RCA Type 44-BX

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$3,450.00 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (2)

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using RCA Type 44-BX

5 wishlisted

8 saved

Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (9)

$3,450.00 4 available Used

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Average Price: $3,450

High-end/Boutique

$499

$1500+

Price Tier

In the Ribbon Microphones category, RCA Type 44-BX is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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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.

Videos

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Cole Picks Vintage

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

Cole Picks Vintage

Around The Shop: RCA 44-BX

Vintage King

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

Matt McQueen

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

Cole Picks Vintage

Reviews

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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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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Features and functionality

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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.
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Mods and upgrades

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

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

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Renowned for capturing smooth, natural vocals and instrumental transients, the RCA 44-BX excels with modified ADM preamps for a detailed, euphonic sound.
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The RCA 44-BX is highlighted for its character and vibe, making it a popular choice for drums and vocals in various recording settings.
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Build quality

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

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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.
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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.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star

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2 star

1 star

kickingsaturday

111

almost 6 years ago

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

Roles:

Singer Music Producer Audio Engineer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Pop