AEA KU5A Active Ribbon Microphone

The AEA KU5A is a modern active ribbon microphone with a supercardioid polar pattern, specifically designed for close-range applications. It combines the classic AEA ribbon sound with a highly focused pickup pattern, making it fundamentally different from traditional figure-8 ribbon microphones.

Its directional design captures mainly direct sound while effectively reducing room ambience and bleed, making it ideal for studio and live environments.

The built-in JFET active electronics provide higher output, low noise and excellent compatibility with a wide range of microphone preamps.

Sound Character

The KU5A delivers a direct, punchy and natural ribbon sound with modern clarity.

• Low-end: full and controlled
• Mids: forward, warm and focused
• Highs: smooth yet more open than traditional ribbons

Its supercardioid pattern creates a highly focused, upfront sound with minimal room pickup.

The proximity effect is carefully controlled, allowing effective close-miking without excessive low-end buildup.

Highlights

✔ active ribbon microphone with supercardioid pattern
✔ optimized for close-miking applications
✔ excellent rejection of room sound and bleed
✔ 1.8 µm aluminium ribbon
✔ built-in JFET electronics for higher output
✔ integrated high-pass filter for close-range use
✔ rugged, stage-ready construction
✔ front-address design
✔ handcrafted in the USA

Typical Applications

✔ vocals (studio & live)
✔ speech, podcast and broadcast
✔ electric guitar and bass amps
✔ snare, toms and percussion
✔ brass and strings (close-miking)
✔ recording in untreated or noisy environments

Technical Specifications

✔ Microphone type: active ribbon microphone
✔ Polar pattern: supercardioid
✔ Frequency range: approx. 30 Hz – 14 kHz
✔ Sensitivity: approx. 7.08 mV/Pa
✔ Max SPL: approx. 135 dB SPL
✔ Ribbon: 1.8 µm aluminium
✔ Output impedance: approx. 92 Ohm
✔ Power supply: 48 V phantom power
✔ Connector: fixed XLR cable
✔ Weight: approx. 0.8 kg
✔ Design: front-address ribbon microphone