Golden Age Project R1 Mk2II Ribbon Microphone
Best vintage sound for home studio recording.
Experience the classic, smooth, and natural sound of ribbon microphones. This microphone offers exceptional transient response and handles high sound pressure levels up to 160 dB SPL, making it incredibly versatile. Its figure-8 polar pattern provides flexibility in capturing sound and controlling room ambiance. Ideal for vocals, instruments, and various recording applications, this microphone delivers sought-after ribbon tone without a premium price tag, bringing a large-and-mellow character to your audio.
$198.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1195
/ 3367
#1195 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-61%
Below average
Type
Ribbon Microphone
/ Ribbon Microphone
Who it's for
- Engineers and musicians desiring a smooth, classic sonic character.
- Home studio owners and budget-conscious producers expanding their mic locker.
- Creative engineers exploring unique stereo miking and room capture.
Who should skip it
- Users with entry-level audio interfaces or limited high-gain preamp options.
- Novice engineers unfamiliar with the specific care needed for ribbon microphones.
- Producers prioritizing pristine high-end clarity and air for specific instruments.
Performance breakdown
Transient Response
Captures fast, life-like audio details with impressive speed and clarity.
SPL Handling
Easily manages high-volume sources without distorting the ribbon element.
Sonic Character
Delivers that signature smooth, mellow warmth ribbon microphones are famous for.
Polar Pattern Versatility
Figure-8 pattern offers excellent control for capturing room ambiance or duets.
Build Integrity
Robust construction includes an internal shock mount for reliable studio performance.
Sensitivity
Performs well for a ribbon, though requires a clean, high-gain preamp.
Key Specs
Type
Ribbon Microphone
Polar Pattern
Figure-8
Diaphragm
50 mm long, 2 microns thick aluminum foil
Max SPL
160 dB SPL
Sensitivity
Very good for a ribbon microphone
Connectivity
XLR
Included Accessories
Carry Case, XLR Cable
Intended Use
Vocals, Instruments
Know before you buy
The R1 Mk2II delivers the classic, mellow, and natural tone associated with ribbon microphones. It is particularly effective at smoothing out harsh high frequencies, making it a great choice for sources that might otherwise sound too bright or brittle.
Yes. With a maximum SPL rating of 160 dB, this microphone is built to handle extremely loud sound sources without distortion, which is a significant advantage over many vintage ribbon designs.
A figure-8 pattern captures sound equally from the front and the back while rejecting sound from the sides. This is useful for capturing two vocalists at once, recording a singer-songwriter playing guitar, or controlling how much room ambiance you include in your track.
While the R1 Mk2II has good sensitivity for a ribbon mic, it performs best with a preamp that provides clean, high-gain amplification. If you are recording quiet sources, ensure your interface or preamp has enough gain to drive the signal without introducing excessive noise.
No, this is a passive ribbon microphone and does not require phantom power. In fact, it is generally recommended to keep phantom power turned off when using this microphone to avoid potential damage to the ribbon element.
The R1 Mk2II comes with a dedicated carry case for protection and an XLR cable, so you have everything you need to get connected and start recording right away.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$198