How is the KU4 different?
The KU4 is unmistakeably a ribbon microphone, with a characteristically
smooth ribbon sound. Like other ribbons, its lightly-tensioned, ultra
low mass ribbon has a frequency response beyond 20 kHz, an accurate
transient response, and no upper midrange resonances common to large
condenser mics.
However, having a supercardioid instead of a figure-eight polar response
pattern mics sets it apart from other ribbon mics. The KU4's suppressed
rear lobe reduces the pickup of room ambience and is especially useful
when the rear of a figure-eight pattern would pick up undesirable
sounds. The KU4's reduced bass proximity effect facilitates closer
micing while its low-tuned ribbon will not exhibit bass distortion.
These characteristics make the KU4 well-suited for modern studio
production.
The Legacy of the RCA KU3A
The KU4 is a re-envisioning of the legendary RCA KU3A, a unidirectional
microphone originally designed for the Hollywood movie studios. It
combined the smooth ribbon sound of a 44 with a unidirectional pattern,
wide sweet spot and reduced bass proximity effect. It became a standard
at film studios around the world because it expanded an engineer's range
of placement choices. Today, however, the KU3A is a collector's item,
and few studios or rental houses own them. AEA is proud to put this
microphone back into the hands of modern users.
The KU4 is your ticket to discovering why RCA unidirectional ribbon
microphones have been used in professional studios for over 60 years.
AEA is honored to play a part in its history, and invites you to listen
to the KU4 and claim your part of this legacy.
