Golden Age Project R1

Yes, unlike traditional passive ribbon microphones, the R1 uses active electronics with a tube buffer amplifier, so it requires 48V phantom power to operate.

The tube buffer adds a layer of warmth and harmonic richness to the signal while ensuring the microphone has enough output sensitivity to work well with standard preamps, avoiding the need for specialized high-gain ribbon preamps.

Absolutely. With a maximum SPL rating of 165 dB, this microphone is built to handle extremely loud sound sources without distorting, making it a surprisingly versatile choice for aggressive instruments.

The figure-eight pattern captures sound equally from the front and back while rejecting sound from the sides. This is ideal for capturing natural room ambiance, recording two singers facing each other, or isolating a specific instrument while minimizing bleed from other sources.

While it is a ribbon microphone and should always be handled with care, the R1 is designed for studio durability. It comes with a sturdy aluminum flight case to ensure it stays protected during storage and transport.

You can expect a classic, fat, and warm sound profile. It excels at smoothing out harsh high frequencies, making it a great choice for taming bright vocals or electric guitars that might otherwise sound brittle.