Review: Golden Age Project R1 Mark III Active Ribbon Mic
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- curtisjuddphoto...
Wondering whether this affordable ribbon mic would work for you? I've been using it for voice over and recording acoustic instruments, mostly violin, for the past couple of months. Check out my experience.
GA Project R1 Mark III Active Ribbom Mic on Amazon:
www.amazon.com/...
All voice and music in this video were recorded with the following signal chain:
- Golden Age Project R1 Mark III Active Ribbon Mic
- Mogami Studio Gold XLR cable
- Golden Age Project Pre73 Mark II
- Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP
Ethics statement: Some of the links above are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, or other affiliate links.
The friction between the violin strings and the bow comes through with excellent clarity. It sounds fantastic. Thanks for the demo.
Thanks for the feedback!
Thank you for making a demo which is largely speech. I like the warmth and proximity effect of this mic.
You're most welcome!
I'll let her know, she'll be happy to hear that! Thanks!
Yes, most microphones will pick up reflections from the walls and this microphone is no exception. If you do not have a space at home that is treated or treatable, you might instead consider one of the smaller mics you attach to your instrument or bridge. They tend to reject off-axis sound more effectively, usually at the cost of narrower pickup range. Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of first person experience with these so I don't have one to recommend.
Great review, Curtis. Thanks. Your wife's violin playing sounded great to my ears.
A fair review that takes various important issues into account, such as matching the mic to the voice. Violin sounds good to me!
Thanks.
@Mak Wolven Completely agree. Most affordable condensers are pretty hyped in the at least some of the higher frequencies which can be ok if your track will be one of several in a mix, but I usually find it a little bothersome for solo recordings.
FINALLY a Demo with Violin. I have indeed your same issue with LDC Mic. And before to buy a Ribbon one I wanted to listen to some real demo. Thank you so much :) I put your video into my Favorites :)
your back! nice review on this mic! the vibrato on your wifes violin was very clear and nice! i always enjoy a string instrument being played! (played cello in HS), nice review!
Thanks for the review! And demo. Really good point about the way cheaper LDCs emphasize highs, that's exactly what I noticed myself. Good idea to try and replace them with a ribbon first before getting an expensive condenser.
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Very nice concise review and thanks to your wife for the performance. It definitely has character. I also own the pre73 and think that this company provides the goods at an affordable price. I do vo's and have been looking for this sort of microphone presence that gets away from the condenser sound.
Ok. I let you know. I always want a more mellow sound on my acoustic guitars and with this reviews and others I think that help me with that.
This mic sounds great. Thanks for this review!
Thanks Mike.
thanks for this review. I'm thinking about getting one of these mics to record the audio on my violin videos. I've found the sound from ribbon mics more realistic than expensive condensers.
+Eoin O'Sullivan Thanks! Very best wishes. My wife is fond of traditional Irish music and I have found this mic to be a great way to capture her playing in more controlled types of environments.
Super sound on the violin - vintage and airy, like listening to old tube radios :)
Thank you Ivan. I had almost forgotten about this video.
@@curtisjudd My pleasure. Reviews by users are great references :)
Curtis I just started watching and I know for sure will be amazing!
Thanks for sharing such nice content again!
Another inexpensive active ribbon mic for which I have seen only two or three reviews is the Marantz MPM-3500. I purchased one for recording the spoken word, half-expecting that the preamp in my inexpensive interface would fail to provide sufficient (clean) gain, or that, due to the figure 8 pattern, the mic would pick up too much ambient sound. I was pleasantly surprised in both regards. In terms of the tonal qualities, it, like my very different Oktava MK-012, it's output may not precisely replicate my voice, but subtly shades (someone in advertising might say "enriches") in ways I find pleasant. As far as the figure 8 pattern, I performed an experiment that had desirable, if less than dramatic, results. My large diaphragm cardioid condenser mic (SE Electronics X1 S) was part of a kit that included one of those overpriced, semi-circular, acoustically-foamed shields/"portable booths" or whatever that have become popular. While I could see no reason why the shield would be of great benefit a mic with a proper cardioid pattern, it occurred to me that the shield might reduce some of the sound picked up by the back side of the Marantz. Subjectively, that seemed to be the case. For $180 for the mic, shock mount, pop filter, and aluminum carrying case, I regard the purchase as a gamble the paid off.
Nice, thanks for sharing your experience Ed! Hadn't heard of the Marantz before you mentioned it.
Hi Shayshahn, I haven't tried the Avantone. I've heard great things about their monitors and didn't know they made ribbon mics. Please let us know if you find out any additional info on those.
I've been happy with the quality of the GAP ribbon through my Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP. The Scarlett uses the same pre-amps so that should be a good combination for you.
I haven't heard any sample files from the Shinybox ribbon mics but they look great. For violin, I would guess that the 46U and 46MXC would be better options than the 46MXL because I typically find that unless working with a very mellow violin, I want the classic Ribbon sound that rolls off the highs in a great way.
VO tip for you… duplicate and invert phase on the Breath sounds. Ribbons are very sensitive on this.
Thanks!
@SparkieWaller2009 I added reverb on the violin at the very end. All other audio was normalized but not otherwise processed.
The mic was $219 at Amazon. I' also own or use the following:
- Rode NT1a -- I paid $230 a few years ago, now sells for $200
- Rode NTG-2 -- Sells for $270, this is actually a small diaphragm condenser
- Blue Baby Bottle -- I've used this mic and it sells for $400
I've heard several other LDCs in this range and they all seem to have that harsh top end. Thanks!
The mic has a lot of mid range detail, but some high end harshness. I am listening on Adam A7s. Thanks for the review!
+Chris Samson thanks Chris. I was impressed with the A7s when I compared them to other near fields recently. Good choice.
Funnily enough, they're known for high end harshness, so take that for what it's worth.
Good luck, let me know how it goes once you start recording with it.
Dear Curtis, I am a pro violinist - was happy to read your review!
I am trying to make a decent setup to record myself.
I see you use the GAP 73 preamp for ribbon mics. Since the mic is active, wouldn't something like the cheaper but good quality Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (55db gain) suffice? Would that be enough gain? is there any other reason to spend more on the GAP 73 preamp?
Also, how do you think this mic compares with the more expensive Shinybox?
Thank you for your help!!!
Excellent review, thank you!
You still have the Zoom H1 I'm sure as well.
Thanks for the information Curtis,
Sparkie
Thank you. A great review.
Thanks Amigo
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So... I went out and bought this mic. At first, I was quite disappointed b/c it was/is muffled in sund and all bass.
Here's the thing, once you EQ it for vocals and cut out everything in the low end, it really does come to life. It is definilty a colored mic. Again, when you first use it it may sound like someone actually stuffed cotton in the mic casing. Eq a lot of the bass frequency out and compress, however, and you get a unique sound.
Bob
Signal Ahead
Tri-Axle Records
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Hey Curtis,
Well done demo! Just got one of these (R1 mk3). It's sounds great but I'm getting a little too much noise (hiss) for my taste. Did you run across a similar problem also?
I have tried similar priced & even cheaper ribbons on my setup and they all ran very quiet.. So I'm thinking that it's just the one I got stuck with?? I dunno. It's advertised as low noise fet circuitry? Perhaps it's just quality control on Golden Ages end. Thinking I'm gonna return or exchange it.
Any input or advice?
Kind Regards,
Franc
Hi Franc, I have found my copy to be quiet without any noticeable noise or hiss after 3 years of use. Perhaps it is a quality control issue on the copy you received. Sorry for the trouble on that. :-/
Thank you very much. You convince me to buy one :)
What kind of acoustic treatment did you have when recording the violin? I think I'm hearing some comb filtering. I recommend 5" thick mineral wool panels behind the player and the mic. They should eliminate most of the interaction between the direct sound and the room. I imagine the quality of the sound would increase substantially.
When I recorded this video 8 years ago, I didn't have any acoustical treatment in this space. I now have broadband traps from GIK Acoustics and fewer problems with comb filtering.
Hi Curtis! I have a question. I am using Zoom H6 recorder and was thinking about using two ribbon mics in blumlein array for stereo recording of string quartet or for recording acoustics while simultaneously recording a choir with 2-4 SDC mics (MXL 603). I was thinking about MXL R144 as in fact they are the only one I can afford. But these are passive mics and are said to be demanding towards mic preamp. They are said to require substantial ammout of gain. Do you thing Zoom H6 mic preams can handle them without serious complications?
Paweł
Hi Pawel, unfortunately, no, I wouldn't trust the H6 to supply enough clean gain for passive ribbon mics. Unfortunately, passive ribbon mics demand powerful preamps. Something like a Zoom F4 could do the job, but I'd avoid trying to make it work with any of the Zoom Handy recorders. Good luck!
Thanks. I almost bought MXL R144. That's a pity, but maybe someday I can afford F8.
Thanks very much for your review. I'm trying to video-record my violin playing on a smartphone (android huawei). I was hoping to use one of those ribbon R1 mk2 via the saramonic SmartRig (with phantom power off). Would you please please advice me if that's a good idea or suggest another adequate solution?! Thanks thousands!!
Another great video with excellent audio. On your wife's music, did you do any post production work with it? I thought I heard a little reverb near the end. She did a great job with the music and you did the the usual AAA+ on everything else. What was the price of this mic? You talked about the others you had recorded with before and the price range, so what price range does this one fall?
Thanks for sharing such a great review.
Nice work!
Try a passive ribbon as the active ones do tend to exaggerate the highs - I'm still looking for an active that doesn't do that...any suggestions?
Also, it's usually good to use a HPF when in so close as in your use as a voice mic in this clip...the proximity effect of ribbons is so pronounced and it's fatiguing to have to listen too long to unnatural acoustic balances...just part of human-hearing, no?
Thanks! Some day I'll get my hands on a passive ribbon. For now, this one is working pretty well for what I need. I'm actually situated a solid 8 inches or more from the mic and I recorded this a long time ago so I don't remember if I made some rookie/silly mistake of pulling down some of the mid frequencies to get that radio voice sound. Thankfully I've learned that while it may seem like a good idea, it is fatiguing for sure and I don't do that anymore. So I whole-heartedly agree! I haven't really been in the market for other ribbon mics, to be honest. I have heard that RØDE recently announced an active ribbon but don't know a lot about it. Thanks for your input!
Great review! I have been eyeing these affordable ribbons for a while as I find the same issue with my LDs (AT4033, SP B1). Curious how it would sound with my boys trombone and trumpet as well as my chromatic dulcimer and classical - not to mention guitar cabs...
Wow--sounds like there's a lot of music coming out of your house!
Thanks. It may not be the best mic for all of those but definitely seems to shine on instruments with a shrill edge or where you want to really bring out the lower register. I have heard others say that it works nicely on many brass instruments.
Thanks for the review! How about the noise floor? I hear loud hiss in the recording, same goes for the violin! I just got myself a Cascade Victor, and to be honest not very happy with it, even with the Cloudlifter connected. I used it with high quality Apogee pres, but still noisy with emphasis on the high frequencies :/ I want to send this one back, do u recommend the Golden Age Project R1 Active MKIII?
Hi Beshar, Golden Age reports the following specs:
Sensitivity: -42 dB (0 dB = 1V/Pa) @ 1 kHz.
Equivalent Noise Level (A-weighted per IEC 268-4): < 18 dB typical.
That seems to be in line with my experience--it is the absolute best, but it is pretty good, especially for the price. I like it and I'd buy it again. Good luck!
Curtis Judd Thanks a lot! I so appreciate it! I ordered the mic as well as the MK2 passive, will try them and decide :)
Beshar, not sure you'll ever read this, but the hiss noise you hear coming from the violin is the sound of the horse hair on the bow going along the string. It's an inherent noise of the violin that you usually don't hear unless you're very close and playing somewhat quietly.
Jeremy Lynch The noise is more evident during the speech! I got this mic and in my experience it is better than the Cascade Victor! Thanks :)
Thanks Curtis for this video. It covered exactly what I wanted (and wanted to hear). I have the same audio interface and have just bought the same mic! If you have any tips on the best setup in a generic room (no real treatment unfortunately!), then I would love to hear! :-) Thx
Hi Chris, congrats on the new mic! I find that moving the mic around the performer while they're playing and monitoring how the tone changes is the best way to hone in on good placement for the microphone. I'm finding these days that miking my wife's violin from behind the instrument actually works pretty nicely. So don't be afraid to move that mic everywhere and see how the sound changes. Best wishes and happy recording!
@@curtisjudd thanks Curtis, as soon as the mic arrives, I'll try it out (including behind). Thx
Nice review man :)
+Izera Stephen Thanks!
Have you tried the Avantone CR-14 Ribbon mic, on violin? I am looking for a mic to capture violin, viola, and vocals. I am going to look into this one you reviewed, but I wanted to know about any others that stick out for under $300.
Many thanks. How would you feel the Ga r1 mkiii would perform on piano through something like a tascam model 12 58 db ,with opt cloudlifter or pre other pre amps? My concerns with ribbons is noise introduced from pre amps or mic itself. Your results sound great!
A pair of them should work nicely for piano.
A question for this mic: would the sound quality be seriously affected by the recording space?? I wanna record my violin at home. But this mic is "figure-8" , so would it catch the sound reflexed by walls ?
Thanks :)
I love your channel, Curtis! You've been so helpful in many many ways!
Have you had a chance to hear this mic on an electric guitar? Just curious (ﾟ∀ﾟ)
Thanks Eric! I haven't recorded electric guitar or amp cabinet but might have my brother come by where we can try that (he's the guitarist in the family) :)
Thanks for your prompt reply! I shall patiently await your brother's review!
ヾ(⌐■_■)ノ♪
I haven't asked him yet - hopefully he agrees. :)
I'm having real problems with background hiss/noise on this mic. Is this normal for this model? I'm getting to the point where I want to chuck it. I have tried everything, but can't get rid of the noise without compromising the EQ
+SUBMOTO I haven't run into that issue. Has your copy always had that issue or has it gotten worse over time? If worse over time, there may be an issue with the ribbon element and may need service. If it has always been a problem, have you been able to isolate the issue to the mic (e.g., by using other mics into your preamp or audio interface and confirming that they do not have have the same hiss?)
+Curtis Judd i have been able to isolate the issue to the mic. I've only had it for a few months, but it has always had that hiss :-/
+SUBMOTO Ok, sounds like an issue with that copy, unfortunately. :( I didn't do any noise reduction in this video so hopefully that gives you a decent baseline for comparison.
+Curtis Judd yeah, if that's the case, it would seem mine is defective
What type of stand/arm are you using to hold the mic?
Just a $29 on-stage stands mic boom stand from Amazon.
hi curtis
we listened on our studio monitors.
that violin just does not work with digital audio period.
Maybe if you had some high end converters.
the sound was very very thin.
a violin like tat needs TAPE. even a cassette.
i know that is not always possible.
Just something to think about.
peace!
+nublackmusic Thanks! Yes, some day I'd love to pick up an analog tape recorder.
You are listening to a compressed audio signal on a UA-cam video. You can only hear so much in these examples. The conclusion that you need analogue recording for the violin is not substantiated.
My piece has the same problem, too much hiss !
I wonder if something has changed since I bought my copy almost 6 years ago...