recordinghacks

BidirectionalAEA A440

MSRP: $5,800 Bidirectional Active Ribbon Microphone

AEA A440

Description

The A440 is a phantom-powered version of AEA’s R44 “Big Ribbon” microphone.

Both mics are built around a long (nearly 60mm), thin (1.8µ), undamped, low-tension aluminum ribbon. The result is a response curve much different than what one might expect from a professional studio microphone; it is anything but flat, and the high-end attenuation is pronounced. Yet the mic is a favorite of many top engineers and recording artists who prize its unique sound.

Features and Benefits:

  • Exceptionally low self-noise of 6 dB(A)
  • Sonically faithful to the 44 series
  • Authentic RCA New Old Stock ribbon material
  • Investment cast bronze yoke and machined brass parts
  • Single-diaphragm with well-controlled, native figure-8 polar pattern
  • Consistent horizontal polar response, on and off axis
  • High null-plane sound rejection helps with difficult acoustics
  • High SPL capability: 132.5 dB with a load of 1 k Ohm
  • Hand built to order, then individually evaluated and listened to
  • Computer matched to production reference standards

From the WesDooley site:

This mic has the greatest useable dynamic range of any ribbon microphone manufactured today. The A440 is also the quietest ribbon microphone in existence.

These mics are hand-built to order in Pasadena, CA. Standard finish is Umber Gray and Silver.

The following options are available:

  • M - hand-matched stereo pairs
  • U - Custom body graphics or colors
  • F - Custom microphone flag

Permalink: AEA A440

The mic was released in 2008.

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
  • Bidirectional (20 - 20,000 Hz)
Ribbon Construction Impedance Max SPL
1.8µ aluminum ribbon, 4.7 x 59.7mm n/a 132 dB
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
n/a 31mm (1.22'') 12mm (0.47'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires Phantom Power
  • Phantom voltage: 48v

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