AEA Ribbon Mics Inc is an American audio equipment manufacturing company that manufactures ribbon microphones, professional audio electronics, and accessories based in Pasadena, California. AEA (Audio Engineering Associates) was established by Wes Dooley in 1965 as a record label.[1][2] Starting in 1976, AEA began repairing and servicing RCA 44BX ribbon microphones.[3][4] AEA microphone models include R44, R84, R92, R88, N8, N13, N22, KU5a, and KU4.[5] Electronics include TDI active direct box, TRP3 preamp, RPQ3 preamp, TRP500 and RPQ500.[6] AEA's electronics are designed by circuit designer Fred Forssell.[7] AEA services and repairs vintage ribbon microphones, Coles microphones, and vintage microphone accessories. They have been servicing RCA ribbons since the 70s and have many spare parts in stock and available for purchase.[8]

The R44 is a re-creation of the RCA 44BX and is well accepted by professional audio engineers as a replacement for the classic version.[9]

Awards and recognition

edit

AEA R44C received NAMM TECnology Hall of Fame Award in 2017.[3]

AEA was a finalist of the 39th Annual TEC Awards.[10]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Wes Dooley: An Audio Pioneer with a Strong Connection to History - Broadcast Beat". broadcastbeat. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  2. ^ "Wes Dooley: Behind the Gear". tapeop.com. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  3. ^ a b "The NAMM Foundation Announces Eight TECnology Hall of Fame Inductees | NAMM.org". www.namm.org. 2016-12-14. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  4. ^ Silverstein, David (2017-05-18). "The story of the man behind the RCA 44 and 77 ribbon microphones". Audio Hertz. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  5. ^ "The Importance Of Being Loud: Ohma is here to change the microphone as you know it". MusicTech. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  6. ^ "AEA Ribbon Mics & Preamps | Home". AEA Ribbon Mics & Preamps. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  7. ^ "November 2023: AEA TRP3 and RPQ3". Recording Magazine. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  8. ^ "Support". AEA Ribbon Mics & Preamps. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  9. ^ Murphy, Shawn (1999-04-01). "Audio Engineering Assoc. R44C: RCA RIBBON MICROPHONE RE-CREATION". Mixonline. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  10. ^ International, Audio Media (2023-10-13). "NAMM announces finalists of 39th Annual TEC Awards". Audio Media International.
edit