How To Record Toms, Snare, and Kick with the KU5A

The KU5A‘s balanced frequency response at close range makes it ideally equipped to capture the sound of your toms and percussion instruments. Supercardioid polar pattern, Near-field design, balanced low-end, and extended top-end make the KU5A exceptional at capturing the true essence of your instrument while limiting room reflections.

The near-field KU5A delivers balanced sound 2 to 16 inches from the source with the help of internal mechanics which roll off the low-end of a signal before it hits the ribbon. This feature allows for better performance in close-up recording applications than one would achieve with more conventional ribbon mics.

THE HAND TEST

To ensure that the KU5A’s ribbon will not be damaged by strong blasts of air from your instrument, place your hand near the source and move it away until you can’t feel moving air, then place the KU5A in that position.

As an additional precaution, you can tilt the KU5A slightly upward or downward, thereby relieving the ribbon of some tension and allowing it to accept slightly greater air impact.

SNARE

When recording toms or percussion, take advantage of the supercardioid polar pattern of the KU5A to block out cymbals or other instruments. Start by positioning the front of the KU5A 4 inches away from the center of the snare. If you want to capture less stick impact, angle it down towards the rim of the snare. For less proximity effect or a more room tone, try pulling the KU5A back a few inches.

Listen to the KU5A on Snare Drum

PERCUSSION

When recording toms or percussion, try positioning the KU5A between 2 and 16 inches away. Within that range, moving the mic closer will accentuate bass while pulling it away lessens that effect. The KU5A’s proximity effect impacts sources within two inches of its grille, providing a vocal performance with low-end warmth. To lessen this effect, one can move it farther from the source or engage the KU5A’s integrated high-pass filter.

TOMS

When recording toms or percussion, take advantage of the supercardioid polar pattern of the KU5A to block out cymbals or other instruments. Start by positioning the front of the KU5A 4 inches away from the center of the tom. If you want to capture less stick impact, angle it down towards the rim of the tom. For less proximity effect or a more room tone, try pulling the KU5A back a few inches.