Differences in sound, RCA 44A/B/BX?

dingo 🎙️ · 30th March 2005

What's the difference, sonically, between the RCA 44A, B and BX? I see from the tech sheets that the B and BX should have a slightly greater low-end extension than the A, but that aside do they sound about the same? And what real difference is there between the B and BX, greater sensitivity?

littlesicily · 20th February 2014

bump... would like to know

emrr · 20th February 2014

The A's have less top extension. The RCA preamps from that era have a complimentary treble boost, and then later service notes detail taking the boost back out once the B mics arrived.

littlesicily · 21st February 2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by emrr ➡️

The A's have less top extension. The RCA preamps from that era have a complimentary treble boost, and then later service notes detail taking the boost back out once the B mics arrived.

Thank you, Doug. You're always a great source of information.

zulusound · 9th March 2016

bump. Test driving an 44A at the moment, any other info would be appreciated!

Kumbari · 25th September 2017

SO how did the test drive of the RCA 44A go?

zulusound · 25th September 2017

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kumbari ➡️

SO how did the test drive of the RCA 44A go?

I much preferred the 44DX, much more low-end extension. I can post examples if you like. The 44A was no slouch though. I'm sure they all sound a little different.

Kumbari · 30th October 2017

Please do.

iangomes · 30th October 2017

Quote:

Originally Posted by zulusound ➡️

I much preferred the 44DX, much more low-end extension. I can post examples if you like. The 44A was no slouch though. I'm sure they all sound a little different.

44dx?

zulusound · 30th October 2017

Quote:

Originally Posted by iangomes ➡️

44dx?

44BX. Thank you for spotting my typo.

chet.d · 31st October 2017

Quote:

Originally Posted by zulusound ➡️

I much preferred the 44DX, much more low-end extension. I can post examples if you like. The 44A was no slouch though. I'm sure they all sound a little different.

I was at Gentleman Clarence Kanes place just yesterday. He showed me his 44A and I was also curious about the sonic difference to the later models. It would be interesting to hear a comparison.
My wife and I enjoyed spending time with he and his wife. Lost all control and bought his personal BK5 complete with a green crown royal bag he had.

zulusound · 31st October 2017

OK, here are the 44A and 44BX single mic files. The BX is obviously more extended in frequency.

chet.d · 1st November 2017

Significant low extension on the dx for sure.
I guess tough to say how much each was serviced, re-ribboned etc. Factors to consider of course.
Thanks for posting.

Tomdavids · 1st November 2017

the new iphone 7 actually sounds better than all 3.

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