Golden Age Audio Project R1 ST
Key features of Golden Age Audio products
- Stereo setup: Blumlein
- Directivity of the two capsules: Figure-8
- Frequency range (+/- 3 dB): 30 – 18,000 Hz
- Sound pressure level: 160 dB SPL (1% THD @ 1000 Hz)
- Sensitivity: -52 dB (2.51 mV/Pa) @ 1kHz
- Output impedance: 600 Ohms
- Dimensions: 70 x 330 mm
- Weight: 4.56 kg
- Incl. shock mount, connection cable, splitter box with left and right output and carrying case
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Additional Information
Customer Review Summary
The Golden Age Audio Project R1 ST is an impressive ribbon microphone that has truly surprised me. It excels in capturing room sound for drums and grand pianos, and performs exceptionally well as an overhead microphone.
The microphone’s unique figure-8 configuration, with its dual ribbons, provides a remarkable stereo image, making it a great choice for acoustic instruments such as pianos, cellos, and even double basses. I’ve also paired it with electric guitar amplifiers, and it delivers excellent results.
One of the standout features is the packaging; it comes in an oversized tweed case lined with plush red fabric, which adds a touch of elegance. The microphone itself is well-protected in a padded nylon bag, ensuring safety when not in use. The elastic suspension mount is robust, and the included 5-pin connection cable and split box are functional, although I did encounter a minor issue with a missing screw in the split box.
In terms of practicality, I’ve positioned the R1 ST as a front-of-kit microphone, approximately 2 meters away from the drum set. Despite ribbon microphones generally having low output, the loud source allows for minimal gain adjustment on my preamp. The Blumlein configuration makes finding the sweet spot in the room quick and easy, a significant improvement over using individual ribbon microphones on separate stands.
The sound quality is typically rich and full, with cymbals producing a silky high end. There are no harsh or unpleasant peaks, and the microphone avoids the notorious ribbon muddiness. It delivers a powerful yet open sound, approaching the quality of much more expensive models. The spatial quality it brings to the drum kit is a compelling reason to consider this microphone.
For anyone looking for a powerful room sound for their drums, the Golden Age Audio Project R1 ST is definitely worth testing. Overall, I’m very satisfied with its performance, and any initial frustration with the split box quickly faded in light of its exceptional sound quality.
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