It’s not near as common to see a ribbon microphone on vocals than a condenser microphone, but when the vibe of the song calls for an impeccably rich, impressively smooth, and vintage-leaning vocal timbre, the AEA R44CX delivers in an incredibly powerful way. As an accurate replica of one of the most classic microphones ever made (RCA 44), the R44CX boasts a velvety smoothness and unique tone that’s near identical to its origination. The CX model adds additional flexibility with a hotter output, which allows the microphone to be used with such a wide variety of preamps (not just those specifically designed to work optimally with ribbon microphones). This in turn provides the engineer with limitless creative freedom regarding preamp choice and also causes it to perform more consistently on dynamic vocalists by picking up more of the quieter sections.

In 1998, AEA released its first museum-quality reproduction of the iconic RCA 44. AEA honor this legacy with the limited edition homage to the RCA 44BX: the AEA 44-CX 25LE. Complete with a three-position inductor high-pass filter switch and original color-matched transformer case, this unique product recalls the vintage sound of the 44BX with the added benefit of modern components and materials.

VINTAGE AESTHETIC, VINTAGE SOUND

Much like the original 44BX, the 44-CX 25LE features an umber gray case and brushed satin plated finish, custom "meatball" logo badge in original RCA font, and brown cabling. Look closely, and you might even spot a color difference in the grille silk, which is slightly more muted to emulate an aged mic. The most exciting feature of the 25LE is the three-position circuit jumper switch at its base. Historically, many broadcasters and musicians alike modded their BXs with similar switches, eliminating the need to open the case for adjustments. Inspired by old RCA schematics of the 44BX’s "reactor" (now commonly referred to as an inductor), our team collaborated closely with Cinemag Transformers to develop the best-sounding inductor- transformer combination. The 25LE model features a 1:32 transformer (rather than our standard 1:28), paired with an inductor that is connected to the secondary of the transformer in various configurations. By switching the toggle on the bottom of the 25LE, you can choose between:

• "M" (or "music," which bypasses the inductor)
• "V1" (a slight high-pass filter, best for taming more distant or mid range vocals)
• "V2" (a more aggressive high-pass filter, for close miking, deeper vocals, or just sound coloration)

FEATURES:

• Museum-quality homage to the RCA 44BX
• Bronze investment-cast yoke, finished in satin nickel
• Three-position toggle switch selects between “Music” (no filter/classic 44 sound), “V1” (HPF), and “V2” (more aggressive HPF)
• Custom 1:32 transformer (original AEA R44CX is 1:28)
• Full and rich sound; smooth highs and warm lows, with additional signal coloring options
• Vintage-inspired look with classic brown XLR cable and non-reflective, umber transformer case

Free 3-Year Warranty

Sound Pure stands behind our products. Free three-year warranty on this item. Coverage exclusions live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.

Level of support and expertise that simply isn't available at big-box megastores. Read the warranty →

Returns

This item is not eligible for the Try-Before-You-Buy 48-hour audition. Standard return policy applies — see Terms & Conditions, Section 18 for details.