AEA KU-4

^# 37

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$5,865.18 to $7,099.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (1)

1 Critic Review

1 Review

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Page last updated Jun 09, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated June 6, 2026.

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Price

$6,249.00

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$6,249.00

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5.0 (1)

$5,865.18 4 available New

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$6,249.00

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$6,249.00

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$7,190.00 $7,099.00 $91.00 · All time low

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5.0 (2)

$6,249.00

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Average Price: $6,316

High-end/Boutique

$499

$1500+

Price Tier

In the Ribbon Microphones category, AEA KU-4 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "AEA KU-4". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Discover the AEA KU-4, a modern masterpiece that revives the legendary sound of the RCA KU3A with a contemporary twist. Engineered to perfection, this supercardioid ribbon microphone stands out with its refined clarity and extended high frequencies, ensuring your recordings capture every nuance. Ideal for both close-up vocals and instrumental brilliance on any stage, the KU-4 brings a new level of detail and consistency to your sound, making it a coveted addition to any studio's arsenal.

Key Features:

Supercardioid pattern for superior rear rejection and focused capture
Enhanced frequency response for detailed highs without the proximity effect
Utilizes authentic New Old Stock RCA ribbon material for vintage warmth
Features a custom AEA transformer and neodymium magnets for unmatched quality
Designed with high-quality anodized & nickel-plated finish for durability
Hand-crafted with precision in Pasadena, California, ensuring consistent quality
Field-tech replaceable ribbon assembly for long-term reliability

Owner's manual

AEA KU-4 User Manual

Product specs

Microphone Type	Ribbon
Ribbon Type	1.8-micron Aluminum (2.1mm x 28.6mm)
Polar Pattern	Supercardioid
Frequency Response	30Hz-20kHz
Max SPL	140dB
Output Impedance	300 ohms
Connector	XLR
Weight	4.7 lbs.
Included Accessories	Stand Adapter, Case

FAQs

What is the polar pattern of the AEA KU-4 ribbon microphone?: The AEA KU-4 features a supercardioid polar pattern, which provides excellent directionality and isolation from unwanted sound sources, making it ideal for studio recording environments.
Is the AEA KU-4 suitable for high SPL sources?: Yes, the AEA KU-4 can handle high sound pressure levels up to 140dB, making it suitable for recording loud sources such as drums and electric guitar amplifiers.
What is the frequency response range of the AEA KU-4?: The AEA KU-4 has a frequency response range of 30Hz to 20kHz, offering a wide and natural sound capture for various recording applications.
Does the AEA KU-4 require phantom power?: No, the AEA KU-4 does not require phantom power. It is a passive ribbon microphone and should be used with a high-quality preamp to ensure optimal performance.
What are the included accessories with the AEA KU-4?: The AEA KU-4 comes with a stand adapter and a protective case, providing convenience and safety for storage and transportation.

Videos

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gearwire

AEA KU4: Hyper-Cardioid Ribbon Microphone Kicks It New Old School At AES 2010 (Video)

gearwire

AEA KU4 - Violin - Listening Library

AEA Ribbon Mics

AEA KU4 Ribbon Mic - Unidirectional Polar Pattern - AES 2011

soundpurestudios

AEA Microphones - KU4

*d.a.s. TV

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about AEA KU-4.

Features and functionality

0 0

The AEA KU-4 is unique as AEA's only cardioid ribbon microphone, featuring an acoustic chamber behind the ribbon element for enhanced sound quality.
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Use cases and applications

0 0

The KU-4 is highly recommended for vocals, especially in studio settings, due to its exceptional sound quality and reduced feedback risk compared to other ribbons.
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Comparisons

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The KU-4 is based on the RCA KU3 and is considered superior due to its cardioid pattern, distinguishing it from AEA's other figure-of-eight ribbon microphones.
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0 0

The KU-4 is one of the few microphones retained by Andres Scheps after his move to Europe, indicating its high regard among professionals.
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User experience

0 0

The KU-4 is described as "enormous," akin to the size of a parking meter, which may require careful positioning in smaller spaces.
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Critic Reviews

AEA KU4

soundonsound.com

The AEA KU-4 delivers a sublime ribbon mic experience with its silky smooth supercardioid pattern, offering a sound quality reminiscent of vintage RCA designs. While its hefty price and weight may deter some, its unmatched natural sound, especially on vocals and brass, justifies the investment for those who can afford it. A worthy modern homage to a classic, though not for the faint-hearted or budget-conscious.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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adamdavidson

266

over 12 years ago

A vintage sounding thing in a modern way. Just great!

Artist usage

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Ali Shaheed Muhammad

Music Producer, DJ

A Tribe Called Quest

Verified via AEA Ribbon Mics & Preamps

Featured on Muhammad's official AEA artist page.

“After spending considerable time and nickels searching for vintage ribbon microphones on eBay I realized that I wanted something more modern in build but with the classic sound of a vintage ribbon mic. I didn’t think it was possible to truly capture that vintage sound in a modern microphone until I heard AEA KU4.

In a world where a plug-in can be an instant fix to certain recordings, I changed out my RCA d77 to the KU4 and like an instant plug-in fix my drums were snapping like an old recording but also with a different character. A very likable character. It is as if I took an air blower to blow off 60 years of dust. Don’t get me wrong, dust and grit on drums can be a great thing but clarity is important too.

AEA has definitely captured the right amount of clarity and vintage character with the KU4. This will be a permanent part of my drum rig, so much that I’m considering buying a second KU4 to move around the studio for other applications.”