Founded in 1919 as the Radio Corporation of America, RCA is one of the most historically significant names in audio technology. Based in New York City and Camden, New Jersey, the company pioneered ribbon microphone design under engineer Dr. Harry F. Olson, releasing the legendary RCA 44 in 1931 and the versatile RCA 77-DX in 1954. The 44 series — particularly the 44-BX — became the standard for broadcasting and recording studios throughout the mid-20th century, prized for its warm, full-bodied sound and figure-eight polar pattern. The 77-DX offered switchable pickup patterns from omnidirectional to cardioid to figure-eight, making it a favorite for both broadcast and vocal recording. Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash all recorded with RCA ribbon microphones, and broadcasters like Edward R. Murrow and Larry King made the 77-DX an iconic visual symbol of American radio and television.

Beyond microphones, RCA shaped the broader audio landscape by acquiring the Victor Talking Machine Company in 1929, introducing the 45-rpm vinyl record format, and developing the ubiquitous RCA connector (phono plug) that remains standard on audio equipment worldwide. The company also operated RCA Records, one of the major record labels, and ran RCA Studio B in Nashville, a landmark recording facility. RCA ceased microphone production around 1973, and the corporation was acquired by General Electric in 1986, after which most divisions were sold off. The RCA brand name lives on as a licensed trademark, and original RCA 44 and 77-DX microphones remain highly sought after by studios and collectors. The RCA 44 was inducted into the TECnology Hall of Fame in 2005.

RCA has 31 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Ribbon Microphones, Instrument Cables, and Guitar Amplifier Heads. Their gear is featured by 70 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Pop, and Folk, World, & Country. Notable users include Jack White, Neil Young, and Elvis Presley. RCA's catalog spans the full price spectrum — from entry-level options to high-end flagships.