Mic Archive
AEA R44
Photo: Audio Engineering Associates, from its spec sheet, p. 1.

Audio Engineering Associates

AEA R44

Passive ribbon, figure-8; a replica of the RCA 44-B/BX (R44C, R44CE, high-output R44CX/CXE)

Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.

Type
Ribbon
Pattern
Figure-8
Sensitivity
−53 dBV/Pa
Max SPL
165 dB SPL
Impedance
270 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 2. "AEA R44C Frequency Response 0dB ref = 2.5 mV/Pa", unsmoothed. "Displayed range from 100 Hz up due to measurement room size limitations." The 2006 quickstart manual prints the same graph as "On-Axis Frequency Response (1 meter)".

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the manual, p. 13. "Directivity", full circle, 0° up, rings every 3 dB to -30 dB. Measuring conditions not stated. Approximate reading error up to about 1 dB.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the manual
Capsulecorrugated pure aluminium ribbon, 1.8 µm thick, 4.7 mm wide, 59.7 mm long, tuned to 16.5 Hz; neodymium magnets; 1:28 transformer. Tuning, magnets and transformer ratio from p. 4.p. 12
Sensitivity−53 dBV/Pa (2.25 mV/Pa), R44C/CE, into a loaded circuit; also −47 dBV/Pa, R44CX/CXE, 4.47 mV/Pa; also −53 dBV/Pa, R44C/CE, "into unloaded circuit" (2018 sheet). Printed "2.25 mV/Pa (-53 dBV) into loaded circuit"; the 2018 sheet says "into unloaded circuit". The response graph (p. 13) puts 0 dB at "2.5 mV/Pa (-52 dBV) for R44C/CE".
Max SPL165 dB SPL, 1% third harmonic, above 1 kHz; also 140 dB SPL, above 200 Hz, 1% third harmonic (2007 one-sheet). Printed "165+ dB SPL"; the same in the 2018 sheet. The 2007 one-sheet says "140 + dB SPL above 200Hz for 1% third harmonic".
Output impedance270 ohm, broadband
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz, below 20 Hz to above 20 kHz. Printed "<20 Hz to >20 kHz"; the 2007 one-sheet says "Below 30 Hz to above 20 kHz".
Poweringnone (phantom not required or recommended)
ConnectorXLR-3 male on a 3 m (10 ft) captive cable. The 2007 one-sheet says a 2 m cable; the 2018 sheet prints "10”" for 10 ft.
Weight2900 g, with cable. Printed "6.5 lb (2.9 kg)". The 2018 sheet says "7 lb 9 oz (3.43 kg)" with cable; manual p. 7 says "over 8 pounds"; the 2006 quickstart "about 8 ½ pounds (3.8 kg)".
Dimensions315 × 118.1 × 83 mm. Height x width x depth: "12.4 in (31.5 cm)", "4.65 in (11.81 cm)", "3.25 in (8.3 cm)". The 2018 sheet gives 31.1 x 11.7 x 8.3 cm.
PolarityPin 2 high for positive pressure on front of mic
Off-axis response, horizontalUp to 90 dB rejection at right angles to the front and back axis
Off-axis response, verticalLevel changes with angle of incidence, but frequency response is consistent
VariantsR44C (museum replica), R44CE (cost-effective exterior, same inside), R44CX and R44CXE (X-Motor: two more magnets, about 6 dB more output, red logo)p. 10
Ribbon tuning16.5 Hzp. 4
Transformer1:28
ProtectionDiamond-shaped grille with acoustical fabric, plus perforated metal and fabric blast screens on each side of the ribbonp. 6
WarrantyOne year; three years when registered within 90 daysp. 4
From the spec sheet
Rated load impedance1200 ohm, or greater. "1.2 KΩ or greater". The 2024 manual (p. 12) prints "1.2 Ω or greater", a misprint.p. 2
Supplied accessoriesvertical case; user manual. "Vertical case, user manual, captive 10” (3 meter) output cable with XLR-3M connector."
From the quick guide (Recording Hacks copy)
StorageStore vertically; the 2-inch ribbon can sag if stored horizontallyp. 3
From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy)
Options (2007)X (6 dB more output), M (stereo-matched pair), G (chrome grille for the R44CNE), HP (switchable high-pass filter), U (custom graphics), F (custom flag)p. 2

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Audio Engineering Associates, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on aearibbonmics.comRecording Hacks

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