Golden Age Project R1 Tube Active Ribbon Microphone
Best warm sounding microphone for studio recording on a budget.
Experience the natural, musical sound of a classic ribbon microphone enhanced by active electronics. This microphone features a low-noise tube buffer amp for higher output and a fat, warm, punchy tone with fast transient response and life-like realism. It is ideal for capturing detailed vocals and instruments like guitars, piano, and drums. With an impressive 165dB SPL handling, it confidently tackles loud sources, offering versatility for both mono and stereo recording.
$349.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
2005
/ 3367
#2005 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-31%
Below average
Microphone Type
Active Ribbon
/ Active Ribbon
Who it's for
- Musicians and engineers seeking a classic, warm, and natural sonic character.
- Home studio owners and engineers needing a versatile, high-output ribbon mic.
- Budget-conscious producers and enthusiasts desiring a tube ribbon sound.
Who should skip it
- Users who prioritize durability or work in less controlled environments.
- Engineers seeking simple, plug-and-play solutions or compact setups.
- Producers needing a neutral, uncolored sound for diverse recording tasks.
Performance breakdown
SPL Handling
Handles extreme volume levels without distortion, perfect for loud guitar cabinets.
Sonic Character
Delivers that signature warm, punchy ribbon tone with tube-driven richness.
Transient Response
Fast enough to capture crisp detail while maintaining a smooth musicality.
Output Sensitivity
Active electronics provide a healthy signal boost for easier preamp integration.
Build Robustness
Solid construction with an internal shock mount to protect the delicate ribbon.
Setup Complexity
Requires external power and specific cabling, adding steps to your workflow.
Key Specs
Microphone Type
Active Ribbon
Ribbon Type
2-micron Aluminum
Polar Pattern
Figure-8
Frequency Response
30Hz-18kHz
Max SPL
165dB SPL (1kHz at <1% THD)
Output Impedance
200 ohms
Sensitivity
-40 dBV/Pa
Tube
6J1
Know before you buy
No, this is an active ribbon microphone that uses an included external power supply to power its internal tube buffer. You should not engage 48V phantom power on your preamp or interface when using this microphone.
The active tube buffer provides a higher output level compared to traditional passive ribbon mics, making it much easier to pair with standard audio interfaces. It also adds a subtle, warm harmonic character while maintaining the fast transient response ribbon microphones are known for.
Yes, the R1 is exceptionally robust and features an impressive 165dB SPL handling. It is designed to capture high-volume sources without distortion, making it a great choice for loud guitar amps and percussion.
The R1 uses a Figure-8 polar pattern, which picks up sound equally from the front and back while rejecting sound from the sides. This is ideal for capturing natural room ambiance or recording two instruments simultaneously by placing them on opposite sides of the mic.
Yes, the R1 includes an aluminum flight case, the dedicated external power supply, an AC power cable, and a specialized 7-prong XLR cable to connect the microphone to the power supply.
Absolutely. The combination of the 2-micron aluminum ribbon and the active tube circuit provides a smooth, detailed, and natural sound that works very well for vocals, especially when you want to avoid the harshness sometimes found in condenser microphones.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.