Audio Engineering Associates AEA A440, Owner'S Manual

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THE AEA A440 ACTIVE STUDIO MICROPHONE
Design Concept:
The AEA A440 is based on the model R44CX Big Ribbon™ microphone, but uses a transformer with
a higher turns ratio and adds an internal phantom powered JFET low noise buffer amplifier. These in-
crease the output level by 20 dB and reduce the self-noise, making the A440 ideally suited for the most
critical recording applications.
Features:
The A440 shares many features and sonic qualities of its non-powered cousins, but has a character of
its own. It is often described as being more “open and transparent” than any other ribbon microphone.
With a high sensitivity of -33.5 dBV/Pascal and a low output impedance of 92 Ohms, it can be used
where other ribbon mics cannot — anywhere that low-noise, high immunity to RF or EMI noise fields,
and/or long cable runs are required.
The A440 is one of the quietest mics around and is the quietest ribbon microphone. At 7 mA current
draw, it has a 9 dBA noise floor and handles 136 db SPL. A custom 9 mA version has a 6 dbA noise
floor and handles 132.5 db SPL. Such wide dynamic range is equal to the best studio condenser mics.
Specifications:
Operating Principle: Velocity microphone
 Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
 Maximum SPL: 136 dB SPL with a 1 k
Ω
load for < 1% THD
 Output Sensitivity: 30 mV (-33.5 dBV)/Pa, 1 Pa = 94 dB SPL
 Output Impedance: 92
Ω
broadband
 Recommended Load: 1 k
Ω
or greater
 Powering: P48 phantom power, 7 mA
 Polarity: Pin 2 high for positive pressure on the front of the microphone.
 Connector: XLR-3M wired to a 3 meter Accusound cable
Off Axis Response: (level changes with angle, frequency response is consistent)
 Polar Pattern: Native figure-eight bi-directional pattern
 Horizontal: Level changes with angle, frequency response is consistent, null at right angles to major
axis 90°/270°
 Vertical: Level changes with angle, reduced HF response above and below 0°/180° axis, null at
right angles to major axis 90°/270°
Transducer element
 Ribbon Thickness: 1.8 µ (0.0000018 m) of pure aluminum
 Ribbon Width: 4.7 mm
 Ribbon Length: 59.7 mm