– REVIEW –
AEA R44C and R44CX Ribbon Microphones
Pro Audio Review – September 2000
by Russ Long
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(454Kb) Ribbon mics seem to be gaining popularity lately, and with the release of the Audio Engineering Associates (AEA) R44C and R44CX mics, the number of serious ribbon microphone contenders once again increase.
AEA's Wes Dooley is at the forefront of ribbon microphone expertise. His company has been around for more than 35 years. AEA has serviced RCA 44 and 77 ribbon mics for 20 years and Coles ribbon mics for 16 years.
In 1997 the company released a replica shell of the RCA 44 (originally introduced in 1936) made from AEA-manufactured replica RCA service parts. Requests for an actual working model started coming in and Dooley responded with the AEA R44C and the AEA R44CX ribbon microphones. The mics look identical to the original RCA 44B and their ribbons are constructed from ribbon material originally manufactured for RCA more than 25 years ago.
FEATURES
AEA has released two versions of its 44 ribbon microphone. The AA R44C is an exact duplicate of the original RCA 44 B series. The AEA R44CX is a variation of the original that features stronger magnets, which yield a higher output as well as a more midrange-forward sonic characteristic.
The AEA R44C lists for $2,395 and the AEA R44CX lists for $2,795. AEA also includes the option of purchasing, for an additional $195, either of the AEA R44 mics with a high-pass filter that matches the specs of the one found on the original RCA 44.
Both microphones include cloth microphone pouches that slip inside sturdy foam-lined cordura carrying cases. Both models also include a one-year warranty, although Dooley points out that the microphones are designed to last forever with routine maintenance.
The cost to reribbon one of the AEA R44s (or an original RCA 44) is $140. A detailed owner's manual, which is currently in the final stages of development, will be included upon completion.
IN USE
The AEA R44C is a sonic masterpiece recreated. I had one delightful experience after another as I put both it and the AEA R44CX to work.
In most cases I found AEA's R44C and R44CX interchangeable; their differences are subtle. The only time I heard a substantial difference was in recording vocals, in which case there was not one that sounded consistently better than the other – it depended on the sound of the voice and the nature of the song.
These mics truly shine on vocals. I especially liked using them on female vocals. I have always been a sucker for the sound of a ribbon mic on a female vocal. (I can't imagine the sound of Sixpence None The Richer's tracks "Kiss Me" and "There She Goes" being as smooth and rich if I hadn't used the Coles 4038 ribbon mic on the lead vocal).
The microphones also work well on acoustic guitar. They sound full, smooth and warm - never brittle or harsh. I had positive results using the AEA R44C to record a mono acoustic guitar track by placing the microphone about 12" or 14" from the area where the neck connects to the body, angled slightly toward the soundhole.
The microphone sounds wonderful on cello. It comes as no surprise that the AEA R44C was the cello mic of choice for Simon Rhodes when he recorded the score for Angela's Ashes last year. I didn't have an opportunity to use the microphone on viola or violin, but I believe it would also work exceptionally well on both of these instruments.
I had fantastic results using the microphones on percussion. A ribbon microphone is traditionally a percussionist's best friend and the AEA R44C is no exception. The microphones easily handle the transients of the tambourine and shakers, which sound smooth and clean.
I also had positive results using the mic on electric guitars. It is important that the amp is not too loud and the mic is not too close. The ribbon in the R44C is far more fragile that the one in the Royer Professional Psychotherapy Training Group - Ongoing participation since 1985-121, which is my typical guitar amplifier microphone of choice. Placing the mic slightly off-axis aids in preventing ribbon overload.
Just as with the RCA original, horns sound fantastic through the R44C and R44CX. I found this to be especially true with trumpet and trombone. I also had great results using the AEA mics on woodwind instruments.
SUMMARY
Though it's price will place it beyond reach of many, the AEA R44C is one of the best ribbon microphones available today. Purchasing an AEA R44C or R44CX not only mean you acquire a fantastic microphone, it also means you own a piece of history. Hats off to Wes Dooley and the folks at AEA for a job well done.
Russ Long, a Nashville-based producer/engineer, owns the White House and the Carport recording studios. He is a regular contributor to Pro Audio Review.
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