recordinghacks

BidirectionalAEA A440

  Street: $5,220 / 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.

A440 internals and ribbon motorFeatures 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

MIX

[T]he proximity effect is greatly magnified with the A440 — the closer you get, the more the bottom end blooms… When placed about a foot in front of the f-hole on an upright bass, the AEA proved to be one of the best mics I’ve ever heard in this application… When used 12 inches outside of a kick drum with a pop filter in front to protect the engine, the A440 sounded great paired with a Beyerdynamic M88 on the inside of the drum. It had the effect of a sledgehammer to the chest that would please any engineer…

It didn’t take much effort to fall in love with the AEA A440, but like all good relationships, you’ve got to work at it. Placement is more critical with this mic than any other ribbon I’ve used… The A440 is pricey, but well worth it if you’re looking for a unique-sounding niche microphone that can reliably take on more than 130 dB of SPL and deliver plenty of bottom end.

Permalink: AEA A440

The mic was released in 2008.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Bidirectional (30 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Ribbon Construction Impedance SPL/Noise
1.8µ aluminum ribbon, 4.7 x 59.7mm n/a Max SPL: 132 dB
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
3180g (112.17oz) 31mm (1.22'') 12mm (0.47'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires phantom power
  • Phantom voltage: 48v

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