AEA R44CXE Matched Pair High-Output Ribbon Mics - Used  From AEA

Offering a hot output and the truly classic tone of the 1936 to 1938 RCA 44BX in a visually cost-effective exterior, the USA-made AEA Ribbon Mics R44CXE is the ultimate solution for engineers, producers, and musicians who desire a high-output version of the acclaimed 44BX sound without the drawbacks of an aged and worn vintage microphone. Utilizing an RCA-spec 2.35" long ribbon, 44BX-interchangeable parts, and a bidirectional figure-8 polar pattern, the R44CXE 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.

The X-Motor mod adds two magnets to increase the mic's output level by 6 dB, making it ideal for scoring sessions where broad dynamic range is crucial. To distinguish it from the standard R44, the R44CXE is adorned with a red badge. The mic's 10' attached cable is terminated with a standard XLR 3-pin male connector for hookup to virtually any microphone preamp, no phantom power required. High-gain, high-impedance preamps are recommended for optimal microphone performance. 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 "X" variants provide a hotter output level.

X-Motor Mod

AEA developed a modified R44 transducer, called the X-Motor, that includes two additional magnets for an extra 6 dB of output. With a sound identical to the original 44, the X-Motor "hot rod" mod is useful for scoring and classical sessions and other applications demanding a wide dynamic range with the classic 44 sound. The X-Motor version of the R44 bears a red badge on the outside instead of the standard black badge.

Designed for High-Gain Preamps

Since the R44CXE is a passive ribbon microphone, a good preamp is critical for optimum performance. Preamp gain should be at least +60 dB or higher and it should have a very-high impedance. These requirements are vital for the ideal performance of any ribbon mic.

To guarantee consistent, full-range ribbon sound with the passive R44CXE, preamps designed specifically for ribbon microphones (such as AEA's RPQ2, RPQ500, and TRP2 preamps) are available separately. However, preamps with above a 5-Kilohm impedance found in many live soundboards are adequate for guitar amps and other louder instruments. On quiet sound sources or for distance recording, an AEA preamp is highly recommended.

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

- Handles SPLs up to 165 dB

- X-Motor mod raises output level by 6 dB

- Versatile in close-range or ambient applications

 -Made in the USA