How To Record Brass with the KU5A

The KU5A is ideally equipped to capture the sound of brass instruments whether live, in the studio, or in the middle of a full orchestra. With its supercardioid polar pattern, near-field design, balanced low-end, and extended top-end, the KU5A excels at capturing the sound of your instrument while limiting room reflections.

The KU5A is the most protected ribbon mic in the entire AEA line. There are multiple layers of fabric and foam between the outside grille and the ribbon. If you are still experiencing any wind noise, try using the AEA KU5A Windscreen. It attaches to the front of the mic and provides an extra layer of protection from wind and any plosives.

CLOSE MIKING

Try positioning the KU5A roughly 6 – 12 inches from the bell of the instrument, keeping in mind the KU5A’s proximity effect accentuates the bass of any source within 6 inches of its reach. Instrumentalists can take advantage of proximity effect as they wish by moving their instrument closer or farther from the KU5A based on the notes they play throughout a performance.

This same technique can be applied to recording a brass instrument or any other instrument playing in a band, live setting, or even orchestra. In the past, this has been difficult due to the figure-of-8 polar pattern in most ribbons. The KU5A allows you to close-mic any important and primary players in any recording situation.

Listen to the KU5A on Trumpet