AEA KU5A

A Ribbon For Any Source

The AEA KU5A breaks new ground in ribbon microphone technology with its supercardioid polar pattern that rejects off-axis sound from room reflections, other instruments, and loud stage ambience in live situations. At close range, the KU5A captures extended highs while retaining the smooth sonic character one expects from an AEA ribbon mic. Singers can get right up on the grille without damaging the ribbon element, because the KU5A's interior components are the most well-protected of any mic in the AEA lineup. The KU5A's active electronics make for a perfect match with any preamp. With its robust build quality, the AEA KU5A is a great choice for everyday use in the studio and on the road.

Captures what it's aimed at

Five years of intensive R&D resulted in a remarkable breakthrough: a ribbon mic you can use on any source. Traditional side-address ribbon mics have a native figure-8 pickup pattern with excellent side rejection, but equal sensitivity front and back. With its supercardioid polar pattern, the front-address AEA KU5A captures only what it's aimed at, rejecting off-axis leakage that can muddy up your signal. Whether capturing a vocal, electric guitar, or a snare drum, the KU5A delivers where conventional ribbon mics simply cannot.

Use it with any preamp

Passive ribbon mics have low output and require a high-gain preamp — which may not always be available. The KU5A has active electronics, so you can use it with any preamp. With the KU5A, you can choose a preamp for its sonic qualities alone. Traditional ribbon mics were notoriously delicate. Thanks to its rugged design and construction, you can use the AEA KU5A close-up on loud sources (a switchable highpass filter is provided to reduce proximity effect), onstage, or outdoors without fear of damaging the internal components or the attractive casing.

AEA evolves the ribbon mic

A new player entered the ribbon microphone manufacturing game in 1998 — AEA. Established by engineers and technicians that had been repairing classic RCA ribbon mics since before 1976, AEA set out to not just pay homage to, but to faithfully reproduce the sound and performance of the original RCA 44 ribbon microphone. And to the acclaim of former RCA engineers, they accomplished just that — in a robust modern mic you can rely on session after session. AEA designs impart classic sonic qualities and response to your tracks that you can only get from a ribbon transducer. Many engineers at Sweetwater have used delicate vintage ribbon microphones, and we appreciate AEA mics for their durability and versatility as much as for their superior sound.

AEA KU5A Ribbon Mic Features:

• Innovative front-address design
• Supercardioid polar pattern mitigates off-axis leakage
• Active electronics optimized for all preamps
• Durable construction for close range, outdoor, and live use
• Switchable highpass filter to reduce proximity at close range
• Quality-crafted in the USA