Celebrating 25 Years of the R44C
In 1998, AEA released its first museum-quality reproduction of the iconic RCA 44. Now, in 2023, we honor our continued legacy with a limited edition homage to the RCA 44BX: the 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.
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)
• 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
• Operating Principle: Pressure gradient transducer
• Directional Pattern: Native bidirectional, figure-of-8 pattern
• Frequency Range: <20 Hz to >20 KHz
• Sensitivity: Output: 5.54 mV/Pa (-45.1dBV) into loaded circuit
• Impedance: 330Ω broadband
• Phantom Power: Not required or recommended
• Polarity: Pin 2 high for positive pressure on front of mic
Microphone Dimensions
• Height: 12.25 in (31.1 cm)
• Width: 4.62 in (11.7 cm)
• Depth: 3.25 in (8.3 cm)
• Weight with cable: 7.9 lb (3.43 kg)
• Connector: Gold plated Neutrik XLR-3M wired to a 10’ (3 m) captive Canare Star Quad cable.
