Pricing and availability

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Sweetwater
5.0 (39)
$229.00
Amazon
4.5 (49)
$229.00
Reverb
4.0 (6)
$229.00 New
$198.72 Used
B&H
4.1 (7)
$229.00
Thomann
4.3 (52)
$233.00 $222.00 $11.00 · All time low

Average Price: $223

Budget/Beginner

$499

$1500+

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High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Golden Age Project R1 Active MKIII Active Ribbon Microphone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Golden Age Project R1 Active MKIII Active Ribbon Microphone seamlessly combines the vintage charm of classic ribbon mics with modern technological enhancements, making it an essential addition to any studio's arsenal. Designed to capture the essence of analog warmth, this microphone boasts a FET buffer amp, enabling it to work harmoniously with longer cable runs and any preamp equipped with phantom power. Its robust build and budget-friendly price make it ideal for both budding musicians and seasoned professionals alike.

Whether you're recording the subtle nuances of a vocal performance or the dynamic range of a live instrument, the R1 Active MKIII delivers with clarity and punch. Its figure-8 polar pattern ensures wide sweet spots and excellent side rejection, allowing you to capture sound with life-like realism. With the ability to handle up to 160dB SPL and a convenient 10dB pad, this microphone can easily accommodate even the loudest sound sources without distortion. Plus, the integrated highpass filter helps you eliminate unwanted low frequencies, ensuring your recordings are as clean as they are vibrant.

Perfect for everything from drum overheads to delicate acoustic guitar sessions, the R1 Active MKIII is a versatile tool designed to meet the demands of modern recording environments. Whether you're in a professional studio or a home setup, this microphone ensures your sound is faithfully reproduced with the classic ribbon warmth that Golden Age is celebrated for.

Key Features:

  • FET buffer amp for flexible connectivity
  • Classic ribbon sound with smooth highs and extended low end
  • High sensitivity, similar to condenser mics
  • Figure-8 polar pattern with excellent side rejection
  • Ultra-high 160dB SPL handling
  • Highpass filter and 10dB pad for versatility

Product specs

Brand Golden Age Project
Model R1 MKIII Active Ribbon Microphone
Year 2010s
Categories Microphones

FAQs

Does the Golden Age Project R1 Active MKIII require phantom power?

Yes, the Golden Age Project R1 Active MKIII is an active ribbon microphone and requires phantom power to operate.

What are the key sound characteristics of the Golden Age Project R1 Active MKIII?

The R1 Active MKIII offers a classic ribbon microphone sound with a smooth, natural response, making it ideal for capturing vocals and instruments with a warm and detailed character.

Is the Golden Age Project R1 Active MKIII suitable for home studio recording?

Yes, the R1 Active MKIII is well-suited for home studio recording, offering a high-quality ribbon microphone experience that enhances the warmth and detail of recordings in a controlled environment.

What applications is the Golden Age Project R1 Active MKIII best suited for?

This microphone excels in recording vocals, acoustic instruments, and amplifiers, providing a rich and natural sound that complements a variety of musical styles and settings.

How does the Golden Age Project R1 Active MKIII differ from passive ribbon microphones?

Unlike passive ribbon microphones, the R1 Active MKIII includes an active circuit that provides a higher output level and requires phantom power, making it more versatile and easier to use with a wider range of preamps.

Curtis Judd

Curtis Judd

Review: Golden Age Project R1 Mark III Active Ribbon Mic

Video thumbnail for Review: Golden Age Project R1 Mark III Active Ribbon Mic by Curtis Judd

Review: Golden Age Project R1 Mark III Active Ribbon Mic

Curtis Judd

Curtis Judd

Video thumbnail for Recording Drums with Two Mics - Golden Age Project - R1 MKIII - Active Ribbons by Kind Lion Sound

Recording Drums with Two Mics - Golden Age Project - R1 MKIII - Active Ribbons

Kind Lion Sound

Kind Lion Sound

Video thumbnail for Testing the Golden Age R1 Active MKIII on Trumpet by music and me

Testing the Golden Age R1 Active MKIII on Trumpet

music and me

music and me

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Golden Age Project R1 Active MKIII Active Ribbon Microphone.

Use cases and applications

  • The Golden Age Project R1 MKII is praised for its clarity and smoothness, particularly on mono drum overheads and acoustic guitar.

    Source
  • Ribbons like the R1 Active MKIII are less suited for live recordings due to their sensitivity to room acoustics and noise.

    Source
  • While less ideal for untreated apartments, careful room treatment or strategic placement can optimize the R1 Active MKIII's performance in less controlled environments.

    Source
  • The R1 Active MKIII excels in capturing vocals and percussion, offering a sweet treatment for softer tenor voices without requiring extensive post-processing.

    Source
  • The R1 Active MKIII is favored for delivering a natural, unhyped sound, making it ideal for digital setups needing warmth and depth.

    Source
  • The Golden Age Project R1 is appreciated for its ability to smoothen aggressive sounds, such as harsh electric guitars or brassy instruments, into a more polished recording.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Golden Age R1 Active and passive versions have been compared favorably to higher-end brands like AEA and Royer, with active models offering more presence and gain.

    Source
  • The Golden Age R1's figure-8 pattern may require attention to room acoustics, especially ceiling reflections, to avoid capturing unwanted sounds.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users note the build quality of the Golden Age R1 is slightly flimsy, particularly the yoke, which can be prone to breaking.

    Source
  • The Golden Age Project R1 Active MKIII provides a velvety texture, ideal for capturing natural room reflections in quiet home studio environments.

    Source
  • Users report a saturated, tape-like sound when using the R1 Active MKIII with minimal effects, such as EQ and compression.

    Source
  • Owners of the Golden Age Project Ribbon note it handles EQ adjustments impressively, enhancing versatility across various recording scenarios.

    Source
  • Users find the R1 Active MKIII performs similarly to higher-end models, but at a fraction of the price, making it a popular choice for home studios.

    Source

Comparisons

  • It's noted that the Golden Age R1 is not as dark as many ribbons, making it a versatile choice for various instruments, including vocals and kick drums.

    Source
  • The R1 Active MKIII's tech is similar to the MXL R80, suggesting comparable sound characteristics, though direct comparisons are scarce.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • When using the passive version of the Golden Age R1, a high-gain preamp or booster is recommended to achieve optimal performance.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Golden Age Project R1 Active MKIII — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

The Golden Age Project R1 Active MKIII Ribbon Microphone is a budget-friendly gem for vintage sound enthusiasts. Its active circuitry solves common ribbon mic issues, offering a rich, detailed tone across various applications. The mic’s impressive SPL handling and flexibility are standout features. However, the design suffers from a flimsy mount and a restrictive warranty, necessitating careful handling. Overall, it’s a solid choice for those looking to explore ribbon mics without breaking the bank.

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Artist usage

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See how Mary Spender uses Golden Age Project R1 Active MKIII Active Ribbon Microphone

Mary Spender

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Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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