Both sound great. I use the 441, so it's a more familiar "correct" sound to me, but the KU5A has that ribbon smoothness and fullness. I think the 441 would fit into a dense mix easier.
My initial impression was that the 441 is cutting through better, the KU5A sounded tamed (warmer) but then I payed attention and I felt that 441 cut better in contrast to the warmer tone of the KU5A, if you were to record a song you won't have a KU5A play before the lines recorded by the 441 and in the absence of the contrast, by itself the 441 felt thin especially on the lower register. They both have their qualities and are microphones professionals love and swear by. Nice examples, these singers are so so talanted. Thank you so much for uploading.
Although the KU5A is an outright dream mic of mine, I'm fairly happy with the fact I got an MD441, and this is just cementing that for me. I love the rather German-sounding mids and the incredible off-axis sound rejection it gives me, along with the fact that I can use it as a handheld.
What a fantastic test, with different male voices. Great job! And impressive vocal performances by them all. Both mics sound good and have their pros and cons. Most important thing is the voice and performance of the singer:)
Fantastic comparison, thanks for the video 😊 ! I genuinely love ribbons but in all these examples i tend to prefer the 441, what a natural and full sound ! I’m impressed and highly want one now haha !
MD441 jumps right in front, KU5A sounds beautiful too though a little broader spectrum. Almost indistinguishable on the deeper voice. Wonderful singers, thank you!
Thank you! I did a comparison with female vocalists that same night but only 2 of 4 showed up, and my OCD wants there to be 4 examples so it matches this video. I will consider putting it up though!
@@mineralsound You're welcome! If you choose to upload, I'll be sure to watch/listen! 🙂 I also enjoyed your other videos. I dabbled a bit in film some years ago.
It just shows you how important picking the right mic for the vocalist is… I picked both mics but with different singers. There isn’t a one size fits all mic. That’s why you need a mic locker
Very nice comparison. However, I just have one question. The reverb I'm hearing, is that from a plugin, or the natural sound of that room they are in? I'm assuming the diffusion panels have something to do with why it doesn't sound like an empty storage building?
There is reverb on the recording! Since most people will be using reverb in their mixes, I added in a touch to make it sound less dry. If you're interested in hearing the unprocessed recordings, you can access them using the download link in the description.
@@mineralsound Thanks! Very cool about the wav files. I might be buying a 441 in the near future and this will help my decision very much. While I was on your website, I noticed a performance by Lucas Wolf titled "All In". This performance is simply astonishing! And, it has the other natural sounding, unhyped microphone that is within my price range, the Beyer Dynamic M160. Because of its size, it kinda looks like a toy, but I can't get over how good it sounds. What would be your thoughts on the Beyer Dynamic M160 vs Sennheiser 441U?
Nice performances! The mics sound close in many ways. The ribbon presents a somewhat natural compression in that it softens just a bit. Perhaps less sibilant, although the Sennheiser didn't really show too much of a concern there.
No HPFs on either mic, you can see the distance in the video! If you're not sure what distance the proximity effect kicks in, you could check the manual or send the AEA folks a message.
@@mineralsound it's hard to tell the exact distance from the video, especially for Andrew, who seems to be standing closer. The MD 441 appears to be picking up significantly more of the deep bass. But I'd suppose moving a little closer to the KU5A would fix that with the proximity effect....
As a 441 owner I gotta say I like the KU5A a bit better. The 441 has an upper mid lift but the AEA has the smooth highs of the ribbon thing but with a more open, airy tone that’s really great like the best of an LDC and ribbon.
I agree that the KU5A has an awesome tone! Bought one for myself after doing this demo. That said, I'm definitely not selling my 441's; they're just dripping with vibe, and while they might be a little less universal as a vocal mic, they give an awesome thickness to vocals when that's needed.
Mineral Sound Thanks for the response. I use the 441 a lot on snare, vocals and guitar so I also wouldn’t get rid of mine...I’m just looking to add some more flexibility for vocal tracking. First I need to improve my vocal signal chain though.
man...this goes to show the MD441 is just an incredible mic. To me the KU5A sounds more airy and real, and i love it when the audience can really connect with the artist and feel, like the performance is transcending the barrier of a mic through a PA. So KU5A for me....but damn...if you'd give me MD441...i wouldn't mind either. Plus it just has those ultrasexy looks...
Agreed, the KU5 is a pretty extravagant mic to use in a live performance setting, but I've used it in that context and all the artists came up afterwards like "what was that mic?!" Miles beyond a 58, something you could pull out for a really special show (where the PA is in competent hands and the artist isn't right in front of the drums).
does the ku5a also have a switchable bass filter and a hi boost? And how are the settings on the md441? It's really hard to compare without knowing these things. Cause I thought the md 441 was a little too bright on some occasions of the vocals, but I assume the hi-boost was engaged. At least that's how it sounded to me. And it also sounded, as if the bass-filter was engaged to a degree.
Thank you! I believe the hiss is coming from the microphones; both designs require a lot of gain, whether at the microphone's internal amplifier (KU5A) or the preamp (MD441) stage. I used an RME Octamic XTC for preamps and conversion; it's not an audiophile unit, but very clean and low-noise so I would be very surprised if that was the culprit.
I think that the 441 has better fidelity overall, and I imagine that it cuts through a mix instead of sits on top of one... but I really dig the whole vibe of that AEA. It just sounds large and present. May I ask what pre amps are you using on these?
Nice comparison! It would be nice to listen in context of the mix, but here are my thoughts: 441 was better, had more body on Kyle, ku5a seemed a bit thin; on Andrew ku5a brought nice details of the midrange of his voice, but 441 was amazing as well, with so much body; ku5a shined on Dave's voice!, 441 didn't translated well his tone; In Taylor's voice I loved both mics, but liked more ku5a. In Kyle, Andrew and Taylor's cases I would choose in the context of the mix. I would keep both mics. :)
Great comparison. To my ears the Ku5a has a more finished sound, and way more space around it. The MD441 is definitely flatter, and I suspect would take EQ a bit better. To me, it would depend on the room almost as much as the performer. Good singer in a good room, Id have the ribbon...if I don't know what I'm walking in to though I think the MD441 is safer. There's room in my life for both options.
I remember when I started out in recording and I couldn't hear compression for the life of me! Training your ears to listen for the differences takes time, but with practice you'll be able to hear it. When you can hear the difference between mic preamps you know you've made it! (But I don't ever think I'll be able to hear the difference between converters.)
@Mineral Sound Thanks for the reply. ❤️ What is the most expensive/best Dynamic microphone I can buy ? I own the SM 58, but I want to go all out, on an expensive dynamic. Cannot use condenser due to my environment. Also, could you point me to an expensive/best mic preamp/interface that allows for minimum features like 1 mic input, but has amazing gain ? I currently own the Scarlet Solo 2i2, and want a much better interface for sound quality. Lastly, to your trained ears, which is better, KU5A or MD 441 ? ❤️
@@TechWeLove 441 is the most expensive dynamic mic I know of! I know you don't want to hear this, but it's not objectively better or worse than the KU5A. The KU5A has a little more presence and detail, the 441 has more roundness and body. If you want a more retro/vintage sound, the 441 will fit that aesthetic; if you want a more modern sound (but not a condenser), the KU5A is a better bet. If you want one of the best preamps money can buy, check out the Pueblo Audio gear. If you want an all-in-one solution, try the Merging ANUBIS.
the 441 has this sparkle/resonance at the top end. Could be wonderful, could be horrendous depending on the vocal. The KU5A just sounds natural and full. Takes EQ better from my experience. I don't usually like things that impart an inescapable character to the sound.. there's a place and time for that, but to me, lead vocal usually isn't it. I just wanna capture the performance and then EQ and Compress a little for the mix
@@fl7210 There is no pitch correction! TI wouldn't do that for a demo, and besides, I don't have the patience to mess with that stuff. Anything you're hearing there is just natural voice modulation.
KU5A smokes the 441. I was reading some of the comments and each time something grabbed my ear I would scroll to the top and the KU5A would be the one 'playing'
wow these dudes can sing, to hell w/ the mic lol ...
We've got some incredibly talented friends! So grateful to have them around for stuff like this.
Excellent comparison! Thank you for sharing.
Podcastage, which one did you think sounded best ? ❤️
It’s Bandrew!!!
Best comparison I've ever heard. Bravo!!! Great singers. Beautiful!! Thanks a lot
Thank you! They are awesome.
Just depends on the voice.... BUT THAT ADREW!!!! Has been blessed with a unique voice 💪🏼🙏🏼🔥
I know, right? He's incredible.
Definitely, and both sound Great... it’s just the Singers Range, tone and color ... if that makes any sense 🤣🤷🏻♂️
Both sound great. I use the 441, so it's a more familiar "correct" sound to me, but the KU5A has that ribbon smoothness and fullness. I think the 441 would fit into a dense mix easier.
love the sound of this room
My initial impression was that the 441 is cutting through better, the KU5A sounded tamed (warmer) but then I payed attention and I felt that 441 cut better in contrast to the warmer tone of the KU5A, if you were to record a song you won't have a KU5A play before the lines recorded by the 441 and in the absence of the contrast, by itself the 441 felt thin especially on the lower register. They both have their qualities and are microphones professionals love and swear by. Nice examples, these singers are so so talanted. Thank you so much for uploading.
This was a really solid comparison. To my ears, the KU5A was the difference between B+W and colour on both singers.
Although the KU5A is an outright dream mic of mine, I'm fairly happy with the fact I got an MD441, and this is just cementing that for me. I love the rather German-sounding mids and the incredible off-axis sound rejection it gives me, along with the fact that I can use it as a handheld.
What a fantastic test, with different male voices. Great job! And impressive vocal performances by them all.
Both mics sound good and have their pros and cons. Most important thing is the voice and performance of the singer:)
Thank you! And absolutely; the mic is at most 20% of the sound, and that's only if it's really bad.
I preferred the KU5A on all but one of the voices, what a great sounding mic - and fantastic singers!
Fantastic comparison, thanks for the video 😊 ! I genuinely love ribbons but in all these examples i tend to prefer the 441, what a natural and full sound ! I’m impressed and highly want one now haha !
MD441 jumps right in front, KU5A sounds beautiful too though a little broader spectrum. Almost indistinguishable on the deeper voice. Wonderful singers, thank you!
Thank you for checking it out! These guys were awesome.
Great comparison! Would love to hear one with female vocals as well!
Thank you! I did a comparison with female vocalists that same night but only 2 of 4 showed up, and my OCD wants there to be 4 examples so it matches this video. I will consider putting it up though!
@@mineralsound You're welcome! If you choose to upload, I'll be sure to watch/listen! 🙂 I also enjoyed your other videos. I dabbled a bit in film some years ago.
Thank You! Great singing too!
Love this!! What was the signal chain that is making me spend my money on a AEA KU5A? Thank you for fantastic comparison.
Thank you! Very simple and clean signal chain, just the KU5A into an RME Octamic XTC preamp & AD converter.
It just shows you how important picking the right mic for the vocalist is… I picked both mics but with different singers. There isn’t a one size fits all mic. That’s why you need a mic locker
Very nice comparison. However, I just have one question. The reverb I'm hearing, is that from a plugin, or the natural sound of that room they are in? I'm assuming the diffusion panels have something to do with why it doesn't sound like an empty storage building?
There is reverb on the recording! Since most people will be using reverb in their mixes, I added in a touch to make it sound less dry. If you're interested in hearing the unprocessed recordings, you can access them using the download link in the description.
@@mineralsound Thanks! Very cool about the wav files. I might be buying a 441 in the near future and this will help my decision very much. While I was on your website, I noticed a performance by Lucas Wolf titled "All In". This performance is simply astonishing! And, it has the other natural sounding, unhyped microphone that is within my price range, the Beyer Dynamic M160. Because of its size, it kinda looks like a toy, but I can't get over how good it sounds. What would be your thoughts on the Beyer Dynamic M160 vs Sennheiser 441U?
Nice performances! The mics sound close in many ways. The ribbon presents a somewhat natural compression in that it softens just a bit. Perhaps less sibilant, although the Sennheiser didn't really show too much of a concern there.
Interesting! I can hear the slower transient response of the 441, and the KU5A sounds so much faster in comparison I wasn't noticing that compression.
These dudes are beasts!!! 🔥
I'm gonna have to get me one of those KU5A's...
Was the KU5A's HPF on? Was Andrew close enough for the KU5A's proximity effect to kick in?
No HPFs on either mic, you can see the distance in the video! If you're not sure what distance the proximity effect kicks in, you could check the manual or send the AEA folks a message.
@@mineralsound it's hard to tell the exact distance from the video, especially for Andrew, who seems to be standing closer. The MD 441 appears to be picking up significantly more of the deep bass. But I'd suppose moving a little closer to the KU5A would fix that with the proximity effect....
As a 441 owner I gotta say I like the KU5A a bit better. The 441 has an upper mid lift but the AEA has the smooth highs of the ribbon thing but with a more open, airy tone that’s really great like the best of an LDC and ribbon.
I agree that the KU5A has an awesome tone! Bought one for myself after doing this demo. That said, I'm definitely not selling my 441's; they're just dripping with vibe, and while they might be a little less universal as a vocal mic, they give an awesome thickness to vocals when that's needed.
Mineral Sound Thanks for the response. I use the 441 a lot on snare, vocals and guitar so I also wouldn’t get rid of mine...I’m just looking to add some more flexibility for vocal tracking. First I need to improve my vocal signal chain though.
man...this goes to show the MD441 is just an incredible mic. To me the KU5A sounds more airy and real, and i love it when the audience can really connect with the artist and feel, like the performance is transcending the barrier of a mic through a PA. So KU5A for me....but damn...if you'd give me MD441...i wouldn't mind either. Plus it just has those ultrasexy looks...
Agreed, the KU5 is a pretty extravagant mic to use in a live performance setting, but I've used it in that context and all the artists came up afterwards like "what was that mic?!" Miles beyond a 58, something you could pull out for a really special show (where the PA is in competent hands and the artist isn't right in front of the drums).
does the ku5a also have a switchable bass filter and a hi boost? And how are the settings on the md441? It's really hard to compare without knowing these things. Cause I thought the md 441 was a little too bright on some occasions of the vocals, but I assume the hi-boost was engaged. At least that's how it sounded to me. And it also sounded, as if the bass-filter was engaged to a degree.
Was EQ or other processing done besides normalizing gain? I hear a little bit of reverb, is that from the room or did you add it in? Thanks!
441 sounds more robust without hype. It’s super even and smooth.
Agreed! Really smooth mic, works awesome to tame the edge on sources.
The. Sennheiser sound can have that smoothness that’s really nice. Kind of reminds me of their HD600 headphone
Definitely getting the KU5A now this video just sold me!
Great review. But why is there hiss for both the microphones? Is it EIN/self noise or preamps during the first vocal performance?
Thank you! I believe the hiss is coming from the microphones; both designs require a lot of gain, whether at the microphone's internal amplifier (KU5A) or the preamp (MD441) stage. I used an RME Octamic XTC for preamps and conversion; it's not an audiophile unit, but very clean and low-noise so I would be very surprised if that was the culprit.
In lower Register the diffrence isn't to obvious but still the md441 Sounds Bit clouded and the AEA Sounds more Open.
Hi, what exact model of 441 is this one please? A vintage or new one?
New model! Bought about a year before the video was shot.
I think that the 441 has better fidelity overall, and I imagine that it cuts through a mix instead of sits on top of one... but I really dig the whole vibe of that AEA. It just sounds large and present. May I ask what pre amps are you using on these?
I used the RME Octamic XTC as the preamp and A/D converter. Not audiophile quality but very clean and neutral.
Nice comparison! It would be nice to listen in context of the mix, but here are my thoughts: 441 was better, had more body on Kyle, ku5a seemed a bit thin; on Andrew ku5a brought nice details of the midrange of his voice, but 441 was amazing as well, with so much body; ku5a shined on Dave's voice!, 441 didn't translated well his tone; In Taylor's voice I loved both mics, but liked more ku5a. In Kyle, Andrew and Taylor's cases I would choose in the context of the mix. I would keep both mics. :)
Agreed, I kept both mics as well!
love this comparison. what mic preamps did you use? thanks
Nothing fancy, just an RME Octamic XTC for pre's and A/D into a Tascam @ 96khz.
Is this with the MD441's presece switch on or off?
No HF boost or HPF on the MD441, all switches set to flat.
extremely helpful. subscribed
Great voice!
Great comparison. To my ears the Ku5a has a more finished sound, and way more space around it. The MD441 is definitely flatter, and I suspect would take EQ a bit better. To me, it would depend on the room almost as much as the performer. Good singer in a good room, Id have the ribbon...if I don't know what I'm walking in to though I think the MD441 is safer. There's room in my life for both options.
441 had more weight and grabbed more attention, KU5A has a nice softness to it. I'd probably go for the Sennheiser, but both very nice.
Weight, absolutely. The 441 is a fatty.
Wow, very hard for me to hear any difference with my head phones on. Bravo to those who can hear the differences. ❤️
I remember when I started out in recording and I couldn't hear compression for the life of me! Training your ears to listen for the differences takes time, but with practice you'll be able to hear it. When you can hear the difference between mic preamps you know you've made it! (But I don't ever think I'll be able to hear the difference between converters.)
@Mineral Sound Thanks for the reply. ❤️ What is the most expensive/best Dynamic microphone I can buy ? I own the SM 58, but I want to go all out, on an expensive dynamic. Cannot use condenser due to my environment. Also, could you point me to an expensive/best mic preamp/interface that allows for minimum features like 1 mic input, but has amazing gain ? I currently own the Scarlet Solo 2i2, and want a much better interface for sound quality. Lastly, to your trained ears, which is better, KU5A or MD 441 ? ❤️
@@TechWeLove 441 is the most expensive dynamic mic I know of! I know you don't want to hear this, but it's not objectively better or worse than the KU5A. The KU5A has a little more presence and detail, the 441 has more roundness and body. If you want a more retro/vintage sound, the 441 will fit that aesthetic; if you want a more modern sound (but not a condenser), the KU5A is a better bet. If you want one of the best preamps money can buy, check out the Pueblo Audio gear. If you want an all-in-one solution, try the Merging ANUBIS.
the 441 has this sparkle/resonance at the top end. Could be wonderful, could be horrendous depending on the vocal. The KU5A just sounds natural and full. Takes EQ better from my experience. I don't usually like things that impart an inescapable character to the sound.. there's a place and time for that, but to me, lead vocal usually isn't it. I just wanna capture the performance and then EQ and Compress a little for the mix
The AEA has that rich midrange and warm bottom... 441 not bad but the ribbon is bringing out the character of the voice...
I like the smoothness of the md441; I hear a high boost in the KUA5 that makes it sound less impressive on these vocalists.
MD441 sounds slightly muffled. KU5A captures considerably more.
MD441 was very impressive
Is there pitch correction on this?
Andrew’s pitch modulation has a curious quality
@@fl7210 There is no pitch correction! TI wouldn't do that for a demo, and besides, I don't have the patience to mess with that stuff. Anything you're hearing there is just natural voice modulation.
Interface? Preamp?
RME Octamic XTC
441 hands down!
441 all the way..more even, balanced with character.
both are too warm for me but the ribbon one is harder on my ears, i feel that warmness as an unpleasant pressure
KU5A smokes the 441. I was reading some of the comments and each time something grabbed my ear I would scroll to the top and the KU5A would be the one 'playing'
Fleet Foxes amazing)
🦊 ❤
Sennheiser all the way for me
I kind of agree. Both are good mics and it depends on the mix and song.
AEA KU5A sounds cheaper, so the winner is MD441
2 scary pockets choices
KU5A all the way, no contest really
441 has a more elegant sound in its frequencies! Round bass, fair mids, non-harmful highs, and a more widespread air in a dynamic
They need to be wearing head phones to demonstrate a mike well.
Both mics are not good for vocals.