What are ribbon mics best used for?
Ribbon microphones are the most natural mics that you can use to capture the sound of an instrument, a voice, and even the ambience of a room. Due to their figure-of-8 polar pattern, massive low-end pick-up, and natural high-frequency roll-off, ribbons really hear more like your ears than any other mic out there.
How fragile are ribbon mics?
People often correlate the ultra-thin ribbon element with a higher risk of tearing and breaking. Though ribbon mics may not be able to withstand as much abuse as dynamics, they are still some of the most durable mics out there.
What is the one thing you do not do with a ribbon microphone?
Don’t use a ribbon microphone near an AC transformer or motor. All microphones that utilize magnets (as ribbons do) are somewhat susceptible to induced magnetic radiation, especially from alternating magnetic fields such as those found in motors, transformers and video monitors.
When was the RCA 44 and 77 ribbon microphones made?
It was rumored to have been in development as early as 1929 but wasn’t officially announced until 1932. The first 77 model was the rarest of all RCA microphones and featured two ribbons and an “acoustic labyrinth” which allowed it to be uni-directional. The 44A was a smaller and lower priced version of the 77A.
What’s the difference between the RCA 44B and BX?
The look of the microphone might even be more legendary than the actual performance. The 44B/BX were both a slightly larger version of the 44A. The BX has the ribbon mounted further towards the back giving it a smaller figure 8 pickup pattern on the rear side.
Are there different types of AEA R44 microphones?
The R44 series microphones are all detailed, hand-crafted replicas, using parts that are made to be interchangeable with an original RCA 44. We manufacture three different versions of the R44 and an optional hotrod. At the core, every version of the R44 sounds the same when powered with a ribbon preamp.
Who was the inventor of the RCA 44?
Harry F. Olson is most likely an unfamiliar name, but I’m sure you’ve heard of one of the 100 plus inventions Olson has patented. His patents include the cardioid microphone, sound absorbers, and the first programmable music synthesizer. He was directly responsible for the RCA 44 and RCA 77 ribbon microphones.