AEA KU5A Active Supercardioid Ribbon Microphone

The AEA KU5A is an active, end-address supercardioid ribbon microphone built for close-range vocals in the studio and on stage. Singers can work right up to the grille, and the pattern keeps room tone from behind the mic out of the recording.

AEA lists a wide range of uses: vocals, snare, toms, guitar and bass amps, acoustic guitar, woodwinds, brass, double bass and orchestral strings. Reviewers note a pronounced midrange and solid low end, with a detailed, extended top.

Key features

• Supercardioid pattern, AEA's most focused ribbon at launch
• JFET electronics and custom transformer, powered by standard 48V phantom
• Stable output impedance for consistent results on any preamp, not just high-gain ribbon preamps
• Switchable high-pass filter (6 dB/octave shelf at 283 Hz) for near-field work
• Handles 141+ dB SPL at 1 kHz
• End-address design with built-in yoke mount
• Attached cable of about 3 m (9.8 ft) with XLR-3M connector
• Protected internals suited to outdoor and live use; matte black finish; made in the USA