AEA KU4 – new edition of the legendary RCA KU3A

The KU4’s minimal proximity effect and accentuated midrange make it an exceptional vocal microphone that captures the presence and detail of a performance. Its near-field characteristic is also suitable for close-up recording of kick drums, strings and woodwinds and provides a welcome brightness and balance in the mix.

The supercardioid characteristic of the KU4 makes it possible to record the direct sound of a singer or instrument without room sound. This is an advantage when recording musicians in the same room or live on stage. With most figure-of-eight ribbon microphones, positioning the microphone can require some finesse to avoid other sources using the microphone’s nulls. The KU4 has none of these limitations.

As it is a near-field ribbon microphone, the microphone was developed for positioning between one and 18 inches away from the sound source. The proximity effect of the microphone starts at a distance of six centimeters from the sound source. It can be placed close to an instrument while maintaining a balanced frequency response.

After getting used to bright condenser microphones, traditional ribbon microphones sometimes sound darker than desired. The KU4, with its unique bright character, combines the best elements of condenser and ribbon microphones – in particular a smooth midrange that doesn’t emphasize sibilance as is often the case with condenser microphones.