WELCOME
Congratulations on your purchase of the AEA KU4 ribbon
microphone and welcome to the AEA family! Unless you have used
an original RCA KU3A (also known by its manufacturing number
M-10001), the AEA KU4 is unlike any ribbon microphone you have
ever experienced. This is due, in part, to its unique supercardioid
polar pattern and character. With fewer than 600 KU3As
manufactured, those that remain in existence are highly prized for
their sensitivity, their rich lower midrange, and their surprisingly
strong high-frequency presence.
Following our tradition of providing “reincarnations” of the RCA
44 microphone, AEA is proud to introduce the AEA KU4 studio
ribbon microphone, featuring pure aluminum ribbon material, parts
interchangeable with the original RCA KU3A, and the consistent
and reliable performance for which our microphones have gained a
world-wide reputation.
Your KU4 microphone is 100% handcrafted in Pasadena, CA. AEA
is a family owned company with a small crew of skilled technicians
– most of them being musicians themselves. Proudly independent,
we still manufacture all our ribbon microphones and preamps by
hand from locally sourced parts.
We hope that the KU4 will help you capture many magical
performances that touch the heart. This manual will help ensure
that you get the best sound and longevity from your new
microphone. Please become part of the AEA community by sharing
your experiences with the KU4 via e-mail, phone or our social
media channels.
Wes Dooley
President of AEA
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