Golden Age Project R1 MK2 Ribbon Microphone
Best vintage inspired audio capture for budget conscious home studio enthusiasts.
Experience the classic warmth of this vintage-inspired passive ribbon microphone. It delivers a naturally smooth, velvety, and full-bodied sound, perfect for vocals, electric guitars, strings, brass, and percussion. Its high 160dB SPL handling makes it ideal for loud sources like guitar amps and kick drums without distortion. This microphone effectively tames harsh frequencies, offering a rich and detailed tone for a wide array of recording applications, bringing a timeless ribbon character to your audio.
$158.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
2005
/ 3367
#2005 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-69%
Below average
Transducer
Ribbon
/ Ribbon
Who it's for
- Musicians and engineers seeking a classic, mellow sound for various instruments.
- Budget-conscious producers and home studio owners exploring ribbon mic sounds.
- Engineers and recordists needing precise control over room sound and off-axis rejection.
Who should skip it
- Novice users or those accustomed to more robust condenser or dynamic microphones.
- Users without powerful preamps or those seeking a plug-and-play recording solution.
- Producers needing crisp, airy highs or those recording sources that demand extended top-end detail.
Performance breakdown
High SPL Handling
Handles aggressive guitar cabinets and drums without breaking a sweat.
Sonic Character
Delivers that signature velvety warmth ribbon microphones are famous for.
Frequency Smoothing
Expertly tames harsh high-end frequencies for a polished, professional sound.
Build Durability
Robust aluminum construction ensures longevity in demanding studio environments.
Versatility
Figure-8 pattern offers flexible miking options for diverse recording scenarios.
Preamp Sensitivity
Requires a high-quality, clean preamp to reach its full potential.
Key Specs
Transducer
Ribbon
Ribbon Type
2-micron Aluminum
Polar Pattern
Figure-8
Frequency Response
30Hz - 18kHz
Maximum SPL
160 dB
THD
< 1%
Impedance
600 ohms
Load Impedance
3000 ohms
Know before you buy
Yes, this microphone requires 48V phantom power. While traditional ribbon mics are often passive, the R1 MKII design necessitates phantom power for proper operation.
Absolutely. With a maximum SPL handling of 160dB, the R1 MKII is designed to withstand high-pressure sound sources, including loud guitar amplifiers and percussion, without distorting.
The Figure-8 pattern captures sound equally from the front and back of the microphone while rejecting sound from the sides. This is particularly useful for capturing two vocalists at once or for isolating specific instruments in a room.
The R1 MKII offers a smooth, warm, and velvety sound profile. It is excellent at taming harsh high frequencies, making it a great choice for sources that can sound shrill, such as brass instruments or bright cymbals.
The R1 MKII comes with a dedicated shock mount to help isolate the microphone from mechanical vibrations and a protective case for safe storage and transport.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$158