• 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.
• Active A440 upgrade has 18dB level increase and is optimized for all preamps
• Made in the U.S.A.
The active A440 is a preamp-flexible R44 with 18dB of extra output. It is custom-painted with the RCA classic umber-colored transformer case.
The active A440 is an ultra-premium version of the R44C. It is complete with a custom Lehle transformer, RPQ JFET preamp electronics and the “X” motor hotrod and is the quietest ribbon microphone ever manufactured. It retains the same sonic character of the passive R44C, but with an additional 18dB of output and greater flexibility with different preamps.
Many engineers favor their A440s over their vintage RCA 44s due to the advantages in noise performance.
Yes, There’s a Matching PreampThe preamp is critical for optimum performance for our passive R44 models. Preamp gain should be at least +60dB or higher and it should have a very high impedance. It’s the same requirement with all passive ribbon mics.
To guarantee consistent, full-range ribbon sound, we recommend AEA’s RPQ2, RPQ500 and TRP2 preamps, which were specially designed for ribbon microphones. However, preamps with above a 5K ohm 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.
• Operating Principle: Pressure gradient transducer
• Directional Pattern: Bidirectional
• Frequency Range: <20 Hz to >20 kHz
• Polarity: Pin 2 high for positive pressure on front of microphone
• Polar Response: Native bidirectional, figure-of-8 pattern
• Horizontal: Up to 90 dB rejection at right angles to the front/back axis.
• Vertical: Level changes with angle of incidence, but frequency response is consistent.
• Transducer Element Material Thickness: 1.8 μm
• Width: 0.185 in (4.7 mm)
• Length: 2.35 in (59.7 mm)
Microphone Dimensions
• Height: 12.25 in (31.5 cm)
• Width: 4.62 in (11.7 cm)
• Depth: 3.25 in (8.3 cm)
• Weight with cable: 7 lb 9oz (3.43 kg)
• Connector: XLR-3M
• Maximum SPL: 136+ dB SPL (1% third harmonic > 1 kHz)
• Sensitivity: 30 mV/Pa (-33.5 dBV) into unloaded circuit
• Output Impedance: 92 Ω Broadband
Recommended Load
• Impedance: 1.0 k Ω or greater
• Phantom Power: P48 phantom power, 7 mA
