Few artists have left a deeper mark on popular music than Paul Simon. Across the decades, his work has showcased a relentless pursuit of authenticity, precision, and warmth in both songwriting and sound.
That pursuit recently brought him together with pop artist Sabrina Carpenter for a generation-bridging and internet-crashing Saturday Night Live (SNL) performance of the Simon and Garfunkel classic “Homeward Bound.”
At the heart of the performance were two AEA KU5As. These supercardioid ribbon microphones delivered Simon and Carpenter’s sonic authenticity and legacy while meeting some unique technical demands.
In this article, we’ll explore how Simon’s team utilized the KU5As, why they specifically chose them for this performance, and how they highlight the evolving role of ribbon microphones in modern live music.
Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter: A Magical Duet
Simon and Carpenter’s appearance on Saturday Night Live carried significant weight because it was part of the program’s 50th Anniversary Special, celebrating the show’s legacy as a platform for iconic music and comedy moments.
For Simon, it was both a return to familiar ground and a chance to showcase his artistry in a new light. For Sabrina Carpenter, it was a moment of validation, standing beside one of music’s greatest songwriters on one of television’s most important stages.
Best known as a pop star with a reputation for versatility, Carpenter represents a new generation of performers who seamlessly blend singer-songwriter sensibilities with modern pop production. Holding her own with Simon, the duet is one of the most striking performances in their illustrious careers.
Standing shoulder to shoulder, they delivered more than a song; they created a musical bridge across time. Between Simon’s trademark acoustic arpeggios and Carpenter’s silky voice, the moment was both timeless and current. With over three million views on YouTube, it was a resounding success for all parties involved.
Paul Simon’s Late-Career Performances and Hearing Considerations
Simon has consistently surrounded himself with engineers and musicians who treat audio as a craft. From Bridge Over Troubled Water to Graceland, the sound of his recordings always draws you in as the music, lyrics, and stories work their magic.
In recent years, however, he has faced challenges familiar to many musicians and audio professionals: hearing loss. Not only does his condition change how he perceives sound, but also how his team must approach stage monitoring and live reinforcement.
According to his front-of-house engineer, Michael Conner, via a Facebook comment, Simon uses a unique setup to accommodate his needs. Look just left of Simon during the SNL performance, and you’ll see a Clair (Cohesion) CF10 coaxial multipurpose speaker, which Conner uses to provide Simon with the necessary volume and clarity he now needs.
Having monitors placed that close to a vocalist — and at that angle — would challenge many microphones. Whether ribbons, dynamics, or condensers, they would likely feed back and compromise sonic quality. So choosing the perfect vocal mic for Simon and Carpenter’s performance was crucial.
This is where the KU5A steps in.
Why the KU5A Ribbon Microphone?
Conner’s notes about Simon’s signal chain tell a clear story: It was all about balancing immaculate sound with the unique considerations of the gig. He selected: two KU5A ribbon mics, Rupert Neve preamps, and dual Yamaha PM10 hybrid consoles.
Importantly, no signal conversion occurred between the preamps and amplification. This is why the KU5A and Neve preamps shine through the performance so well. So, in many ways, the KU5A was the technical foundation for their SNL performance’s immense success.
The mics’ smooth, detailed sound paired with their supercardioid directionality makes them particularly well-suited to Simon’s setup. One of the few ribbon microphones designed to handle live stages without compromising on isolation, its focused pickup pattern rejected the unwanted bleed from his CF10 monitor, while capturing his and Carpenter’s famous voices and captivating lyrics.
Ribbon Microphones in Modern Pop and Legacy Performances
From the RCA 44 to our modern innovations, like the Nuvo series’ N13, ribbon microphones have long been associated with classic studio recordings. So it’s always a pleasure to see them also earn their spot on some of the world’s most important stages.
The KU5A represents a major step forward in changing perception. Built with rugged durability, active electronics, and a supercardioid pattern, it’s ideal for artists like Paul Simon, who require the mic’s fidelity and control.
And the microphone’s role in modern pop can’t be understated. Sabrina Carpenter’s performance not only held its own against an industry icon, but it also showcased how a ribbon can flatter a pop-oriented voice without exaggerating the high frequencies or compromising clarity.
The larger takeaway is that, with microphones like the KU5A, engineers can carry the same level of nuance and warmth into live contexts, whether in a touring stage setup, a broadcast mix, or a television special like SNL.
Conclusion
Paul Simon’s late-career performances with Sabrina Carpenter reveal more than just a musical partnership. They demonstrate a commitment to sonic integrity that permeates every choice, from monitors to microphones and preamps. By relying on the KU5A, Conner ensured Simon’s and Carpenter’s voices could be heard clearly and warmly despite technical challenges.
At AEA, we take pride in designing microphones that honor tradition while meeting the demands of today’s performers. The KU5A’s role in bringing Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter together on stage is a powerful example of how ribbon technology continues to evolve, shaping music both timeless and new.