Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$4,699.00
Guitar Center
$4,699.00
Amazon
$3,715.47
Reverb
$4,499.00 New
$3,500.00 Used
Musician's Friend
$4,699.00
B&H
$4,699.00
Thomann
$5,222.00 $5,180.00 $42.00 · All time low
Vintage King
5.0 (2)
$4,699.00

Average Price: $4,488

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "AEA R44C". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Dive into the golden era of sound with the AEA R44C, a faithful revival of the iconic RCA 44BX microphone. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this microphone isn't just a piece of equipment; it's a bridge to the lush, warm tones that defined generations of music. The AEA R44C stands apart with its use of original RCA ribbon material and a BBC modification that enhances its performance while staying true to its vintage roots. Whether you're recording in a modern studio or seeking that classic sound, the R44C offers unparalleled fidelity and warmth, making it a must-have for audiophiles and professional musicians alike. Experience the blend of historical sound excellence and contemporary engineering with the AEA R44C.

Key Features:

  • An accurate reproduction of the original RCA Ribbon Mic
  • Uses the same ribbon material as the original
  • BBC modification for reduced weight and hum sensitivity
  • A single diaphragm Figure 8 ribbon microphone
  • High SPL capability, max level of 140dB plus above 200Hz
  • Custom AEA Transformer
  • Consistent polar response and high null-axis rejection
  • Operable in high humidity environments
  • Sounds equal to or better than the original RCA 44
  • Frequency Response: Below 30 Hz to above 20 kHz
  • Maximum SPL: 140 + dB SPL above 200Hz for 1% third harmonic
  • Output Sensitivity: 2.25 mV / Pa into an unloaded circuit
  • Output Impedance: 270 ohms broadband
  • Recommended Load: 1.2 K ohm or greater
  • Polarity: Pin 2 high for positive pressure on the front of the microphone
  • Connector: XLR-3M wired to a 2-meter captive cable
  • Polar Pattern: Native bi-directional pattern
  • Ribbon Thickness: 1.8 microns (0.0000018 meter) of pure aluminum
  • Accessories Included: Custom storage/shipping case, stand adapter, manual, and attached two-meter microphone cable

Owner's manual

AEA R44C User Manual

Product specs

Microphone Type Ribbon
Ribbon Type 1.8-micron Aluminum (4.7mm x 59.7mm)
Polar Pattern Figure-8
Frequency Response 30Hz-20kHz
Max SPL 140dB
Output Impedance 270 ohms
Connector XLR
Weight 7.56 lbs.
Included Accessories Stand Adapter, Case

FAQs

What is the polar pattern of the AEA R44C microphone?

The AEA R44C microphone features a figure-8 polar pattern, which captures sound equally from the front and back, making it ideal for stereo recording and capturing room ambience.

Is the AEA R44C microphone suitable for vocal recording?

Yes, the AEA R44C is renowned for its warm, natural sound and is highly suitable for vocal recording, offering a classic ribbon microphone tone that enhances vocal richness and depth.

Does the AEA R44C require phantom power?

No, the AEA R44C is a passive ribbon microphone and does not require phantom power. It is recommended to avoid using phantom power to prevent potential damage.

What is the frequency response of the AEA R44C?

The AEA R44C has a frequency response ranging from 30Hz to 20kHz, providing a broad and natural sound capture suitable for various recording applications.

How does the AEA R44C handle high sound pressure levels?

The AEA R44C can handle a maximum SPL of 140dB, making it capable of capturing loud sound sources without distortion, such as brass instruments and loud vocal performances.

What type of connector does the AEA R44C use?

The AEA R44C uses a standard XLR connector, ensuring compatibility with most professional audio interfaces and preamps.

AEA Ribbon Mics

AEA Ribbon Mics

AEA R44 - Male Voice - Listening Library

Video thumbnail for AEA R44 - Male Voice - Listening Library by AEA Ribbon Mics

AEA R44 - Male Voice - Listening Library

AEA Ribbon Mics

AEA Ribbon Mics

Video thumbnail for AEA R44 - Acoustic Guitar - Listening Library by AEA Ribbon Mics

AEA R44 - Acoustic Guitar - Listening Library

AEA Ribbon Mics

AEA Ribbon Mics

Video thumbnail for AEA R44 - Kick Drum - Listening Library by AEA Ribbon Mics

AEA R44 - Kick Drum - Listening Library

AEA Ribbon Mics

AEA Ribbon Mics

Video thumbnail for AEA R44 - Violin - Listening Library by AEA Ribbon Mics

AEA R44 - Violin - Listening Library

AEA Ribbon Mics

AEA Ribbon Mics

Reviews

Critic Reviews

AEA R44C

soundonsound.com

The AEA R44C ribbon microphone captures the essence of its vintage predecessor with a rich, warm sound that enhances vocals and string instruments beautifully. Its striking design and authentic construction make it a standout piece in any studio setup. However, its hefty price tag and weight may deter some potential buyers, as it requires sturdy stands and careful handling. While its frequency response is not perfectly flat, the unique character it adds to recordings—especially in orchestral settings—cannot be overstated. For those willing to invest, the R44C promises unparalleled audio quality and a touch of classic elegance.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul McCartney uses AEA R44C

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Hog Hill Mill Blog

the AEA R44 is listed in this blog

See how Andy Shauf uses AEA R44C

Andy Shauf

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via reddit

Andy describes his drum mic setup on a Reddit AMA:

"Well, these days I put my r44 up over the kick and run it through my daking mic pre/eq and that sounds really cool... I'm really into the simplicity of a one-mic drum kit at the moment

I'm not 100% sure what I was doing on Norm... I don't track with compression because it's too hard to play and hear what it's doing at the same time...

shure 52 on kick

sm57 on snare

I may have used a bottom snare sometimes? probably a 57 too... though sometimes d19 has worked well

421s on toms usually

for some of this record I was using an akg d19 as overhead... but it started to feel a bit harsh in my super dry studio so I switched to using an advanced audio c12 clone

Norm is all tracked on my C&C superflyer kit (actually combo of two kits). Same drums we've been touring with lately, gold/green toms from my one superflyer kit, and then the beige 20" kick from the other superflyer kit. I really like how those drums sound".

See how Benjamin Clementine uses AEA R44C

Benjamin Clementine

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used for Clementine's vocals on Gorillaz's "Hallelujah Money", as mentioned by recording engineer Stephen Sedgwick in this July 2017 Sound on Sound interview about the production of Humanz.

“On Benjamin Clementine I had an AEA R44, which is a clone of the RCA 44, because his voice has such a classic sound."

Album Usage

The AEA R44C has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use AEA R44C, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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1
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1
Apple MacBook Pro (General)
Apple MacBook Pro (General) Computers & Peripherals
1
AKG C414 XLS
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1
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