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SupercardioidAEA KU5A

Supercardioid Active Ribbon Microphone

The KU5A is an end-address ribbon microphone inspired by the RCA BK5. It has a supercardioid polar pattern and active electronics.

Where the vast majority of ribbon microphones are bidirectional, the KU5A has a supercardioid polar pattern, providing maximum rejection at 135 degrees off-axis. Also present is a switchable highpass filter at 283 Hz (-6dB per octave), intended to combat excessive proximity effect.

The corrugated aluminum ribbon in the KU5A measures 2.9cm long by .14cm wide and, according to AEA, is “the most protected” of any in their catalog. While caution on kick drums is highly recommended, this mic is intended to handle loud vocalists, guitar or bass amps and even snare drum or toms. The frequency response of the KU5A has a noticeable peak around 2kHz, a slight dip at about 4.5kHz and a significant roll-off beginning just below 10kHz.

AEA uses JFET circuitry and the same custom transformer in the KU5A as in many of their other microphones. This is an active mic and does require 48v phantom power.

The KU5A has an integral yoke, a 3-meter captive XLR cable and ships in a custom storage case. Pop screens are available separately from AEA.

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Specifications

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Supercardioid (7 mV/Pa; 20-20,000 Hz)
  • Filter: 283 Hz highpass (Via Switch)
Ribbon Construction Impedance SPL/Noise
Length: 29mm
Width: 1.4mm
92 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 135 dB
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
1190g (41.98oz) 203mm (7.99'') 76mm (2.99'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires phantom power
  • Phantom voltage: 48v

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