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AEA KU4 Ribbon Mic - Unidirectional Polar Pattern - AES 2011

Also in this recording AEA RPQ 500 Mic Preamp/High-frequency EQ

The KU4 Ribbon Microphone, from Wes Dooley and the Audio Engineering Associates at AES 2011, is an incredible supercardioid Ribbon Mic. It does not have the typical figure eight polar pattern like other ribbons. Liste... Read more

The KU4 Ribbon Microphone, from Wes Dooley and the Audio Engineering Associates at AES 2011, is an incredible supercardioid Ribbon Mic. It does not have the typical figure eight polar pattern like other ribbons. Listen to how smooth it sounds through AEA's RPQ 500 series preamp. The KU 4 has a suppressed rear lobe, which reduces unwanted room ambience, and it also has a reduced bass proximity effect. For more information on this great new microphone, perfect for any modern studio production, call SoundPure today. 919.682.5552.

AEA RPQ 500 Series Ribbon Mic Preamp - AES 2011

Also in this recording AEA RPQ 500 Mic Preamp/High-frequency EQ

The RPQ 500 from Wes Dooley and AEA is an incredible ribbon microphone or condenser mic preamplifier based off of the two Channel RPQ that Audio Engineering Associates released a few years ago. The RPQ 500 is a 500 se... Read more

The RPQ 500 from Wes Dooley and AEA is an incredible ribbon microphone or condenser mic preamplifier based off of the two Channel RPQ that Audio Engineering Associates released a few years ago. The RPQ 500 is a 500 series module with an EQ section that eliminates some common issues that arise in ribbon mics such as the low end rumble or the high frequency. Thanks to Wes Dooley and AEA for the great demo this year at AES 2011 in New York. For more information about this great preamp that works well on a variety of ribbon mics or even condensers, call the expert recording engineers at SoundPure today!

AES Convention 2011 NYC - Day 3

Also in this recording Josephson C617 (just body no capsule) Josephson SPB40A Spherical Baffle for C617SET DPA 2006A Twin Diaphragm Omnidirectional Microphone DPA 2006C Compact Twin Diaphragm Omnidirectional Microphone DPA 2011A Twin Diaphragm Cardioid Microphone DPA 2011C Compact Twin Diaphragm Cardioid Microphone

The Audio Engineering Society Convention in New York City at the Javits Center with the SoundPure gang. This last day we checked out some exciting new gear from AEA, Josephson, and DPA. Wes Dooley talks about his new... Read more

The Audio Engineering Society Convention in New York City at the Javits Center with the SoundPure gang. This last day we checked out some exciting new gear from AEA, Josephson, and DPA. Wes Dooley talks about his new KU4 Unidirectional Ribbon Mic as well as his new RPQ 500 series preamp. David Josephson spoke with Todd about the design of his fantastic C617 Microphones as well as his new SPB40 baffle for the C617s. Doug spoke with Jared at DPA about several new products including the new 2000 series from DPA. Look for our other overview videos of the AES convention as well as many more in depth videos on all the new gear. Call SoundPure for any questions about these new exciting products from your favorite manufacturers.

From AEA

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 supressed 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.

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