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Cloud 44-A is an active ribbon microphone with switchable Voice and Music response curves, built in the United States and designed to reawaken the character of the classic RCA Type 44 for current work. It is the only active ribbon microphone offering a switchable response of this kind, and it ships with a shock mount.
A 1930s ribbon voice with a switch that decides whether it is for talking or playing.
Proximity effect is the reason ribbon microphones are difficult on close voice work. Get within a few inches of a figure-8 ribbon and the low end builds enormously. The 44-A addresses that with a Voice setting that reduces bass proximity buildup directly at the capsule, along with rumble and vibration, so the microphone stays usable at broadcast distance.
Switch to the Music setting and full bass response returns at close proximity, which is what you want on brass, guitar cabinets, strings and drum room duty. That single switch is why the 44-A turns up in radio stations and universities as readily as in tracking rooms. It carries a two year ribbon warranty and a limited lifetime warranty on all other parts.
At a Glance
| Brand | Cloud Microphones |
|---|---|
| Model | 44-A |
| Type | Active ribbon microphone |
| Polar pattern | Figure 8 |
| Response modes | Switchable Voice and Music |
| Included | Shock mount |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Warranty | Two year ribbon, limited lifetime on all other parts |
What Do the Voice and Music Settings Do?
Voice reduces the bass proximity effect that builds up when a source is close to a figure-8 ribbon, and also cuts rumble and vibration. Music restores full bass response at close proximity. Voice suits broadcast and spoken word, Music suits instruments and room work.
What Does Active Mean on a Ribbon Microphone?
An active ribbon includes its own powered electronics, so it delivers a much stronger output than a passive ribbon and drives ordinary preamps without needing an external gain stage. It requires 48V phantom power to operate.
Who Uses the 44-A?
Radio stations and podcast studios for the Voice setting, and recording studios and universities for the Music setting on brass, guitar cabinets, strings and drum rooms.
Why Cloud Microphones
Cloud Microphones builds in Tucson, Arizona. The company grew out of Stephen Sank's restoration work on original RCA ribbon microphones and Rodger Cloud's engineering, and it holds the patent on the discrete JFET circuit that every Cloudlifter uses. The Cloudlifter created the mic activator category outright and remains the reference product in it. Ribbon elements are cut, corrugated and installed by hand, and the whole line is manufactured in the United States.