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Average Price: $3,300

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$499

$1500+

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Description

Step into the realm of legendary sound with the RCA Type 44-BX, a ribbon microphone that has etched its name in the annals of broadcast and recording history. Its iconic status is complemented by a high-fidelity bi-directional design, capturing the essence of music with unparalleled clarity. The 44-BX boasts a corrugated aluminum ribbon so fine, it whispers the subtleties of sound into your recordings, making it a revered choice among audio professionals and enthusiasts alike. This microphone doesn't just capture sound; it breathes life into your music, ensuring every note and nuance is preserved in its truest form.

Key Features:

  • High-fidelity bi-directional ribbon microphone, perfect for music recording and broadcast
  • Features a 2" long, 1.8 microns thick corrugated aluminum ribbon
  • Flat frequency response from 50Hz - 15kHz at a 3-foot distance, with a steep high-frequency rolloff
  • Includes jumpers for two high-pass filter positions (V1, V2) for versatility in voice recording
  • Iconic status and design, remaining a staple in studios worldwide since its production years (1932 - 1955)

Product specs

Brand RCA
Model 44-BX Ribbon Microphone
Finish Umber Gray
Year 1940s
Made In United States
Categories Microphones

FAQs

What is the primary application of the RCA Type 44-BX ribbon microphone?

The RCA Type 44-BX is primarily used for studio recording, particularly excelling in capturing vocals and orchestral instruments due to its smooth, natural sound and figure-8 polar pattern.

How does the RCA 44-BX handle sound from different directions?

The RCA 44-BX features a bi-directional (figure-8) polar pattern, capturing sound equally from the front and back while rejecting noise from the sides, making it ideal for studio environments with controlled acoustics.

What is the frequency response range of the RCA Type 44-BX?

The RCA Type 44-BX has a frequency response range from 50 Hz to 15 kHz, offering a warm and smooth sound ideal for a variety of recording applications.

Is the RCA Type 44-BX suitable for modern recording setups?

While the RCA Type 44-BX is a vintage microphone, it remains highly sought after for its unique sound quality. It can be integrated into modern setups with appropriate preamps and impedance matching transformers.

What makes the RCA Type 44-BX unique compared to other ribbon microphones?

The RCA Type 44-BX is renowned for its historical significance and unique sound character, featuring a smooth, natural response that has been favored in classic recordings, making it a prized piece for vintage microphone collectors and enthusiasts.

Cole Picks Vintage

Cole Picks Vintage

RCA Ribbon Microphone Shootout - RCA 44-BX, RCA 77-DX, RCA 74-B

Video thumbnail for RCA Ribbon Microphone Shootout - RCA 44-BX, RCA 77-DX, RCA 74-B by Cole Picks Vintage

RCA Ribbon Microphone Shootout - RCA 44-BX, RCA 77-DX, RCA 74-B

Cole Picks Vintage

Cole Picks Vintage

Video thumbnail for Around The Shop: RCA 44-BX by Vintage King

Around The Shop: RCA 44-BX

Vintage King

Vintage King

Video thumbnail for The RCA 44 | My Favorite Studio Microphone and How I got a killer deal by Matt McQueen

The RCA 44 | My Favorite Studio Microphone and How I got a killer deal

Matt McQueen

Matt McQueen

Video thumbnail for The RCA KB-2A Vs. RCA 44-BX Ribbon Microphones by Cole Picks Vintage

The RCA KB-2A Vs. RCA 44-BX Ribbon Microphones

Cole Picks Vintage

Cole Picks Vintage

Reviews

PROS

  • Unmatched natural, smooth detail and ambient sound

  • Exceptional with a good preamp, especially tube preamps or Cloud Lifter

  • Versatile across applications; great for room ambience

  • Favored for its performance on vocals and drums

  • Maintains relevance 80+ years after introduction

  • Offers a darker sound with a great bottom end compared to competitors

  • Ideal for mid-side recordings with a dynamic or condenser mic

CONS

  • Requires a high-quality preamp with clean gain for full potential

  • Repair technicians necessary for maintenance, given its age

  • Not readily available; discontinued with only pricey reproductions existing

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about RCA Type 44-BX.

Setup and maintenance

  • RCA 44-BX models have varying terminal boards and output impedances; the MI-4027-D variant has a 50/250 ohm configuration for positive and negative connections.

    Source
  • Proper grounding is crucial; the cable shield should connect to the terminal board screws, and the correct screw size is approximately #6, about 1/4" deep.

    Source
  • Ribbon microphones like the RCA 44-BX should be stored upright to prevent ribbon sag, but can be used horizontally if not left for extended periods.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The RCA 44-BX has a bass roll-off jumper with settings for music (M) and two voice options (V1 and V2), affecting bass response.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • An on-off-on SPDT switch can replace the bass roll-off jumper, allowing easy switching among M/V1/V2 settings without modifying the mic's original cover.

    Source
  • The RCA 44-BX can be modified with a transformer upgrade using brands like Lundahl or Cinemag, enhancing frequency balance without drastically changing tonality.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight the mic's vulnerability to RFI, suggesting rotating it to minimize hum in environments with high electromagnetic interference.

    Source
  • Owners have reported memorable experiences, such as drummers being impressed by the pure sound when used as a front-of-kit mic with slight 1176 compression.

    Source
  • Users note that ribbon microphones, such as the RCA 44-BX, are more serviceable than condenser mics, making them a stable investment despite their perceived fragility.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Renowned for capturing smooth, natural vocals and instrumental transients, the RCA 44-BX excels with modified ADM preamps for a detailed, euphonic sound.

    Source
  • The RCA 44-BX is highlighted for its character and vibe, making it a popular choice for drums and vocals in various recording settings.

    Source

Build quality

  • Described as a "tank," the RCA 44-BX is notably heavy and requires a robust stand to support its substantial weight.

    Source

Comparisons

  • When compared to other ribbons, the RCA 44-BX is praised for its creamy tone and solid bass, standing out among other classic ribbon mics like the Varacoustic and BK-11A.

    Source
  • Compared to Coles lip microphones, the RCA 44-BX is less fragile, as Coles are regularly used in high-impact environments like European sports broadcasts without issue.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
kickingsaturday

Yep one of the best vocals naturally natural

Your voice is your voice my singers for get about vocal reverb in a room chamber or overtones yep the best room mic ever if it is working repair technicians will be your key to a happy room

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Josh Homme uses RCA Type 44-BX

Josh Homme

Guitarist

Kyuss

...
Verified via AudioTechnology

Used for vocals on Villains, as stated by co-producer and engineer Mark Rankin in this October 26, 2017 AudioTechnology interview.

When it came time to record Homme’s final vocals, Rankin said there were three different schools of thought: “One was the upfront, clean condenser — a Sanken CU51; a ribbon for a bit of character — an RCA 44; and sometimes an old dynamic like an Electro-Voice. The Sanken has two capsules. United had one and it was insanely good; I wanted to use it for everything. The RCA44 ribbon also sounded fantastic. United have copies that have been there since they bought them new, and they’re really well looked after. Sometimes we’d use an Electro-Voice dynamic, purposely trying to get a harder, harsh sound.”

He would put either an Eventide 910 or 949 Harmonizer in the chain. “It’s a favourite,” said Rankin. “A little bit of delay and a little bit of pitch gives that really good fake room sound.” That balance between dryness and space was pretty critical. “A lot of times we’re letting the low end of the drums or the bass be the big thing and keeping guitars small. We’d have a the 949 on the vocal a lot, and then the guitars will be out wide. If we got to the point where it felt like we needed some space, we would just send something out into the room at United and record the room. It’s like the Ocean Way plug-in on UAD. Because the rooms sounds so good, you’ll fire something out on the PA, record it back on the ambient mics and all of a sudden it works.”

See how Mac DeMarco uses RCA Type 44-BX

Mac DeMarco

Singer, Guitarist

Mac DeMarco

...
Verified via YouTube

At 4:30 he shows the mic and says it's a 44B but the 44Bs were black so I suppose it's a 44BX because they were finished in umber grey. They are more or less the same mics anyway.

See how Elvis Presley uses RCA Type 44-BX

Elvis Presley

Guitarist, Singer

The Blue Moon Boys

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture Presley is using a RCA Type 44-BX.

See how Dominic Howard uses RCA Type 44-BX

Dominic Howard

Drummer, Music Producer

Muse

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Mix engineer Tommaso Colliva on recording Drones : "We had a few mono room mics, like the Neumann U47, an amazing RCA 44, and a couple of PZMs that we moved around."

See how Justin Meldal-Johnsen uses RCA Type 44-BX

Justin Meldal-Johnsen

Bassist, Music Producer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Vintage King Blog

Studio 1 is a bit different though. It has this bizarre little chamber room hidden behind a wall panel right off the control room. Once you crack it open, you’ve got this small chamber shaped like a long rectangle which sounds pretty radical. I put a drummer in there once with a weird little partial kit. If memory serves, I believe that person was pretty bummed to be in there because it’s super smelly, dank, and claustrophobic. I got a good sound though. One mic, an RCA 44.

See how Bill Wyman uses RCA Type 44-BX

Bill Wyman

Bassist

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via ProSoundWeb

Used for "Brown Sugar", as stated by mix engineer Jimmy Johnson in this September 21, 2018 ProSoundWeb interview.

(...) Did you have a mic on the bass amp?

Yes, the bass guitar mic was an RCA 44. We didn’t have direct back in those days.

See how Daniel Lanois uses RCA Type 44-BX

Daniel Lanois

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Mixonline

(This article)[https://www.mixonline.com/recording/daniel-lanois-shines-alone-365055], describing Lanois' studio setup. "For microphones, he’s fairly set in his ways: He says he hasn’t seen any improvement in the technology over the years. He listed these time-tested models as favorites: Sony C37A, Neumann U47 and U48, RCA 77 and 44 ribbons, and the more modern Sony 800-T. He also likes dynamic mics such as the Shure Beta 57 and 58, and the Sennheiser 409 and 421"

See how Nathan Followill uses RCA Type 44-BX

Nathan Followill

Drummer

Kings of Leon

...
Verified via Photo

Used on as a room mic for some of Only by the Night, particularly on "Sex on Fire", as stated by producer Jacques King in this December 2008 Sound on Sound interview.

"The microphones on the drums changed a lot from song to song. On the kick it could be a Beta 52, sometimes it was an RE20, or a [Sennheiser] 421, or a [Neumann] FET 47, or an NS10 [i.e. the driver from a Yamaha NS10 monitor used as a mic], or a combination. It depends on what I was trying to achieve. The mics were usually in front of the kick, or just barely inside. On one song, 'Crawl', I did put a U87 on the batter side of the kick, next to the pedal, which gives a very attack-orientated sound, with a Led Zeppelin-ish quality. On 'Sex On Fire' I used the 52, FET 47 and NS10 on the kick. I had all the kick mics on a Neve BCM10 sidecar and I'd submix them and run them through a GML EQ and then to one track on the tape. I didn't want to keep them separate. It was a matter of get the sound, make the decision, and move on.

"The snare was recorded in similar fashion to the kick. I had the option of various mics that all went through a BCM10 and were submixed, through a GML 580 EQ, then a [Empirical Labs] Distressor, just to give it some control and make sure the snare hit the tape at the right level. On the track sheet a transformerless Shure SM57 is indicated. It was something I read about a couple of years ago, and it's a really good thing. It gives a nicer, more transparent, usable sound that requires less EQ. You lose a bit of level, but typically the things that you record with a 57 are so loud anyway that it doesn't matter. So I asked the people at Blackbird to take the transformer out of one of their 57s and they were gracious enough to do this. After recording I also ran the snare and kick through an Eventide DSP4000 on a Big Muff setting, and recorded that in Pro Tools during the transfer to the computer.

"The toms were recorded with three Josephson E22S mics, which are a modern type, and they're fantastic on the toms. There were a rack of toms plus two floor toms, and I also submixed the tom mics via a BCM10 to a stereo pair, panning the toms as was appropriate for the track. The overheads were recorded with a Telefunken Elam 251 going through a Neve 1081 preamp/EQ, then an Urei 1176, and then to tape. The ride cymbal and the hi-hat were recorded with RCA77 ribbon mics, the ones that David Letterman used to have on his show. When I use a mono overhead, as I did in this case, I like using ribbons, for a good stereo spread between ride and cymbal.

"I had half a dozen mics up for the room sound: a Neumann U67, M49, AKG C12, RCA 44, and/or a Royer SF12 in the echo chamber. I'd leave the door to the echo chamber open so the sound of the drums was happening in there as well, and I'd move the room mics around to get the sound that I wanted for a particular song. I would then bus different combinations to the two room tracks, depending on the song. In the case of 'Sex On Fire' I used a U67 and an RCA 44 for Room 1, and an RCA4 4 and an SF12 for Room 2. Some of these mics went through Neve preamps, some through an old RCA tube mic that Blackbird customised. The combination of room mics was bussed through a Fairchild 670."

The ribbon microphone list for Blackbird Studios, where Only by the Night was recorded, specifies a 44-BX.

See how Frank Sinatra uses RCA Type 44-BX

Frank Sinatra

Singer

Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in this photo of Sinatra.

See how John Mellencamp uses RCA Type 44-BX

John Mellencamp

Guitarist, Singer

John Cougar and the Zone

...
Verified via John Mellencamp's Official Website

Used on No Better Than This, as stated in this August 17, 2010 Music Angle (now Analog Planet) article archived on Mellencamp's official website.

Equipped with John Mellencamp's then recently acquired vintage 1/4" reel-to-reel 1955 Ampex 601 mono tape recorder and a pair of iconic 50's era RCA ribbon microphones ( a 77 DX and 44 used singly) presumably supplied by producer T-Bone Burnett, the duo, accompanied by Mellencamp's wife Elaine, who shot the album's cover photo, hit the road during a break in last summer's Bob Dylan-John Mellencamp-Willie Nelson tour to record thirteen freshly penned songs Mr. Mellencamp had written over thirteen prolific days.

See how Pete Yorn uses RCA Type 44-BX

Pete Yorn

Guitarist, Singer

The Olms

...
Verified via Photo

In this October 9, 2012 Instagram post, Yorn shows off his RCA Type 44-BX.

See how Chet Baker uses RCA Type 44-BX

Chet Baker

Trumpeter

...
Verified via Photo

Used for vocals on Chet Baker Sings, as can be seen in this photo that became the album cover, this other photo from the same session and this alternate album cover from another session.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use RCA Type 44-BX, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Shure SM57
Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphones
2
Sennheiser MD 421-II
Sennheiser MD 421-II Dynamic Microphones
2
Eventide H949 Harmonizer
Eventide H949 Harmonizer Effects Processors
1
Neumann U67
Neumann U67 Condenser Microphones
1
Shure Beta 58A
Shure Beta 58A Dynamic Microphones
1
Sony C-37
Sony C-37 Condenser Microphones
1
Shure Beta 52A
Shure Beta 52A Dynamic Microphones
1
Shure Beta 57A
Shure Beta 57A Dynamic Microphones
1

1 alternative for RCA Type 44-BX, curated by the Equipboard community.

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