AEA Ribbon Mics KU5A Overview
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1Description
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2Directional Pickup
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3Near-Field Ribbon
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4Active Electronics
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5High Max SPL
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6High-Pass Filter
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7Ready for the Road
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8Features at a Glance
Basic Tips for Recording Audio for Video | Audio for Video, Part 1Choosing a Mic for Video Production | Audio for Video, Part 2How to Get Great Audio Levels | Audio for Video, Part 3Recording Sound to Your Camera vs. an Audio Recorder | Audio for Video, Part 4
With its front-address design and integrated yoke-style mount, the matte black AEA Ribbon Mics KU5A active ribbon microphone offers easy positioning along with condenser-like performance, a winning combination for close-ranging recording of vocals, acoustic instruments, and speaker cabinets. In addition to its custom transformer, which helps the KU5A achieve high output and low noise, the mic has a switchable high-pass filter, a feature seldom found on ribbon mics.
Being a near-field ribbon, the KU5A provides reduced proximity effect to make it ideal for placement up close on the source. Its supercardioid polar pattern exhibits directional pickup traits and strong rejection of off-axis sound such as bleed and room reflections. The 9.8' attached cable is terminated with a standard XLR 3-pin male connector for hookup to virtually any microphone preamp; 48V phantom power is required to power the mic's active electronics.
Directional Pickup
The supercardioid KU5A breaks new ground in ribbon technology with its acutely focused directionality that rejects bleed from other instruments, room reflections, and loud ambience in the studio and on stage.
Near-Field Ribbon
As a near-field ribbon designed for close range recording, the KU5A delivers the low-end heft and pronounced midrange one expects of AEA ribbons and with moderate, manageable proximity effect. Vocalists can sing directly into the grille of the KU5A, as its interior components are the most protected of any in the AEA lineup.
Active Electronics
The active KU5A comes complete with a custom transformer and JFET electronics. It features the same custom transformer as the A440, R84A, and NUVO ribbon mics, providing greater output, less audible noise, and stable impedance. This allows for consistent frequency response and greater flexibility with different preamps, including those within audio interfaces. The boosted output of the KU5A is beneficial when recording quiet sources like vocals and soft acoustic guitars, and the active circuitry prevents noise interference. The KU5A operates with standard 48V phantom power.
High Max SPL
Sources within 3" of the KU5A will benefit from the warm tonality of its proximity effect, and the mic can handle very high SPLs. High-volume sources will not damage the KU5A's interior components, so the mic can be positioned just inches from a guitar or bass amp. However strong bursts of air may damage the ribbon, so exercise caution when positioning it in front of a kick drum. Air bursts produced from vocalists will not damage the KU5A ribbon, as it is the most protected of any mic in the AEA lineup.
High-Pass Filter
The KU5A has an integrated electronic high-pass filter that can be engaged with an external pushbutton switch. This filter smoothly rolls off low-end with a 6 dB/octave shelf at 283 Hz. The switch activates the KU5A's near-field mode for optimal close-range performance. This high-pass filter was designed specifically for singers who use the KU5A on the road and in the studio, and allows its user to position the mic right up against the source without experiencing overwhelming proximity effect.
Ready for the Road
Touring bands rely on the durability and low profile of the KU5A for sound reinforcement at live shows. At outdoor festivals and indoor theaters alike, the KU5A is perfectly equipped to bring studio sound to the live stage. Its integrated windscreen protection prevents interference at windy venues and its active electronics allow for flexibility with virtually any mixing board or audio interface.
Features at a Glance
- Supercardioid polar pattern 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 USA
In the Box
- AEA Ribbon Mics KU5A Supercardioid Phantom-Powered Ribbon Microphone (Matte Black)
- Storage Case
- Limited 1-Year Warranty, Extendable to 3 Years upon Online Registration
Table of Contents
- Description
- Directional Pickup
- Near-Field Ribbon
- Active Electronics
- High Max SPL
- High-Pass Filter
- Ready for the Road
- Features at a Glance
AEA Ribbon Mics KU5A Specs
Microphone
Form Factor |
Stand/Boom Mount |
Sound Field |
Mono |
Operating Principle |
Pressure Gradient |
Capsule |
Ribbon |
Diaphragm |
1.175" / 29.845 mm |
Polar Pattern |
Supercardioid |
Orientation |
End Address |
Circuitry |
Solid-State |
Pad |
None |
High-Pass Filter |
283 Hz, 6 dB/Octave |
Tone Adjustment |
None |
Indicators |
None |
On-Board Controls |
High-Pass Filter |
Windscreen |
Built-In |
Performance
Frequency Range |
20 Hz to 20 kHz |
Maximum SPL |
135 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1% THD) |
Off-Axis Rejection |
3 dB at 60° 18 dB at 120° >15 dB at 180°
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Impedance |
92 Ohms |
Load Impedance |
1000 Ohms |
Sensitivity |
-43 dBV at 1 kHz |
Connectivity
Output Connectors (Analog) |
1 x XLR 3-Pin Male (on Attached Cable) |
Cable Length |
9.8' / 3 m |
Power
Operating Voltage |
48 V (Phantom Power) |
Operating Current Consumption |
7 mA (Phantom Power) |
Physical
Color |
Black |
Mounting |
Shockmount (via Integrated Hardware) |
Dimensions |
ø: 3 x L: 8" / ø: 7.6 x L: 20.3 cm |
Weight |
2.6 lb / 1.2 kg |
Packaging Info
Package Weight |
4.755 lb |
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) |
12.2 x 9.3 x 6.7" |
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