Description
The Cloud Microphones 44-A is an active ribbon microphone that blends the legendary smoothness of classic ribbons with the output, clarity and control demanded by modern studios. With built-in Cloudlifter circuitry and a unique switchable Voice/Music response, it delivers a rich, three-dimensional sound that flatters vocals, instruments and ensembles while staying quiet, consistent and easy to work with on any professional preamp or interface.
Handmade in Tucson, Arizona, the 44-A takes inspiration from the iconic RCA 44 and reimagines it for the digital era. Its ultra-thin, hand-tuned ribbon captures every nuance with extended high-frequency detail, while the figure 8 polar pattern and internal shock mounting provide focused, natural recordings with excellent rejection of unwanted room noise. Whether you are tracking intimate vocals, powerful drums, orchestral sessions or live streams with a single mic, the 44-A offers a refined, musical sound that quickly becomes a go-to in any serious studio.
Modern Active Ribbon Performance
At the heart of the 44-A is Cloudlifter active circuitry, giving you the high output and low noise of an active microphone while retaining the warmth and depth of a ribbon. Because the gain stage is built in, you can plug straight into most audio interfaces and preamps without needing a separate inline booster or ultra-clean high-gain preamp. This makes gain staging simple and reliable, and keeps your signal path short and pristine.
Voice/Music Switch for Instant Tone Shaping
The patented Voice/Music switch lets you tailor the microphone’s response to the source in seconds. In Voice mode, proximity effect and low-end build-up are controlled, helping tame plosives and boominess on close-miked vocals or spoken word. Switch to Music mode and the full, natural low end of the ribbon is restored, ideal for instruments, room miking and sources where you want maximum body and weight without harshness.
Hand-Tuned Ribbon with Extended Clarity
The 44-A uses an ultra-thin 1.8 micron ribbon element that is hand-tuned and corrugated using Cloud’s proprietary technique. This delivers the classic smooth, full-bodied ribbon character, but with impressive detail and openness right up into the highest frequencies. The ribbon is designed to remain stable even at high SPLs, so you can confidently place it in front of loud guitar amps, drums and brass while maintaining consistent performance and long-term reliability.
Versatile Figure 8 Studio Workhorse
With its figure 8 polar pattern, the 44-A excels in both traditional and creative studio setups. It naturally rejects sound from the sides, helping you capture focused, three-dimensional recordings while minimising spill from the room, floor and ceiling. This makes it ideal for single-mic performances, Blumlein and mid-side configurations, or capturing ensembles, choirs and orchestras with a natural stereo image and lifelike depth.
Key Features
Built-in Cloudlifter Active Circuitry – The integrated Cloudlifter gain stage delivers high output and low noise, so you get a strong, clean signal without needing an external booster or ultra-high-gain preamp. This keeps your setup simple and ensures consistent performance across a wide range of interfaces and studio preamps.
Switchable Voice/Music Response – The patented Voice/Music switch controls proximity effect and overall tonal balance, effectively giving you two microphones in one. Use Voice mode to reduce plosives and boom on close vocals, or switch to Music mode for full, extended low end on instruments, rooms and ensembles.
Ultra-Thin Hand-Tuned Ribbon – The 1.8 micron ribbon element is hand-crafted and corrugated for maximum detail, accuracy and durability. It captures subtle nuances with smooth, extended highs while retaining the rich, full-bodied sound that makes ribbon microphones so musical on everything from vocals to brass, strings and drums.
Figure 8 Polar Pattern with Excellent Rejection – The natural figure 8 …
