Golden Age Audio R1 Active MKIII Ribbon Microphone

What is the Golden Age Project R1 Active MKIII Ribbon Microphone
The Golden Age Project R1 Active MKIII is a high-performance active ribbon microphone that combines the classic ribbon mic sound with the modern reliability of an FET (Field Effect Transistor) buffer amp. This innovative design makes the R1 Active MKIII incredibly versatile, allowing it to work with long cable runs and nearly any preamp with phantom power. Whether you're recording vocals or instruments, the R1 Active MKIII provides a rich, detailed sound that captures the subtle nuances and dynamic range of your performance.

Classic Ribbon Sound with Modern Enhancements
This microphone brings you the velvety warmth and smooth tonal quality that ribbon mics are known for, but with the added benefit of modern technology. The R1 Active MKIII features an FET buffer amp, which ensures you can use the mic with a wide range of equipment without compromising performance. The result is a beautifully clear and punchy sound with a balanced low end and smooth highs, making it ideal for a variety of applications. Its fast transient response makes it a fantastic choice for drums, guitar, and piano, delivering a sound that is both lifelike and natural.

Perfect for Sensitive and Loud Performances
One of the standout features of the R1 Active MKIII is its ultra-high 160dB SPL capability, which allows it to handle even the loudest sound sources without distortion or damage. This makes it an excellent choice for high-pressure environments such as drum kits, loud guitar amplifiers, and powerful vocal performances. Additionally, the mic’s high sensitivity—similar to condenser microphones—ensures that it can also capture delicate, nuanced performances with clarity. The inclusion of a 10dB pad adds extra protection when recording exceptionally loud sources.

Figure-8 Polar Pattern for Versatile Capture
The R1 Active MKIII is equipped with a figure-8 polar pattern, which gives you wide sweet spots on both the front and rear of the microphone. This unique characteristic makes the mic ideal for stereo recording applications like drum overheads or capturing the ambient sound in a room. The figure-8 pattern also provides excellent side rejection, meaning it minimizes unwanted noise and focuses on the sound directly in front and behind the mic. This makes it a great option for achieving clear, focused recordings in any setting.

Built to Handle Low-End Rumble with Highpass Filter
For anyone who’s experienced the struggle of unwanted low-end rumble in their recordings, the R1 Active MKIII offers a built-in highpass filter to resolve that issue. This filter allows you to roll off the low frequencies that can muddy up a recording, ensuring that you capture a cleaner, more controlled sound. This makes it an ideal tool for a variety of recording situations, especially for instruments and vocals where clarity and precision are paramount.

Affordable Professional Ribbon Mic
Despite its high-quality construction and professional-grade performance, the Golden Age Project R1 Active MKIII is surprisingly budget-friendly. This makes it an excellent choice for both budding musicians and established professionals looking to add a ribbon mic to their setup without breaking the bank. The R1 Active MKIII brings the classic ribbon mic sound into the modern age while keeping the price accessible, making it perfect for musicians and engineers at all levels.