Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $6,677
High-end/Boutique
$499
$1500+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "AEA A440 Active Ribbon Microphone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Dive into the sonic richness of the AEA A440 Active Ribbon Microphone, a masterpiece that harmoniously blends vintage charm with contemporary prowess. This microphone stands out not just as a tool but as a bridge to the golden era of sound recording, bringing the legendary qualities of the classic RCA 44 into the modern studio. It's not merely about capturing sound; it's about reliving the warmth and beauty of recordings from a bygone era, now powered with a robust, phantom-powered signal compatible with today's preamps. The A440 is distinguished by its whisper-quiet operation, making it arguably the quietest ribbon microphone ever produced. Its soul lies in its ability to reproduce sound with an extraordinarily natural ribbon response, ensuring what you hear is what you get, uncolored and pure.
The AEA A440 is a testament to the innovation that exists at the intersection of tradition and technology, offering an unparalleled fidelity that respects the past while embracing the future. Its design is a nod to the meticulous craftsmanship and sound engineering that have become hallmarks of AEA, ensuring that each microphone is not just an instrument but a piece of art. Whether you're recording vocals, strings, brass, or even the subtle nuances of an acoustic guitar, the A440 promises a performance that is as impressive as its lineage.
Key Features:
- Extraordinarily low self-noise, making it one of the quietest ribbon mics available
- True to the "Big Ribbon" sound with modern phantom power capabilities
- High SPL handling capacity of 132dB, perfect for a wide range of instruments and vocals
- Figure-8 polar pattern that captures rich, dimensional sound
- Handcrafted with authentic RCA New Old Stock ribbon material
- Uses JFET active electronics in the tradition of AEA’s TRP preamps
- Manufactured in the USA, ensuring unparalleled quality and craftsmanship
- Includes accessories like a vertical storage case and a captive 10-foot output cable with XLR-3M connector
Product specs
| Microphone Type | Ribbon |
| Ribbon Type | 1.8-micron Aluminum (4.7mm x 59.7mm) |
| Polar Pattern | Figure-8 |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 132.5dB |
| Output Impedance | 270 ohms |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 88dB (A weighted) |
| Self Noise | 6dB |
| Connector | XLR |
| Weight | 7.56 lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Stand Adapter, Case |
FAQs
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What makes the AEA A440 Active Ribbon Microphone unique compared to other ribbon mics?
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The AEA A440 is an active ribbon microphone that features internal electronics for more gain and a better signal-to-noise ratio, providing consistent impedance regardless of the preamp used. This makes it versatile and easier to integrate into modern recording setups.
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Does the AEA A440 Active Ribbon Microphone require phantom power?
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Yes, the AEA A440 requires phantom power to operate, which is safe for this active ribbon mic and ensures optimal performance.
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What is the polar pattern of the AEA A440 Active Ribbon Microphone?
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The AEA A440 has a figure-8 polar pattern, meaning it captures sound equally from the front and back while rejecting noise from the sides, ideal for recording in controlled studio environments.
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How would you describe the sound characteristics of the AEA A440 Active Ribbon Microphone?
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The AEA A440 offers a natural and smooth sound with a full frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz, making it excellent for capturing detailed and warm audio without the harshness sometimes found in digital recordings.
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Is the AEA A440 suitable for recording vocals and instruments?
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Yes, the AEA A440 is highly versatile and suitable for both vocals and instruments, providing a rich and natural sound that enhances the quality of recordings across various applications.
Videos
Front End Audio
AEA A440 Ribbon Microphone @ FrontEndAudio.com
Reviews
PROS
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Warm, silky smooth sound without harshness
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Exceptional detail capture for vocals and instruments
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Durable build quality, designed to last a lifetime
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Aesthetic design with umber, brass, and cloth cord
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Handles EQ adjustments naturally and effectively
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Versatile use across vocals, acoustic guitar, and drums
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Superior sound quality, even in less ideal rooms
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Effective figure-8 pattern for selective sound capture
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Recommended by professionals for its musicality
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Made in the USA with a 3-year warranty
CONS
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High price point may be prohibitive for some
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Comparative bulkiness and weight
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Desirable wood case not included
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about AEA A440 Active Ribbon Microphone.
Features and functionality
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The AEA A440's active design incorporates a buffer circuit and a Lehe transformer, providing 18dB more sensitivity than its passive counterpart, the R44.
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The AEA KU4, modeled after the RCA KU3, is the only cardioid ribbon AEA makes, noted for its large size and suitability for vocal recording.
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Comparisons
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Active ribbons like the A440 are more versatile, working with a wider range of preamps compared to passive models that require high-gain, high-impedance preamps for optimal performance.
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The R84/A840 is AEA's version of the RCA 77, with the A840 featuring active circuitry, recommended for mono overheads and classy vocal or horn recordings.
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Mods and upgrades
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Some users recommend CineMag CM-9888 transformers for DIY ribbon mics due to their 1:28 turn ratio, enhancing performance similar to professional-grade microphones.
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Use cases and applications
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The A440 is noted for its superior signal-to-noise ratio, making it suitable for studio environments where pristine audio capture is critical.
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The AEA R92 is praised for its windscreen, making it ideal for close-micing drums and bass amps without damaging the ribbon element.
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The AEA KU4 is highly recommended for vocals, particularly when feedback is a concern, due to its unique cardioid pattern in ribbon mics.
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User experience
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Active ribbon microphones, such as the AEA A440, are praised for allowing users to explore more diverse preamp options without sacrificing audio quality.
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The R88 is highlighted as the largest AEA microphone, excellent for stereo overheads or guitar amps in mid-side configuration, evoking the look of a Star Wars torture droid.
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Critic Reviews
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Artist usage
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Based on how musicians on Equipboard use AEA A440 Active Ribbon Microphone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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