Pricing and availability

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Reverb
5.0 (3)
$349.00 New
$257.53 Used
Thomann
4.5 (11)
$359.00 $358.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $328

Budget/Beginner

$499

$1500+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Golden Age Project R1 Tube Active Ribbon Microphone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 2026.

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Description

Experience vintage warmth with a modern twist using the Golden Age Project R1 Tube Active Ribbon Microphone. This microphone blends the classic character of ribbon technology with contemporary active circuitry, creating an exceptional tool for studio recording enthusiasts and professionals alike. Engineered for versatility, it captures everything from the subtle nuances of acoustic instruments to the full-on power of amplified setups. Its active tube circuitry ensures a strong output signal, minimizing the need for high-gain preamps and reducing noise in your recordings.

The R1's figure-8 polar pattern provides excellent off-axis rejection, making it a go-to choice for capturing vocals and instruments in dynamic environments. It boasts a frequency range of 30 to 18,000 Hz, ensuring a wide sonic palette that beautifully captures the essence of your sound with detail and clarity. Meanwhile, its robust design can handle sound pressure levels up to 165 dB, making it equally adept at capturing the intensity of a drum kit or the delicate whispers of a vocal performance.

Ideal for musicians eager to explore the depths of their creativity, the Golden Age Project R1 Tube Active Ribbon Microphone is a reliable partner in your sonic journey.

Key Features:

  • Active ribbon microphone with tube circuitry
  • Polar pattern: Figure-8
  • Frequency range: 30 - 18,000 Hz +/- 3 dB
  • Sensitivity: -40 dB (0 dB=1V/Pa) @ 1 kHz
  • Max. sound pressure level: 165 dB
  • Output impedance: 200 Ohm
  • Recommended load impedance: > 1000 Ohm

Product specs

Available since July 2012
shockmount included No

FAQs

What is the primary intended application for the Golden Age Project R1 Tube Active Ribbon Microphone?

The Golden Age Project R1 Tube Active Ribbon Microphone is designed primarily for studio recording applications, excelling in capturing vocals and acoustic instruments with its warm, natural sound.

Does the Golden Age Project R1 Tube Active Ribbon Microphone require phantom power?

Yes, the R1 Tube Active Ribbon Microphone requires phantom power due to its active circuitry, which enhances output and reduces noise.

How does the sound signature of the Golden Age Project R1 Tube Active Ribbon Microphone compare to other ribbon microphones?

The R1 Tube Active Ribbon Microphone offers a warm and smooth sound with extended high-frequency response, making it versatile for various recording applications compared to traditional passive ribbon microphones.

Is the Golden Age Project R1 Tube Active Ribbon Microphone suitable for live sound applications?

While primarily designed for studio use, the R1 Tube Active Ribbon Microphone can be used in live settings with care, but it's generally more suited for controlled environments due to its sensitivity.

What is the polar pattern of the Golden Age Project R1 Tube Active Ribbon Microphone?

The R1 Tube Active Ribbon Microphone features a figure-8 polar pattern, capturing sound equally from the front and rear while rejecting sound from the sides, ideal for recording in stereo or capturing room ambiance.

Consordini

Consordini

Golden Age Project R1 Tube Active REVIEW with DIFFERENT DEMOS

Video thumbnail for Golden Age Project R1 Tube Active REVIEW with DIFFERENT DEMOS by Consordini

Golden Age Project R1 Tube Active REVIEW with DIFFERENT DEMOS

Consordini

Consordini

Reviews

PROS

  • Produces warm, natural, and detailed sound

  • Exceptional for capturing brass instruments' rich warmth

  • Enhances guitar amp sound with precise attack and fullness

  • Versatile across various instruments like drums, bass, and piano

  • Combines well with other microphones for fuller sound profiles

  • Takes EQ adjustments well, allowing for sound customization

  • Provides a high-end sound experience at a relatively lower cost

CONS

  • Prone to noticeable background noise at higher gain levels

  • Sensitive, potentially capturing unwanted ambient sounds

  • Not ideal as a main vocal mic due to slight ground noise

Owner Insights

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

Use cases and applications

  • The Golden Age Project R1 MKII is praised for its clarity and smoothness when used as a mono drum overhead and for acoustic guitar recording.

    Source
  • The Golden Age Project R1 Tube Active Ribbon Microphone is recommended for capturing a warm, rich sound for electric guitar recordings, especially when used with a dynamic mic like the SM57 for balance.

    Source
  • The R1 is favored for vocals by some, especially for tenors, providing a sweet, natural tone without the need for extensive EQ adjustments.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The R1 MKII is noted for being less dark than typical ribbons, providing a clear sound, making it versatile for various recording applications.

    Source
  • It's noted that the R1's figure-8 polar pattern can be advantageous for blending room acoustics with direct sound, enhancing the recording's depth and warmth.

    Source
  • The R1's active design allows for improved output without needing a high-gain preamp, which can be beneficial in setups with limited preamp gain capabilities.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners advise against the active version of the Golden Age Project R1, citing better results with the passive version requiring high gain preamps.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the R1 for its ability to accurately capture the sound of a guitar amp in the room, achieving a full, controlled low end without muddiness.

    Source
  • Owners report that the R1 takes EQ well, making it adaptable across different instruments and recording environments without harsh resonances.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The R1 MKII is compared to Coles microphones, with users noting similar response characteristics, particularly desirable for jazz and soul recordings.

    Source
  • The Golden Age Project R1 is considered similar to the SE VR1 in terms of providing a modern ribbon sound, both requiring a clean, high-gain preamp for optimal performance.

    Source
  • The R1 is compared to the Royer R121, with users highlighting the R1's similar midrange focus but noting the R121's higher SPL handling.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users report issues with the R1's yoke breaking, indicating potential durability concerns with frequent adjustments.

    Source
  • Some users note that the Golden Age Project R1 can require careful handling due to its delicate ribbon element, making it less suitable for rough environments.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users suggest pairing the Golden Age Project R1 with a Triton Germanium Fethead to enhance its output, emphasizing the combination's effectiveness despite increased cost.

    Source
  • Users recommend pairing the R1 with a Cloudlifter or similar gain device for quieter sources to enhance its usability across a broader range of applications.

    Source

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