Golden Age Audio Premier R1A Review: Final thoughts and rating

Alistair Vance
Written by Alistair Vance

March 16, 2026

Golden Age Audio Premier R1A

Golden Age Audio Premier R1A Review: Final thoughts and rating

Studio microphone functions of Golden Age Audio

  • Polar pattern: Eight
  • Frequency range: 30 – 18,000 Hz (+/- 3dB)
  • Sensitivity: 40 dB (0 dB = 1V/Pa) @ 1 kHz
  • Max. SPL (<1% THD @ 1kHz): 160 dB with pad
  • Output impedance: 200 Ohm balanced
  • Recommended load impedance: > 1000 Ohm
  • Highpass filter: -3dB @ 160Hz, 6 dB / octave
  • Pad: -10 dB
  • Requires a +48 V phantom power
  • Dimensions: 69 x 185 mm
  • Weight: 820 g

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Golden Age Audio Premier R1A Review: Final thoughts and rating

Golden Age Audio Premier R1A Review: Final thoughts and rating

Golden Age Audio Premier R1A Review: Final thoughts and rating

Golden Age Audio Premier R1A Review: Final thoughts and rating

Golden Age Audio Premier R1A Review: Final thoughts and rating

Golden Age Audio Premier R1A Review: Final thoughts and rating

Golden Age Audio Premier R1A Review: Final thoughts and rating

Golden Age Audio Premier R1A Review: Final thoughts and rating

Golden Age Audio Premier R1A Review: Final thoughts and rating

Additional Information

Customer Review Summary

The Golden Age Audio Premier R1A is a remarkable microphone that delivers a warm and rounded sound, making it suitable for various applications. It excels in capturing acoustic instruments, particularly the acoustic guitar, and performs admirably when used with a clean amplifier or as a room mic for drums.

The microphone features a figure-of-8 pickup pattern, which requires careful attention to mic placement and room acoustics to achieve the best results. It is important to be mindful of bass-heavy sources, as the mic can accentuate low-end frequencies. However, it has a pleasant high-frequency roll-off, ensuring that recordings never sound harsh.

Additionally, the Premier R1A comes with a decent XLR cable of approximately 1.8 to 2 metres, which adds to its usability right out of the box. Overall, this microphone is a strong contender for those seeking a natural-sounding recording experience, particularly for instruments like the saxophone, where it delivers warmth without compromising on clarity.

See also  Golden Age Audio Project R1 ST Review: A smart purchase for producers?


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Alistair Vance

Based in Bristol, Al has spent over a decade mixing local bands before specialising in hybrid studio consulting. He’s obsessed with the price-to-performance ratio, helping musicians achieve a "Radio Ready" sound without the need for a £50,000 Neve console. No fluff, just honest gear reviews to get your tracks sounding professional on a real-world budget.

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