Cloud 44A Active Ribbon Microphone

The Cloud Microphones Cloud 44-A revives the iconic tone of the legendary RCA 44 ribbon microphone, re-engineered for modern recording environments. Featuring an ultra-thin 1.8-micron ribbon element coupled with built-in active Cloudlifter JFET circuitry, the 44-A delivers classic ribbon warmth, rich transient speed, and capacitor-like output sensitivity and powered via standard +48V phantom power.

By embedding Cloud’s patented discrete Class-A JFET circuitry directly inside the chassis, this eliminates the need for external preamps or inline boosters while drastically reducing the system noise floor and shielding the delicate internal ribbon element from accidental phantom power damage.

Key Features

• RCA Type 44 Ribbon Motor: Built to the original 1930s long-ribbon dimensions using modern neodymium magnets and a 1.8-micron corrugated aluminum ribbon.

• Built-in Active Cloudlifter Circuitry: Operates on standard +48V phantom power to generate ultra-clean, high-output gain comparable to modern condenser mics.

• Patented Switchable Voice/Music Curve: Select between "Music" (full-range 20Hz–20kHz) and "Voice" (gentle low-frequency roll-off below 250Hz) to instantly adapt to proximity effect.

• True Figure-8 Directional Pattern: Symmetric front-and-back pickup with complete side rejection—ideal for Blumlein stereo, Mid-Side setups, or tracking in live rooms.

• High SPL Handling: Capable of handling over $138\text{ dB SPL}$ above 1 kHz, making it suitable for loud guitar cabs, brass, and drum overheads.

• Complete Protection & Mounting: Includes a custom Rycote InVision Studio shockmount, protective microfiber sleeve, and handcrafted wooden presentation box.

• Handcrafted USA Construction: Built in Tucson, Arizona, with a 2-year ribbon warranty and limited lifetime warranty on all other components upon registration.

Technical Specifications

• Microphone Type: Active Ribbon Microphone

• Ribbon Element: 1.8-Micron Aluminum, Corrugated (Dimensions: $0.19"\times 2.35"/4\text{ mm}\times 60\text{ mm}$)

• Polar Pattern: Figure-8

• Frequency Response: $20\text{ Hz}-20\text{ kHz}$

• Maximum SPL: $>138\text{ dB SPL}$ (above 1 kHz)

• Output Sensitivity: $-27\text{ dBV/Pa}$ ($18\text{ mV/Pa}$)

• High-Pass Filter: 2-Position Switch ("M" = Music / Full-Range; "V" = Voice / Low-Cut ~250 Hz)

• Active Electronics: Class-A Discrete JFET (Cloudlifter Cascade Topology)

• Power Requirements: $+48\text{V}$ Phantom Power (Draws power for active circuitry; protects ribbon generator from DC)

• Output Connector: XLR 3-Pin Male (Gold Pin)

• Included Accessories: Rycote InVision Shockmount, Microfiber Bag, Hardwood Storage Box

• Enclosure Construction: Handcrafted Steel & Aluminum Body (Made in Tucson, AZ, USA)