Golden Age Project Premier R1A Quick Start Manual

R1A
Vintage Style Active Ribbon Microphone

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on choosing the Golden Age Premier R1A microphone!
The R1A is a unique microphone since it is a high quality and low cost vintage style ribbon microphone with
active electronics using high end components.
The R1A offers the special and natural sound that has been available in classical microphones like the RCA
44 and 77 that are still used to make high quality recordings today after around 80 years. On top of that, the
active circuitry raises the output level considerably to be similar to that of many condenser microphones. This
has the good effect that one does not need special high gain microphone preamps when using the R1A on
quiet sound sources. It also makes the R1A able to drive long microphone cables without any problems and
insures that the sound is consistent with different preamps.
One of the factors that usually changes the sound of passive ribbon microphones is the input impedance
of the following microphone preamp. The active output circuitry in the R1A buffers the ribbon and the gain
make-up transformer from the outside world and the result is that the R1A will consistently give you maximum
performance in any situation.
The R1A is very well suited for the recording of most sound sources like vocals, acoustic instruments, strings,
horns, orchestras and choral groups and many live sound applications. In spite of its low cost, the R1A meets
the most stringent demands. To get maximum benefit and trouble free use out of the R1A please read this
manual carefully.

UNPACKING, INSPECTION STORAGE AND TRANSPORT

The R1A was carefully tested and packed at the factory. The padded pouch that comes with the R1A has been
designed to protect the microphone when you store, ship or move it.
The ribbon assembly in the R1A, as in any ribbon microphones, is sensitive and fragile and can be damaged
if handled the wrong way, That is why it is important that you immediately after you have received the R1A,
verifies that it is working properly and that it has not been damaged during shipping. In the rare case that the
R1A is not working properly when receiving it, please contact your dealer.
The warranty of the ribbon assembly in the R1A does not extend beyond this initial inspection, since it can be
damaged if it isn´t handled properly.

FEATURES

- The unmatched natural and musical sound of a classical ribbon microphone combined with a discrete amplifier (no
integrated coircuits used), powered by standard 48V phantom power, that isolates the ribbon and the gain make-up
transformer from the outside world. A stunning realism with the feeling of "being-there" and a fast and life-like transient
reproduction.
- The typical large and mellow ribbon sound quality with a very smooth top end and an extended low end.
- An ultra-high SPL capability, 160 dB SPL (1% THD @ 1000Hz) and a very high sensitivity for a ribbon microphone, similar
to many condenser microphones.
- Figure-8 directional pattern for wide sweet spots both in the front and in the back of the microphone.
- 50mm long ribbon made of 2 microns thick aluminium foil and an internal shock mount for the ribbon and magnet
assembly.
- Selectable high pass filter and -10dB Pad.
- Removable microphone cable built with Mogami Neglex Studio Quad cable and Neutrik XLR goldplated connectors.
- Swedish made Lundahl 1927A transformer.
- High end Wima film and Nichicon electrolytic audio capacitors used in the amplifier.
- Manufactured of the finest materials for a great performance and long-term reliability.
- The R1A can be used with any standard mixer or preamp with a balanced input that can supply 48V phantom power.
- Great sound that suits most sound sources and genres.
- A solid build quality that will last many years of normal use.
I
W W W . G O L D E N A G E P R E M I E R . C O M