WWW.GOLDENAGEPREMIER.COM II
USE OF THE R1A
The R1A needs standard 48V phantom
power to operate.
The Figure-8 pattern of the R1A gives
you the ability to separate sound
sources by placing the unwanted ones
in the side zero pick-up directions.
Placing the unwanted ones towards the
sides of the R1A will remove most of the
direct sound from the sound source. The R1A will still pick up that
source from the reverberant field in the recording room though.
Due to the small width of the ribbon, the horizontal pick-up pat-
tern is very wide. It is much wider compared to a large capsule
condenser microphone.
The vertical pick-up pattern is narrow at the higher frequencies
though due to the length of the ribbon. This is due to the fact the
wavelength at higher frequencies is much shorter than the length
of the ribbon. If you want maximum top end response from the
R1A, it is important that the R1A is mounted so that it is parallel
to the sound source. If it is vertically angled against the sound
source, then there will inevitably be a loss of top end. This can
sometimes be a good thing so this effect can be used creatively.
The narrow vertical pick-up pattern will lower the effect of high
frequency sound reflections.
Be aware of the proximity effect (an increase in bass response)
when the R1A is close to the sound source. This can be a good
or a bad thing. You can adjust the bass response by changing the
distance from the microphone to the sound source for an optimum
result in different situations. You can also use a highpass filter in
the R1A to roll off the lower frequencies.
PRECAUTIONS
-The transducer part of the R1A consists of a very thin and ultra-
light corrugated aluminium ribbon clamped under light tension
and mounted between the poles of a strong magnet. When the
sound waves hits the ribbon and moves it, a small current is gen-
erated in the ribbon since it is suspended in a magnetic field.
The good part of this design is that it results in one of the warmest
and most natural sound available from any type of microphone.
The bad part of it is that it also make ribbon microphones the most
sensitive and fragile ones. It is therefore very important that the
R1A, as any other ribbon microphone, is treated with special care
if it is not to be seriously damaged.
In order to ensure a long life for your R1A, please always follow
these guidelines:
1. Do never subject the R1A to hard knocks, such as dropping it or
not packing it properly when you move or transport it since this
can destroy the ribbon assembly.
2. Do never blow into the R1A and protect it from any strong blast
of air movement as this can tear and destroy the fragile ribbon.
3. Do never move around fast with the R1A in your hand since any
excessive air movement can damage the ribbon.
4. Do always use a pop-filter when there is a risk of excessive
air movements reaching the ribbon from the sound source. One
example is close-up vocals. The pop-filter will also protect the
R1A from mouth spray.
5. Do always protect the R1A from dirt and moisture.
6. Switch the phantom power on after the R1A has been connected
to the mixer or preamp and switch the phantom power of and wait
at least ten seconds before unplugging it.
7. When the R1A is not in use, do store it in its padded pouch.
8. Do always store the R1A in a vertical position. If it is stored
horizontally, the 50 mm long ribbon can sag by time which will
gradually degrade the performance of the R1A.
9. Avoid exposing the R1A to direct sunlight or extremes in humid-
ity for extended periods of time.
10. Do not try to service the R1A yourself since this will void the
warranty.
WARRANTY
- Due to the delicate nature of ribbon microphones which can
easily be damaged by improper handling and use, the ribbon
assembly is not covered under warranty.
Please check your R1A carefully immediately when you receive it
and make sure that there are no problems with the microphone.
After that first initial inspection, the standard one year warranty
only apply to defects in materials and workmanship in parts other
than the ribbon assembly.
If the ribbon assembly is damaged during use, contact your dealer
for a quote for replacement of the ribbon assembly.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Large ribbon
geometry, pure alu-
minium, 2 um thick, 50
x 5 mm size with active
electronics.
Polar pattern: Figure 8
Frequency response: 30
Hz – 18 kHz +/- 3 dB
Sensitivity: -40 dB (0 dB
= 1V/Pa) @ 1 kHz
Equivalent Noise Level
(A-weighted per IEC 268-
4): < 18 dB typical
Maximum SPL (<1% THD
@ 1 kHz): 160 dB. (with
Pad engaged)
Output impedance: 200
ohm, balanced
Recommended load
impedance: > 1000 Ohms
Current consumption: 4
mA.
Highpass filter: -3dB
@160Hz, 6 dB/octave
Pad: -10dB
Dimensions: 69x185 mm.
Weight: 820 g
R1A REGISTRATION
You are welcome to
register your unit at our
website:
www.goldenagepremier.com
---------------------------
I would like to thank you for chosing the R1A!
I hope it will serve you well and that it will help you in
making many great sounding recordings.
Bo Medin
Handmade high end pro audio for
a lot less than you would expect!
