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Golden Age Project R1 ST Vintage Style Stereo Ribbon Microphone

Name: Golden Age Project R1 ST Vintage Style Stereo Ribbon Microphone
Brand: Golden Age Project
Rating: 5 (4 reviews)

Stereo Ribbon Microphone with Blumlein Configuration, Left/Right Splitter Box, Shockmount, and 2 Transport Cases

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Item ID: R1ST

Golden Age Project R1 ST Vintage Style Stereo Ribbon Microphone

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Golden Age Project R1 ST Vintage Style Stereo Ribbon Microphone

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Capture Blumlein Stereo Recordings with a Single Mic

Packing two high-quality ribbon elements in a Blumlein configuration, the Golden Age R1 ST ribbon microphone allows you to capture wonderfully deep and wide stereo recordings. You can also use either mic element individually for standard mono recordings, making this a versatile ribbon mic indeed. Its ultra-high SPL handling (up to 160dB) means you can use the R1 ST on practically any instrument or sound source. Complete with a detachable cable, a splitter box offering left and right outputs, a shockmount, and two transport cases, any engineer can appreciate the value in the Golden Age R1 ST vintage-style stereo ribbon microphone.

Why Blumlein?

Using two figure-8 mic capsules oriented at 90 degrees to each other, the Blumlein microphone method is known for creating a strong center image along with immersive room ambience. When setting up a Blumlein configuration with two mics, you must take the utmost care to ensure the capsules are aligned perfectly for proper phase coherency. With the Golden Age R1 ST stereo ribbon mic, you'll be able to achieve the expansive stereo sound you're after without spending time aligning separate mics.

High SPL handling

With SPL handling up to 160dB, the Golden Age R1 ST ribbon mic handles loud sound sources with ease. If you've got a good-sounding room, Sweetwater recommends trying the R1 ST as an overhead microphone for drums. You'll have a powerful, focused center image, plus the natural ambience you can only achieve with room miking.

Must-have accessories included

Because the R1 ST is a dual-element microphone, it includes a special cable to connect to a splitter box with left and right outputs. This means you can use either mic element individually for mono recordings, making this a seriously versatile mic for your studio. Also included are a shockmount plus hard and soft transport cases for long-term reliability.

Golden Age R1 ST Stereo Ribbon Microphone Features:

Dual-element ribbon microphone in Blumlein configuration
Allows you to capture deep, wide stereo recordings with a single mic
Splitter box with left and right outputs allow you to use either mic element individually as well
High SPL handling (up to 160dB) is suitable for louder instruments and sound sources
Includes detachable cable, splitter box, shockmount, and 2 transport cases (1 hard and 1 soft)

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Tech Specs

Microphone Type: Ribbon
Ribbon Type: Dual 2-micron Aluminum, 50mm long
Mono/Stereo: Stereo
Polar Pattern: Crossed Figure-8 (Blumlein)
Max SPL: 160dB SPL
Connector: XLR
Included Accessories: Shockmount, splitter box, 2 x transport cases
Manufacturer Part Number: R1 ST

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Reviews

4.8

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Being middle aged, I have built up an array of solid mics. I have LDC, SDC, dynamic, and ribbon options. What I lacked was a single unit, stereo microphone. I purchased one of these and I love how differently it captures sound sources. It produces a full stereo spread that sits in the mix in a unique ways depending on panning. Beyond just instruments, I've found it's a perfect room mic for capturing ambience on sources, and it's brilliant for backup vocals with a single voice. If you want to add some space in your recordings, this is a great option that's less finicky than arranging a stereo bar. One tip: invest in a pair of signal boosters like the Triton FETHead or equivalent. These help make the mic and its ribbon noise floor more useful for lower register sources. Overall this mic is a 10/10 for value and sound. I wouldn't hesitate to pair it in a mix with any of my big name mics.

Admittedly, this is my first ribbon mic, and while I've always wanted to add a Royer or two to my mic collection it just always seemed a little out of my price range given most of what I record are electronic instruments and synthesizers. Recently a friend offered to gift me with an old grand piano that he no longer had room for, and the piano turns out to be quirky and full of character; totally imperfect and wonderful. I tried recording it with various condensers that I have on hand, in various positions, stereo, mono, near, far, combinations of everything.... but it just felt like the instrument was losing so much of it's personality in the recordings. Cue the R1 ST. Plugged it into my Apollo with a Neve 1073 unison preamp and not much other tweaking and suddenly the sound of the piano jumped to life! It sounds warm and rich without the excessive brightness and yet still remains punchy and vibrant. After the piano test I decided to try the mic on my drum kit, rolled off some gain and was equally impressed with the drum recording even without any additional coloration. Magic. Someday I'll spring for the Royer but you can't beat the impressive sound quality for the money. Wish I would have bought one sooner!

I recently picked up this mic rather than investing in an AEA R88. I have scoured the web for comparison videos and reviews of this mic to find the brutal truth. Honestly, it's just a great sounding stereo ribbon mic. I second the previous reviewers comments that it is HUGE and requires a serious mic stand. I would recommend something like a DR Pro at minimum for this mic. This mic also greatly benefits from using a Ribbon Pre or a Cloud lifter. It sounds great for room and overheads with drums, piano, acoustic instruments, and horns. After comparing the sound to a pair of Se Electronics Voodoo VR2's in Blumlein, I can hardly tell a difference. I will do a follow up once I get a chance to compare to my friend's R88.

In this price range there is nothing this good.
I"ve had it for two months and have put it to work.

Pros:
*Great on drums, both rooms and overheads...If you are recording pop or country you may prefer something brighter like AKG 414s for overheads. This is a taste thing.
*Great on guitar amps
*Decent on Acoustic guitars with new strings...Depends on the sound you are going for. I use a Gibson J45 or Martin D28 often. Both dreadnought bodies. I recorded a GA body Custom Guitar and it was great too.
* Amazing on horns all day. All kinds. I tracked Trombone, flugelhorn, trumpet sections and a French horn section.

Cons:
There is only one. It"s the biggest mic I have ever had to maneuver around a studio. It"s hard to get set up quickly and aimed. You WILL need a weighted stand on wheels.

The pros far outweigh the one con. I would buy it again. Once I"ve had If for a year we shall see how well the ribbons hold up.

See also: Ribbon Mics, Golden Age Project, Golden Age Project Ribbon Microphones