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Post by teejay on Nov 2, 2023 8:16:02 GMT -6
I've had an incredible opportunity to obtain an RCA 44A that should be in pristine condition. Should be picking it up in a few hours. There's a unique story behind the mic, how this opportunity presented itself, and how reasonable the cost to me will be. I will share more when I post a pic in the "latest gear you've acquired" thread hopefully later today.
In the mean time, I'd like to solicit some opinions here on two things:
1. Recommendations on the best resources for evaluation/servicing. In my brief research I'm finding Wes Dooley, ENAK, VK, and Stephen Sank. I'm not as much worried about cost as I am having a skilled resource and a reliable time-frame for getting it back. I don't want it gone for weeks to months, nor do I want poor communcation.
2. What preamp should I be pairing this with? I have my Coil CA-70S, but guessing I should be looking for something more specific to ribbons such as the AEA TRP. And, will it make a big difference if it is 500 or 19" racked?
Feel free to DM me directly here as well if you'd prefer. Appreciate any feedback you all can provide.
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Post by EmRR on Nov 2, 2023 9:05:13 GMT -6
There is nothing on the planet more specific to ribbons than a classic tube pre circuit like the Coil. Nothing like the high impedance match of a good transformer with 20+dB 'free' gain before the tube. 44A, lower output than the later BX. Less treble. ENAK has a younger apprentice doing all the work. I've heard some 'never again' comments. Clarence is up in his 90's, and seems to be an advisor now. Worked on my BK-11A, didn't replace the dried out shock mounts, seems like an automatic thing to do, or at least ask about when you're in there. Came back polarity reversed. our own Jon Ulrigg repair.ulrigg.com, west coast. www.bigdmc.com/restoration does incredible 'from the ground up' work in his elaborate machine shop, pretty sure he could build any classic RCA mic from scratch. Worked on my 77-D. colepicksvintage.com in/near Nashville has had a lot of recommendations lately. xaudia.com in the UK, also builds some mics from scratch. Really - from scratch, metalwork and all. |
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Post by Ward on Nov 2, 2023 9:14:26 GMT -6
You used to be able to check with Wes Dooley, he rebuilt my 1942 44 but he has retired. Send AEA an email and see what they say. It's too bad Clarence Kane is no longer able to keep up the heavy workload, but he has certainly done yeoman's service to the industry!
You can also check with Manny Nieto. Manny is rebuilding many classic ribbon mics now . . . and maybe Mark Fouxman, who is a member here?
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Post by teejay on Nov 2, 2023 10:27:55 GMT -6
Thanks, all. Appreciate the candid feedback. I want to do this once, and do it right. I also saw on Royer's site that they are doing vintage repairs as well.
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Post by ulriggribbons on Nov 2, 2023 10:29:20 GMT -6
Hello,
I had a 44a here in the shop recently, and the magnet system had lost a lot of it's mojo, meaning the magnetic field that the ribbon was sitting in was greatly reduced from what it should be. The repair person would need to have the ability to measure the field strength to know that it's an issue.
The 44BX uses a different magnet system, which I've never seen exhibit this problem.
It's possible to replace the magnet system in these microphones without major modification, but does require machining some new return paths.
In any case, something to be aware of.
Regards
Jon
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Post by andersmv on Nov 2, 2023 11:58:02 GMT -6
ENAK is fantastic, I would highly recommend Clarence and the younger guy that’s starting to take over for him (can’t remember his name). They handled my 1932 PB-90 after UPS murdered it. Wes will also do a fantastic job as well, I would give a slight edge to ENAK in this specific situation if we’re going to get nit picky. I wouldn’t hesitate to use either.
I’ve also got Coil preamps. If you search for my YouTube Coil Reviews (MillSounds, it will be in the Part 1 video), you can see/hear me running the PB-90 into the Coil 286. It sounds really cool, but so far I’ve vastly preferred running the RCA mic into my AEA TRP preamp first, and then running out of the TRP into the Coil at line level for some tube color. It all comes down to preference, but the old RCA always sounds a lot more alive and less noisy when starting with the TRP. That high impedance really helps, especially on quieter things like vocals and acoustic guitar. I have not experimented as much with drums yet.
Second favorite chain is plugging the PB-90 into a Soyuz Launcher, then into the Coil. If I’m not as concerned with the noise floor, I’ve found the Launcher/PB90 to be a really great combo. I know this isn’t “exactly” like your setup and situation, but we’re pretty damn close 😂! Hope that helps.
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Post by hadaja on Nov 2, 2023 13:40:31 GMT -6
Sank has done 2 x 44bx of mine and Xaudia did a PB90. NO problems with either, I think I also had Jon quite some time back do a ribbon mic of mine and had no issues with that process either. Lots of good people out there.
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Post by chessparov on Nov 2, 2023 14:28:27 GMT -6
Anders is my impression the Launcher adds "Assertiveness" seem pretty accurate? As you may recall, I have the Original/Non Passive model. Am dreaming of a Vintage style toned Ribbon in the future.  Thanks, Chris |
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Post by sean on Nov 2, 2023 18:40:59 GMT -6
Being in Nashville I’ve had Cole repair probably a dozen ribbons and dynamic mics and always does a great job and his turn around time is incredibly fast
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Post by andersmv on Nov 2, 2023 23:19:28 GMT -6
Anders is my impression the Launcher adds "Assertiveness" seem pretty accurate? As you may recall, I have the Original/Non Passive model. Am dreaming of a Vintage style toned Ribbon in the future. Thanks, Chris It rolls off the “bad/worthless” low end in most situations, brings out the grit and character in the mid range and opens up the top end a bit. I really love the combo on more aggressive vocal parts. If it’s calmer/quieter folk singing, I try to minimize the noise as much as I can and run the PB90 strait into the TRP. |
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Post by ironinthepath on Nov 2, 2023 23:25:55 GMT -6
I thought AEA offers this service (in addition to repairing their mics as well as Coles). Is that not still the case? (I just bought a used AEA R44CX myself, deciding whether the mic needs work --> would be terrible if I cannot go through them if something is off).
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Post by Vincent R. on Nov 3, 2023 4:09:36 GMT -6
Just be aware of AEA’s 10 week back log. Otherwise they produce all of the parts of the RCA 44, so any replacements would still have the mic looking identical.
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Post by andersmv on Nov 3, 2023 5:36:38 GMT -6
Just be aware of AEA’s 10 week back log. Otherwise they produce all of the parts of the RCA 44, so any replacements would still have the mic looking identical. He’s got a 44 “A” version, those originals are a little different internally and externally. That’s the only reason I’m giving someone like ENAK the slight edge in this specific instance. I don’t even think the head baskets are compatible, much less the magnet structure inside. If it were a later B series, I would say just go with whoever’s cheaper or faster right now. |
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Post by teejay on Nov 3, 2023 6:50:28 GMT -6
Just be aware of AEA’s 10 week back log. Otherwise they produce all of the parts of the RCA 44, so any replacements would still have the mic looking identical. AEA does offer repair service. For my mic however, they said this: "As far as the 44A goes, we do not make most parts for that mic." |
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Post by teejay on Nov 3, 2023 7:06:28 GMT -6
A knowledgeable resource provided a lot of great info in his response to me. I won't share the whole email, but thought most here would find this interesting.
"It's very unusual for a 44A to have a painted finish, but it's clear this is original, esp. being the same color as the painted version of the earlier PB31. Nearly all 44A's had a patina process finish, just as used on bronze sculpture. Given it's age (1932-38), both paint & mic overall are in surprisingly good shape. Just "honest age" wear state, which most mic people find most appealing. Once the screens are relined with new white cotton voile cloth, it'll look great."
I tried it with my Coil and had to also chain in one of my AS Comps to get enough gain, but it works. I'm guessing after all these years it's probably not sounding like it should/can, but still really good nonetheless. Being as old as it is, the guy I got it from could not have purchased it for the church new (he's in his 80's). I also noticed there is the number "74" in block orange/red on the top of the mic. I can't envision the church having a need to label it that way, so wondering what the additional history is behind it.
One issue I have is the post and mount the church used to hang it is still threaded into the mic. I can't put it on a stand until that is removed, and after all of these years the thing does not want to budge!
Appreciate all of the great feedback. I'll get a good pic and put it up in the "Latest gear..." forum. Now I'm getting nervous about shipping it anywhere!!
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Post by andersmv on Nov 3, 2023 7:16:49 GMT -6
A knowledgeable resource provided a lot of great info in his response to me. I won't share the whole email, but thought most here would find this interesting. "It's very unusual for a 44A to have a painted finish, but it's clear this is original, esp. being the same color as the painted version of the earlier PB31. Nearly all 44A's had a patina process finish, just as used on bronze sculpture. Given it's age (1932-38), both paint & mic overall are in surprisingly good shape. Just "honest age" wear state, which most mic people find most appealing. Once the screens are relined with new white cotton voile cloth, it'll look great." I tried it with my Coil and had to also chain in one of my AS Comps to get enough gain, but it works. I'm guessing after all these years it's probably not sounding like it should/can, but still really good nonetheless. Being as old as it is, the guy I got it from could not have purchased it for the church new (he's in his 80's). I also noticed there is the number "74" in block orange/red on the top of the mic. I can't envision the church having a need to label it that way, so wondering what the additional history is behind it. One issue I have is the post and mount the church used to hang it is still threaded into the mic. I can't put it on a stand until that is removed, and after all of these years the thing does not want to budge! Appreciate all of the great feedback. I'll get a good pic and put it up in the "Latest gear..." forum. Now I'm getting nervous about shipping it anywhere!! I got one of the AEA cases for my PB90. I had to make a couple of small cuts in two spots in the foam inside for it to fit, but it works great. You’ll probably have to do the same thing with your A version, but it should fit nicely in on of their 44 cases without much tweaking. Might be worth grabbing one of those before shipping. They’re also nice as they keep the ribbon upright while stored, minimizing the ribbons sag over time. |
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