Premier R1A
Best professional grade audio for discerning producers and engineers.
This ribbon microphone delivers a warm, round sound signature with a natural roll-off in the high frequencies, ideal for capturing acoustic guitars, clean guitar amplifiers, and drum room ambiance. Its figure-of-8 polar pattern provides flexibility for multi-directional sound capture, though it requires careful placement and room acoustic consideration. The microphone includes a switchable high-pass filter and a -10 dB pad for enhanced sound shaping. It operates using +48V phantom power, offering a versatile solution for avoiding harshness in various recording applications.
$498.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1195
/ 3367
#1195 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-2%
Below average
Polar pattern
8
/ Bidirectional (Figure-)
Who it's for
- Audio engineers and musicians seeking a classic, warm sonic character
- Home studio owners and engineers needing versatile preamp compatibility
- Budget-conscious producers and studios desiring premium sound without the premium cost
Who should skip it
- Novice users and those prone to less careful equipment handling
- Engineers requiring multi-pattern flexibility for diverse recording scenarios
- Producers needing a very bright or aggressively detailed sound profile
Performance breakdown
Sonic Warmth
Delivers a classic, smooth character that tames harsh digital transients effortlessly.
SPL Handling
Handles loud guitar cabinets with ease thanks to the integrated pad.
Placement Versatility
Figure-8 pattern offers creative options but demands a well-treated room.
Build Robustness
Substantial weight and solid construction suggest long-term reliability in the studio.
Source Flexibility
Excels on acoustic instruments and drums by smoothing out high-frequency peaks.
Ease of Integration
Phantom power compatibility makes this ribbon mic simple to integrate anywhere.
Key Specs
Polar pattern
Bidirectional (Figure-8)
Frequency range
30 - 18,000 Hz (+/- 3dB)
Sensitivity
-40 dB (0 dB = 1V/Pa) @ 1 kHz
Max. SPL (<1% THD @ 1kHz)
160 dB with pad
Output impedance
200 Ohm balanced
Recommended load impedance
> 1000 Ohm
High-pass filter
-3dB @ 160Hz, 6 dB / octave
Pad
-10 dB
Know before you buy
While it requires +48V phantom power to operate, it does not strictly require a specialized ribbon preamp. However, like any microphone, pairing it with a high-quality preamp will help you get the most out of its warm, round character.
The figure-8 pattern captures sound equally from the front and back while rejecting sound from the sides. This is excellent for capturing two sources at once or for placing the microphone in a room to pick up natural ambiance, though you should be mindful of your room's acoustics since it will capture reflections from behind the mic.
Yes, the Premier R1A is well-suited for guitar amps. It features a switchable -10 dB pad that allows it to handle high sound pressure levels up to 160 dB, ensuring you can capture loud sources without distortion.
The high-pass filter rolls off frequencies below 160Hz. It is a useful tool for cleaning up unwanted low-end rumble or proximity effect, especially when recording acoustic guitars or vocals at a close distance.
Absolutely. The Premier R1A is designed with a natural high-frequency roll-off, which helps tame bright or brittle sources. It is a great choice if you find modern condenser microphones too aggressive or harsh in the top end.
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$498