Detail 01
Supercardioid polar pattern
Captures the intended source with rejection of bleed and reflections.
Product detailSKU #1500000459056
AEA MicrophonesLimited-Edition KU4A Active Supercardioid Ribbon Microphone
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Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
AEA’s limited-edition KU4A is an active ribbon microphone voiced for close work, with a supercardioid pattern that focuses on the source while rejecting bleed and reflections. Its nearfield design covers placement from 1 to 18 inches, with minimal proximity effect beyond 6 inches. The tonal balance combines a bright character with smooth mids, bringing detail to vocals, woodwinds, strings, kick drums, and other loud sources. With 140+dB SPL handling at 1 kHz, it suits sessions where close placement and separation matter.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Close-miking vocals or instruments in tight rooms where bleed and reflections need control.
- Recording kick drums and other high-SPL sources within the microphone’s nearfield placement range.
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Setups built around placement farther than the stated 1–18 inch nearfield range.
- Applications requiring a figure-eight polar pattern.
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
Minimal proximity effect beyond 6 inches
Allows close placement without overwhelming low end beyond that distance.
Detail 03
140+dB SPL at 1 kHz
Supports recording very loud sources.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Plan for a close-miking position between 1 and 18 inches from the source.
- 02Its pickup pattern is supercardioid.
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Is the KU4A an active microphone?
Yes. It is an active supercardioid ribbon microphone.
02How close can it be placed?
Its stated nearfield placement range is 1 to 18 inches.
03Can it handle loud sources?
It is rated for 140+dB SPL at 1 kHz and is described for high-SPL sources.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsSound
- Proximity effect onset
- Approximately 6" from source
1 detailsPickups & controls
- Active circuitry
- JFET buffer amplifier
3 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Black
- Country of Origin
- USA
- Accent material
- 24k gold
17 detailsOther
- Category Source
- detail
- Transformer
- Custom 1:110 Lehle
- Maximum SPL
- Over 140dB at 1kHz
- Product type
- Active ribbon microphone
- Korena Special
- false
- Limited edition
- Yes
- Recommended placement distance
- 1"–18"
- Certificate of authenticity
- Individually numbered
- Polar pattern
- Supercardioid
- Output increase
- 12dB compared with passive KU4
- Country of origin
- USA
- Product Type
- Active ribbon microphone
- Tier
- new
- Ribbon design
- Nearfield
- Model
- KU4A
- Guitar Center Exclusive
- Yes
- Source Id
- site51500000459056
Complete your setup
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