AEA KU5A Active Supercardioid Ribbon Microphone

“In short, the KU5A has all the qualities you’ve grown to love from AEA: magnificent sound, absurd price point versus performance, durability, and shockingly flexible.” – Tape Op

“I think AEA have judged this design very well, creating something that can be used close up and in noisy environments, yet which retains the smooth, warm sound for which ribbon mics are often appreciated.” – Sound On Sound

Experience unprecedented versatility and durability with the KU5A supercardioid ribbon microphone. This exceptional microphone sets a new standard by delivering unparalleled clarity and a wide range of sound, making it the ideal choice for both studio and live settings. Never before has a ribbon microphone offered such a perfect combination of clarity, versatility, and durability in one sleek package.

The Ribbon For Any Room

The groundbreaking supercardioid KU5A redefines ribbon technology with its remarkable directionality, sharply focusing on your source while rejecting interference from other instruments, room reflections, and ambient noise, whether in the studio or on stage.

Setting a new benchmark, the KU5A ribbon microphone delivers unparalleled clarity and expansive sound, making it the perfect choice for both studio and live performances. Specifically designed for close-range recording, this near-field ribbon captures the robust low-end and distinctive midrange expected from AEA ribbons, all while maintaining a moderate and controllable proximity effect. Vocalists can confidently sing into the KU5A’s grill, boasting the most robust interior protection within the AEA lineup.

Equipped with active electronics, the KU5A seamlessly integrates with any preamp in both studio and on-the-road setups. Additionally, its integrated high-pass filter allows for effective low-end roll-off in close-range recording applications, further enhancing its versatility and adaptability.

The Supercardioid Ribbon

The KU5A boasts a supercardioid polar pattern that adeptly captures pristine, direct sound while effectively rejecting room tone emanating from behind the microphone. This unique feature serves as a crucial tool, preventing unwanted monitor and audience bleed when tracking musicians live in a shared space or performing on stage. In contrast, traditional figure-of-8 ribbons, which incorporate both direct and room sound, rely on sharp nulls to counteract undesirable bleed.

The end-address directionality and tight supercardioid pattern of the KU5A facilitate effortless placement on instruments like snare, toms, and other challenging-to-reach sources. Unlike dynamic mics and condensers that often capture harsh and brittle signal bleed with excessive top-end frequencies, the KU5A’s minimal bleed preserves a more natural sound, characterized by its smooth top end. This quality ensures seamless integration within a mix, contributing to a cohesive and balanced audio output.

Active and Flexible

The active KU5A is equipped with bespoke transformer and JFET electronics, ensuring a high-performance audio capture. Sharing the same custom transformer as A440, R84A, and NUVO ribbon microphones, the KU5A delivers enhanced output, reduced audible noise, and steadfast impedance, resulting in a consistent frequency response. This design enables exceptional flexibility when paired with various preamps, including those integrated into audio interfaces, ensuring reliable and versatile performance.

The KU5A’s heightened output proves advantageous for recording delicate sources such as vocals and soft acoustic guitars, while its active circuitry actively mitigates noise interference. Operating seamlessly with standard 48-volt phantom power, the KU5A stands as a reliable and efficient choice for a range of recording scenarios, offering optimal audio quality and adaptability in any professional setup.

Roadworthy Companion

Features

• Supercardioid polar pattern that rejects room tone and instrument bleed
• Detailed, extended top end with ribbon smoothness and warmth
• Supreme durability for close-range, outdoor, and live use
• Active electronics and custom transformer optimized for all preamps
• Front address design with built-in yoke is simple to position
• Integrated high-pass filter switch reduces proximity effect at close-range
• Matte black finish is discreet on camera
• Made in the U.S.A.