Hear the MJE-LR44 vs. the RCA 44 and Coles 4038 below

MJE-signature single layer, angled headbasket


Michael Joly Engineering MJE-LR44 Ribbon Microphone
Sound samples

SOUND FILE: Male Vocal, RCA 44
SOUND FILE: Male Vocal, MJE LR-44

SOUND FILE: Female vocal, RCA 44
SOUND FILE: Female vocal, MJE-LR44

SOUND FILE: Telecaster / Princeton Coles 4038
SOUND FILE: Telecaster / Princeton, MJE-LR44

SOUND FILE: Ac Gtr Strummed, RCA 44
SOUND FILE: Ac Gtr Strummed, MJE-LR44

SOUND FILE: Ac Gtr Strummed, Coles 4038
SOUND FILE: Ac Gtr Strummed, MJE-LR44

SOUND FILE: Piano, RCA 44
SOUND FILE: Piano, MJE-LR44

SOUND FILE: Drums, RCA 44
SOUND FILE: Drums, MJE-LR44


Recording Notes: Two mics up, single take, Rupert Neve Designs 511 preamps, 5' distance source-to-mics (female vocal 20" out).



RCA 44 vs MJE-LR44 in Front-of-Kit Test

Versatile Hi-Fi Ribbon Mic Sound -

Ribbon mics – smooth, low distortion, natural-sounding, fast transient response, non-sibilant, not harsh, classic-sounding ... the accolades go on. Now you can get all that plus openness, detail and extended top end response with the new MJE-LR44 long ribbon microphone.

The new MJE-LR44 was designed and is hand-tuned by Michael Joly to deliver classic ribbon mic smoothness and a very flat, extended top end frequency response. Because it has such flat frequency response and low phase shift it takes EQ well - so it's equally at home on male and female vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, drums or guitar cabs.

Years of Research & Development

One could say new MJE-LR44 is the result of hand-building over six hundred long ribbon mics. That’s the number of ribbon mics I’ve built by hand, tweaking my design, techniques and tuning along the way. Btw – this is Michael Joly writing, please drop me a line if you have questions or to learn if the new MJE-LR44 is right for you.

Secrets of "The Sound"

One of the qualities folks rave about when describing MJE mics is the open and natural sound. A key contributor is my signature use of a single layer, dispersed-reflection headbasket. My headbasket approach creates the greatest open area and least reflective area possible. This means clearer, more detailed sound with faster and more accurate transient response than microphones that use a more reflective, multiple layer headbasket.

Ribbon mic are simple devices, but a big part of their sound is the output transformer. The MJE-LR44 uses a custom-designed, American-made transformer for accurate time and frequency domain performance (along with very low distortion) across the audio spectrum.

The MJE-LR44 features an exceptionally low-mass, 1.8 micron aluminum ribbon that is precisely cut, corrugated, installed and tuned. If there is an art of ribbon mic building it's in the critical installation and tuning of the ribbon. With our boutique production methods you'll be pleased to know we can offer a ribbon mic direct from the hand of the maker to you in your studio.



Michael Joly Engineering MJE-LR44 head to head with an RCA 44

Hand-built. Hand-tuned. The MJE-LR44 – only from Michael Joly Engineering.

Click "Add to Cart" to purchase a new MJE-LR44 long ribbon microphone with spider shock mount and upright storage case - you'll get an immediate confirmation email of your order. By the close of the next business day you'll receive a personal email with your scheduled ship date. Questions? Just click "Contact Me" - Best, Michael

Now shipping on the next business day following your order.