Audio engineers in search of a professional ribbon microphone at an affordable price will rejoice over the Golden Age Project Premiere R1A, a classic ribbon microphone that offers smooth high end and extended lows like the RCA 44 and 77, which have been delighting recording engineers and producers for the past 80 years. The R1A features high-quality components such as a Lundahl 1927A transformer and Mogami cables with Neutrik XLR gold-plated connectors. The R1A is very well suited for the recording most sound sources like vocals, acoustic instruments, strings, horns, orchestras, and choral groups, and have many live sound applications.
The R1A has a natural sound thanks to the 50mm ribbon, which provides fast and lifelike transient reproduction and can handle sound pressure levels up to 160 dB SPL with the pad engaged. The R1A employs active circuitry to raise the output to levels similar to most condenser microphones. There are no specialty cables or ultrahigh-gain specialty preamps needed. The R1A is capable of driving long microphone cables with no issue, while ensuring consistent performance with different preamps.
- An unmatched natural and musical sound is created by combining the classical ribbon microphone with a discrete amplifier (no integrated circuits used) powered by standard 48V phantom power, isolating the ribbon and the gain-makeup transformer from the outside world. A stunning realism results, with the feeling of being there—fast and lifelike transient reproduction.
- The typical large and mellow ribbon sound quality with a very smooth top end and an extended low end.
- An ultrahigh-SPL capability, 160 dB SPL (1% THD at 1 kHz) and a very high sensitivity for a ribbon microphone, similar to many condenser microphones.
- Figure-8 directional pattern for wide sweet spots both in the front and in the back of the microphone.
- 2" long ribbon made of 2 microns thick aluminum foil and an internal shockmount for the ribbon and magnet assembly.
- Selectable high-pass filter and -10 dB pad.
- Removable microphone cable built with Mogami Neglex Studio Quad cable and Neutrik XLR gold-plated connectors.
- Swedish made Lundahl 1927A transformer.
- High-end Wima film and Nichicon electrolytic audio capacitors used in the amplifier.
- Manufactured of the finest materials for a great performance and long-term reliability.
- The R1A can be used with any standard mixer or preamp with a balanced input that can supply 48V phantom power.
- Great sound that suits most sound sources and genres.
- A solid build quality that will last many years of normal use.