User Reviews Section
Pete Townshend, and Eddie Van Halen comment on their R44s below
20 years servicing ribbon microphones gave us a lot of insight into why RCA 44s are still in daily studio use. During the 1990s, 44 collectors made it difficult for even recording studios to acquire one. Reborn as the AEA R44, today you'll find engineer/producers such as Bruce Swedien, Kevin Bacon and Shawn Murphy using them around the world. Half the movies scored in Los Angeles now have at least one 44 on the scoring stage.
The R44C has the authentic sound, feel, and the look of the RCA 44BX. The R44CX is high output version of the R44C especially designed for scoring and other applications demanding a wide dynamic range with the "classic 44" sound.
View larger image AEA R44C
Hand-crafted, museum quality, 44 reproduction
The AEA R44C has the authentic sound, feel and look of the 1936-38 RCA-44. A museum quality replica hand made by AEA using 1.8 micron ribbon material originally manufactured by RCA. Museum grade version features details such as a bronze investment cast yoke rather than the original zinc yoke (which corrode over time). The ribbon element is only 1.8 microns thick, fabricated from material originally manufactured for RCA. The Streamline Moderne "radio" finish (black with satin accents) is standard. R44C parts are also interchangeable with the original RCA 44B and BX. The microphone package includes a three-meter cloth covered Accusound Silver Studio Pro cable, a zippered canvas bag, and AEA 44VC vertical case for proper shipping and storage.
View larger image AEA R44CX
6dB more output than the original RCA 44B and BX
Sound is slightly more forward. Red accent marking.
View larger image AEA R44CE
Combines the 1930s US sound with British engineering from RCA that reduces the mic's weight and hum sensitivity. Black transformer case and one-piece cushion mount, satin nickel grill and formed steel yoke with a satin nickel finish. The R44CE comes with a hard-wired three meter starquad XLR output cable and AEA 44VC vertical carrying case for proper shipping and storage.
Credit: StudioAuditions.comStudioAuditions.com
StudioAuditions.com features clips of the R44 on a series of guitars and vocals, located in their "Jam Room Sessions." Select "microphones in the first column, then select AEA as manufacturer, and then AEA R44 under model, and then choose from the list of source clips.
Documentation
User Reviews
"These are the best f#%*ing mics I've ever used!"
– Eddie Van Halen, Guitarist, Van Halen, Los Angeles
"They 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 mike 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, The Who, London
"I've been thoroughly enjoying my R44CNE and use it on nearly ever project that comes through the door. It's got such a beautiful tone and, of course, it looks impressive, too!!!!!"
– Jory K. Prum, studio.jory.org, New York
Other Options & Accessories
M Option
Hand tuning to stereo match a pair of new mics.
Specify when mics are ordered.
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Vertical Mic Storage Case
Take care of your R44 or Classic RCA 44 microphones by transporting and storing them in these vertical storage cases. Canvas exterior, padded interior.
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Twin Vertical Mic Storage Case
Similar to the AEA VC, but with room for two. Canvas exterior, padded interior.
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Extra 5/8"-27 female to 1/2" male pipe thread (RCA style) adaptor
Chrome finish
Literature
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