The Golden Age R1 Active MKIII gives you the velvety warmth of a ribbon mic together with the stability of a FET (Field Effect Transistor) buffer amp that lets you use the mic with longer cable runs and virtually any preamp that has phantom power. The R1 Active MKIII delivers a clear, punchy sound with life-like realism that's ideal for capturing the power and nuance of instruments and vocals.
A robust modern mic with classic ribbon sound
Golden Age R1 Active MKIII delivers a classic ribbon sound with smooth highs and extended low end. Its fast transient response makes it a great choice for drums, acoustic and electric guitar, and piano. And with its high sensitivity (for a ribbon), it's awesome for capturing sensitive vocal performances. With its budget-friendly price tag, a pair of these versatile ribbons is perfect for stereo applications such as drum overheads. Unlike vintage ribbons, the R1 Active MKIII features ultra-high 160dB SPL handling (plus a 10dB pad) — which means you can use it on the loudest sources without trepidation. In light of its robust low-end response, the mic is suitably equipped with a highpass filter that lets you roll off rumble and other unwanted low frequencies. All considered, the Golden Age R1 Active MKIII is an incredible value. It's the ribbon mic you've been waiting for.
The Golden Age Project
The Golden Age Project was founded in 2005 on the belief that vintage gear sounds best, and the desire to pass on this sonic legacy to a new generation of musicians, engineers, and producers. All discrete, Class A signal paths with no integrated circuits; the use of transformers, stepped controls, and military-grade build quality: these are the cornerstones of the legendary British equipment deployed in world-class recording and broadcast studios in the 1970s — the Golden Age of analog. Fat, warm, punchy, and authoritative; this is the sound heard on countless hits for nigh unto half a century. Locating, purchasing, restoring, and maintaining vintage gear is time-consuming and costly. Fortunately, this small, family-owned Swedish company makes gear the same way it was made back in the day — at an amazingly gentle price.
A distributor of high-end studio equipment for many years, Golden Age Project founder Bo Medin wanted to be able to offer products with much of the same exclusive sound in a price range that made them available to a larger audience. Inspired by original designs, Golden Age uses modern technology to re-create that lush, opulent sound, making it surprisingly affordable. They use some modern ingenuity to add new functionality to superb classic designs and produce them in a cost-effective way which allows them to be both optimized and affordable. From outboard equipment to condenser, dynamic, and ribbon mics; you can outfit your entire studio with vintage-inspired Golden Age gear without exceeding your budget.
Features:
- FET buffer amp lets you use the mic with longer cable runs and any preamp with phantom power
- Classic ribbon sound with smooth highs and extended low end
- Clear and punchy, with fast transients and life-like realism
- Ideal for capturing instruments and vocals
- Figure-8 polar pattern with wide sweet spots front and rear; excellent side rejection
- Ultra-high 160dB SPL capability
- High sensitivity, similar to many condenser mics
- Highpass filter
- 10dB pad