Golden Age Project R1A Premier Active Ribbon Microphone
Best professional sound for budget conscious audio engineers.
This active ribbon microphone elevates the original design with premium components for an exceptionally realistic sound. It features a discrete amplifier, a high-quality transformer, and top-tier capacitors, delivering a classic ribbon sound with smooth highs and extended lows. Its active circuitry ensures easy long cable runs, and it handles high sound pressure levels up to 160dB. The microphone offers high sensitivity, ideal for capturing nuanced sources like vocals, and includes a switchable highpass filter and a 10dB pad for versatile studio use.
$599.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1195
/ 3367
#1195 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+18%
Above average
Microphone Type
Ribbon
/ Ribbon
Who it's for
- Musicians and engineers seeking a vintage, organic sonic character.
- Home studio owners and professionals needing versatile mic pairing.
- Recording engineers exploring advanced stereo miking methods.
Who should skip it
- Mobile recordists or those prone to rough handling of gear.
- Producers needing bright, airy top-end for specific instruments.
- Traditional ribbon mic users expecting passive power independence.
Performance breakdown
Sonic Realism
Premium components deliver a remarkably lifelike and detailed ribbon character.
SPL Handling
Handles extreme sound pressure levels that would destroy most delicate ribbons.
Signal Integrity
Active circuitry ensures consistent performance even over very long cable runs.
Versatility
Switchable pad and highpass filter adapt easily to diverse studio sources.
Build Quality
High-end Mogami cabling and gold-plated connectors reflect professional-grade construction standards.
Sensitivity
Active design provides the output boost needed for capturing nuanced performances.
Key Specs
Microphone Type
Ribbon
Ribbon Type
2-micron Aluminum (5mm x 50mm)
Polar Pattern
Figure-8
Frequency Response
30Hz-18kHz ±3dB
Max SPL
160dB
Power Requirements
Phantom Power
Connectivity Technology
XLR
Included Accessories
Detachable cable made with Mogami wire and gold-plated Neutrik connectors
Know before you buy
Yes, because the R1A Premier features active circuitry, it requires 48V phantom power to function. This active design is what allows for the higher sensitivity and consistent performance over long cable runs.
Absolutely. With a maximum SPL rating of 160dB, this microphone is built to handle extremely loud sound sources without distortion. The inclusion of a 10dB pad further helps in managing high-output signals.
The figure-8 pattern captures sound equally from the front and back while effectively rejecting sound from the sides. This is particularly useful for capturing two singers at once, recording duets, or isolating a specific instrument while minimizing bleed from other sources in the room.
The active circuitry provides a higher output level and a more consistent impedance, which makes the microphone less sensitive to the input impedance of your preamp. This ensures you get the classic, smooth ribbon character without needing a high-gain, specialized preamp to achieve a clean signal.
The highpass filter helps you clean up your recordings by rolling off unwanted low-end rumble or proximity effect. It is a useful tool for tightening up a mix, especially when recording vocals or instruments where excessive bass buildup might otherwise clutter the track.
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