Golden Age Project R1 MKII Ribbon Microphone
Best vintage inspired sound for home studio recording.
Experience the sought-after natural and musical sound of classic ribbon microphones. This microphone delivers stunning realism, capturing performances with a large, mellow tone, smooth top end, and extended low frequencies. Its Figure-8 polar pattern offers flexible mic placement and effective sound source separation, while its high SPL capability handles loud sources with ease. Ideal for vocals and a wide range of instruments, this microphone brings a 'being there' quality to your recordings.
$199.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.4
/ 5
Category Rank
2522
/ 3367
#2522 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-61%
Below average
Transducer Type
Ribbon
/ Ribbon
Who it's for
- Musicians and engineers seeking a classic, warm, and natural sound.
- Budget-conscious producers and home studio owners.
- Studio owners needing reliable gear without premium investment.
Who should skip it
- Novice engineers or those accustomed to robust dynamic mics.
- Users without high-quality, high-gain preamps.
- Engineers prioritizing bright, detailed high-frequency capture.
Performance breakdown
Transient Response
Captures fast, life-like detail with the signature speed of ribbon elements.
SPL Handling
Easily manages loud guitar cabinets and brass without breaking a sweat.
Tonal Character
Delivers that classic, mellow warmth with a smooth, non-fatiguing top end.
Polar Pattern Precision
Figure-8 design offers excellent off-axis rejection for cleaner studio tracking.
Build Robustness
Heavy-duty construction provides the weight and durability expected of professional gear.
Source Versatility
Equally at home recording delicate vocals or aggressive instrument amplifiers.
Key Specs
Transducer Type
Ribbon
Polar Pattern
Bi-Directional / Figure-Eight
Frequency Response
30 Hz - 18 kHz
Sensitivity
-52 dBV/ Pa
Max. SPL
160 dB
Impedance
600 ohms
Diaphragm Size
50 mm
Dimensions
7.3 in Length, 2.7 in Diameter
Know before you buy
The R1 MKII offers a classic, mellow ribbon sound characterized by a smooth high-frequency roll-off and a rich, extended low end. It is designed to provide a natural, realistic 'being there' quality that is often less harsh than modern condenser microphones.
Yes, the R1 MKII requires 48V phantom power to function. Ensure your audio interface or preamp can provide this power before connecting.
Absolutely. With a maximum SPL rating of 160 dB, this microphone is highly capable of handling very loud sound sources without distortion, making it a versatile choice for both delicate vocals and high-volume instruments.
The Figure-8 pattern picks up sound equally from the front and back while rejecting sound from the sides. This is useful for capturing two performers facing each other or for achieving natural room ambience, but you should be mindful of the null points on the sides to avoid unwanted bleed.
It is an excellent addition to a home studio, especially if you are looking to add warmth and depth to your recordings. However, because it is a ribbon microphone, it is more sensitive to physical handling and wind blasts than a dynamic microphone, so it should be treated with care.
The microphone has a frequency response of 30 Hz to 18 kHz. This range covers the full spectrum of most musical instruments and vocals, providing a balanced and natural capture.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.