Recalling the vintage sound of the RCA 44BX with the advantage of modern components, the 44-CX 25LE from AEA Ribbon Mics is a professional ribbon mic for studio recording. With its custom Cinemag inductor-transformer combo and three-position HPF switch, you can experience decades of celebrated performance in one mic.

The classic bidirectional ribbon capsule offers smooth highs, warm lows, and a generally full, rich sound. With the three-position toggle switch, you also get further coloration options that go from the classic 44 sound to an aggressive high-pass filter. The premium build quality evokes the look of the original, down to an aged grille, along with a durable investment-cast bronze yoke and satin nickel finish. Furthermore, the gold-plated Neutrik XLR connector ensures long life and optimal conductivity. The 44-CX 25LE includes a fixed vintage-style brown XLR cable, a zipper mic pouch, and a hard case.

For Professional Studio Recording    Reproduction of RCA 44BX    3-Position High-Pass Filter Switch    Custom Cinemag Inductor-Transformer    Improved 1:32 Transformer    Smooth Highs and Warm Lows    Bidirectional Polar Pattern    Cast Bronze Yoke, Satin Nickel Finish    Gold-Plated Neutrik XLR Connector    Includes Hard Case and Mic Pouch

Much like the original 44BX, the 44-CX 25LE features an umber gray case and brushed satin nickel-plated finish, custom meatball logo badge in original RCA font, and brown cabling. Look closely, and you might even spot a color difference in the grille silk, which is slightly more muted to emulate an aged mic.

The most exciting feature of the 25LE is the three-position circuit jumper switch at its base. Historically, many broadcasters and musicians alike modded their BXs with similar switches, eliminating the need to open the case for adjustments. By switching the toggle on the bottom of the 25LE, you can choose between:

• M: also known as Music, this setting bypasses the inductor entirely
• V1: a slight high-pass filter, best for taming more distant or midrange vocals
• V2: a more aggressive high-pass filter, ideal for close miking, deeper vocals, or sound coloration

Inspired by old RCA schematics of the 44BX’s reactor (now commonly referred to as an inductor), AEA's team collaborated closely with Cinemag Transformers to develop the best-sounding inductor-transformer combination. The 25LE model features a 1:32 transformer (rather than AEA's standard 1:28), paired with an inductor that is connected to the secondary of the transformer in various configurations (the three HPF switch positions).

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. What is the difference between the Curve Breathe and the Blackline 1, aside from the extra lug in the Curve anniversary pkg?

A: The BlackRapid Curve Breathe has breathable round cut-outs in the shoulder pad and a narrower strap for a person with a slim build. The Blackline 1 has lightweight materials for superior breathability, with a patented should pad with has slanted cut-outs in the padding and a mesh covering for increased comfort.

Q: 2. Does it have 48v per output so 48v for 1 and 2

A: +48v phantom power per input.

Q: 3. Is the case for the regular L398A real leather?

A: The case included with Sekonic L-398A Studio Deluxe III Light Meter is made of synthetic leather.

Q: 4. To use a DSLR, do you need the Celestron SLR adapter and a T-ring or something more?

A: The Sky-Watcher SkyMax 127 Virtuoso GTi Telescope cannot take the weight of a DSLR camera.

Q: 5. Does this strap have a safety that connects to the built in hooks on cameras or is it only used with the screw connection?

A: The BlackRapid Curve Breathe Bundle (Special 50th Anniversary Edition) does not have a safety tether. You would need the BlackRapid Camera Safety Tether II.

Q: 6. Does it work with iPads?

A: No, this is compatible with Windows and Mac OS only.

Q: 7. Does the curve breathe come with the BlackRapid Camera Safety TetheR kit?

A: The Camera Safety TetheR Kit is no longer made by Black Rapid.

Q: 8. I have read the manual and Sekonic says that this meter must be kept away from floppy disks and similar materials. Does this include SD cards? If so, how would one do so.?

A: Floppy disks and SD cards use totally different technologies to record data. SD cards, USB sticks, and SSD's are NOT affected by magnets like floppy disks. You can safely store SD cards around the meter.

Q: 9. Is there any way to fit a water bottle in this bag?

A: Cinebags offers the following water bottle holder for the CB25 backpack. The CB04 water bottle pouch would attach to the backpack belt. CineBags CB-04 Bottle Holder Pouch BH #CICB04

Q: 10. Can the scope fit on a tripod and what camera would be usable with the scope?

A: The Sky-Watcher SkyMax 127 Virtuoso GTi Telescope (25th Anniversary Edition), BH # SKS21225, is adaptable to standard photographic tripods. Use this adapter to attach a DSLR: Celestron SLR (35mm OR Digital) Camera Adapter (B&H # CETA1.250) The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens (Black), B&H # CAEDRSL3BK, would work with the above tripod and adapter. https://bhpho.to/3YD73BW .