frequency response is far from flat, being both 'ragged' and exhibiting a very characteristic overall tilt in response of around 2dB/octave, with a very strong bass and slightly weaker treble. There is something special about the sound of a ribbon mic, and this authentic replica retains all the character of the original RCA classic. AEA offer some variations on the RC44 theme. There are also vintage-style microphones which turn out to be table lamps or empty shells designed to house modern microphones for use on TV presenters' desks! The review model was an R44CX — the original version, but incorporating the increased output level option to provide around 5mV/Pa (instead of 2.5mV/Pa) which equates to a nominal sensitivity of about -44dBu. There is also an X option which employs stronger neodymium magnets for a 6dB louder output and a slightly more forward sound quality. The 1.8 micron ribbon is exactly the same as the one used in the original RCA and uses neodymium magnets instead of the original Alnico magnets producing higher output. AEA offer some variations on the RC44 theme. The A440 can drive very long mic cables without signal loss. The AEA R44 maintains an iconic legacy of great ribbon mics by delivering a rich sound full of character and color. From the 1930s — when it was introduced by RCA — the RCA 44 became a staple in broadcasting and recording studios throughout the world. First Look: Pro Tools | Carbon. The AEA R44C is a firm favourite of many engineers on vocals, strings, saxophones, electric guitars, brass, woodwinds, percussion. Like a vintage Bentley — expensive and revered, but not easy to justify to the accountants. The 7 mA version has a 9 dBA noise floor and handles 136 db SPL. Mastering Essentials Part 4 - Mastering EQ: Balance, Don’t Match. The R84 is one of the most popular mics in the AEA line. Skip to the beginning of the images gallery, Meticulous reproduction of the legendary RCA Ribbon Mic, A single diaphragm, bi-directional (Figure 8) ribbon mic, High SPL capability, max level is 140dB plus above 200Hz, The sound of the original RCA44 but better, Smooth response top to bottom, silky and full sounding, Wonderful for guitars, horns, vocals and drum kits, 2m XLR cable, Shock/stand mount and case included. Advances in preamp design now mean that the low noise floor inherent in ribbon mic designs can be fully realised to deliver a dynamic range worthy of 24-bit digital systems.Audio Engineering Associates (AEA) are an American company owned and run by Wes Dooley — a recording engineer with a long and detailed experience of ribbon mics including the classic Coles 4038 'BBC ribbon'.