Description
ABOUT THE MICROPHONE
The KU5A supercardioid model is a pioneer in the field of ribbon microphones. Its narrowly defined directivity can reject bleed from other instruments, room reflections, and loud ambient noise both in the studio and on stage. Never before has a ribbon microphone offered so much clarity and such a wide sound range to both worlds (studio and live). The KU5A is designed as a close-up ribbon microphone, providing sufficient bass depth, clear mids, and a manageable proximity effect. The internal components of the microphone are well protected, allowing the singer to sing almost directly into the protective grille of the KU5A.
The KU5A operates with active electronics, which should work well with any studio or live preamp, and also features an integrated hi-pass filter to attenuate bass response during close-up recording.
The supercardioid polar pattern of the KU5A captures clean and direct sound while rejecting ambient room noise from behind the microphone. This feature is particularly beneficial for live recordings, as it minimizes bleed from monitors and the audience. The KU5A's directivity can be used when recording kick drums, toms, and other instruments that are difficult to mic closely. Bleed captured by dynamic and condenser microphones can sound harsh due to high frequencies. The minimal bleed captured by the KU5A, thanks to its smooth highs, sounds more natural and is easier to incorporate into the mix.
Sound sources recorded within 8 cm of the KU5A will benefit from the warm tonality of its proximity effect. The microphone can also handle sound pressure levels of 141+ dB SPL (at 1 kHz). Loud sound sources will not damage the KU5A's ribbon element, so the microphone can be placed just a few centimeters from guitar or bass amplifiers. However, since strong wind blasts could damage a ribbon microphone, extra caution is advised when miking a kick drum. There is no such risk when recording vocals.
The KU5A features an integrated high-pass filter, which can be activated via an external button switch. This filter gently attenuates bass frequencies (6 dB/octave, 283 Hz). The switch effectively activates a close-miking mode, designed specifically for singers who use the KU5A in live and studio settings and tend to place the microphone very close to their mouths (compensating for the proximity effect).
