Detail 01
Supercardioid polar pattern
It captures the source in front of the microphone while rejecting sound from behind it.
Product detailSKU #1500000252391
AEA MicrophonesKU5A Supercardioid End-Address Microphone
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Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
KU5A is an active, end-address ribbon microphone for studio and stage work where direct pickup and strong rejection matter. Its supercardioid pattern is intended to reduce room reflections and bleed behind the microphone, while the active circuitry works with common preamps and audio interfaces using 48-volt phantom power. It is rated for loud sources, including close placement at guitar or bass amplifiers. For close-range work, its integrated high-pass filter activates near-field mode to manage the microphone’s proximity effect.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Close guitar or bass amplifier recording where high sound pressure handling and direct pickup are required.
- Live vocal or instrument setups where rear rejection helps limit surrounding ambience.
- Quiet vocals and soft acoustic guitar recording that benefit from the KU5A's boosted output.
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Kick-drum placement exposed to strong air bursts, which may damage the ribbon.
- Use without 48-volt phantom power.
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Integrated high-pass filter / near-field mode
Engaging the filter rolls off low end with a 6 dB-per-octave shelf at 283 Hz for close-range use.
Detail 03
135 dB maximum SPL; 141+ dB SPL at 1 kHz
The microphone is specified to handle high-volume sources.
Detail 04
Active JFET electronics and custom transformer
The active design provides greater output, lower audible noise, and stable impedance.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01The KU5A requires standard 48-volt phantom power.
- 02Avoid strong bursts of air when placing it in front of a kick drum.
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Can I use the KU5A live?
Yes. It is designed for studio and stage applications, with active electronics and a supercardioid pickup pattern.
02Does it include protection for transport?
Yes. A case and clip are included.
03Can it work close to a source?
Yes. Its high-pass filter engages near-field mode for close-range performance.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Black
1 detailsConnections & power
- Phantom power required
- Yes
19 detailsOther
- Category Source
- detail
- Max SPL
- 135dB
- Applications
- Studio/Stage
- Switches
- No
- Capsule
- Ribbon
- Korena Special
- false
- Weight
- 2 lb. 9.8 oz.
- Case
- Yes
- Clip
- Yes
- Polar pattern
- Hypercardioid
- Type
- Mounted
- Tier
- new
- Analog or digital
- Analog
- Connectivity
- XLR
- Diaphragm size
- Ribbon
- Frequency response
- 20Hz to 20kHz
- Height
- 15"
- Source Id
- site51500000252391
- Width
- 3.9"
Complete your setup
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