Golden Age Audio R1 MKII

A Modern Ribbon Inspired by Timeless References

The R1 MKII follows the tradition of vintage-style ribbon microphones, popularized by legendary models still prized today for their musicality. The idea is not to artificially "over-detail," but to deliver a dense, realistic, and pleasant sound image, with a silky high-frequency range that often helps tame bright sources. In a modern recording chain, this type of microphone remains a reliable choice whenever a more "album-like," less clinical grain is sought, while maintaining excellent clarity in the mix.
The MKII designation indicates a version continuing the concept: a passive ribbon microphone designed for studio use, intended to recapture the recording aesthetic associated with great recordings, with simple operation and construction suited to everyday demands (sessions, stage changes, repeated placements).

Who Is the R1 MKII For and What Are Its Uses?

The R1 MKII targets demanding home studio users, production studios, sound engineers, and musicians who want to add a ribbon microphone capable of offering a credible alternative to modern condensers. On vocals, it can provide a smoother texture and reduce harshness on sibilance, while emphasizing body and proximity. On acoustic instruments (guitars, strings), it helps achieve a less "piercing" image, often easier to EQ.
Its figure-8 polar pattern also makes it very interesting whenever room acoustics are part of the sound: you can capture an instrument in front while picking up some ambiance (or a second performer) at the back, with naturally rejected sides. In ensembles, it performs well on brass, orchestras, and choirs, where the ribbon's coherence and smoothness add elegance, especially when the source becomes energetic.

Sound Character and Usage: Exploiting the Figure-8 and Ribbon

Ribbon Signature: Smooth Transients and Silky Highs

The behavior of a ribbon microphone is particularly appreciated for how it handles attacks: transients remain fast, but the sensation is often more "rounded" than with some condenser mics. The result is a recording that can immediately sound more natural, especially on sources rich in harmonics (brass, bowed strings, certain powerful vocals). The R1 MKII's frequency response extends low, allowing it to capture ample bass while maintaining good articulation.

Figure-8: Depth, Separation, and Stereo Techniques

With a figure-8 pattern, the front and back are captured while the sides are strongly attenuated. This is an asset for isolating an instrument from side reflections or other unwanted sources, and it is also the basis for renowned stereo techniques: Blumlein (two crossed figure-8s) for a wide and realistic image, or Mid-Side for adjustable stereo in the mix. In practice, placement makes a huge difference: a few centimeters can change proximity effect, presence, and the direct-to-ambient ratio.

Preamp, Gain, and Best Practices

Like all passive ribbon microphones, the R1 MKII benefits from a clean preamp with comfortable gain reserve. To optimize signal-to-noise ratio, prefer an interface or preamp capable of raising gain without excessive hiss, especially on quieter sources. As a precaution, it is recommended to disable 48 V phantom power when connecting and using the microphone. Finally, although this model can handle very high levels, consider placement: for very close and powerful sources, a slight distance can offer better tonal balance and more usable dynamics in the mix.

Technical specifications