Golden Age Project GA-251 MKII Handmade Large-Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

Golden Age Project GA251 MKII Overview The Golden Age Premier GA-251 MKII, inspired by the iconic Telefunken ELA M251 studio microphone, delivers a rare, tube-powered, and vintage tone. If you want your voices, strings, pianos, guitars, or percussion instruments to sound far superior to their price point, this is a microphone worth considering. The GA-251 MKII meets the demands of engineers seeking a high-end vintage sound at a lower cost. The GA-251 MKII, like the original microphone, is equipped with its own power source to ensure minimum noise and excellent performance. The package also includes a high-quality 7-pin XLR cable, a shockmount, a wooden microphone box, and a metal travel bag. Upgrades over the Original GA-251 This microphone is an upgrade of the Golden Age Premier 251. Upgrades have been implemented throughout. For example, the MKII features a new CNC-machined brass base plate. The grille design has been enhanced, and the inside is more organized owing to a Rogers circuit board and point-to-point wiring. The GA-251 MKII also has an amplifier with a new, unique circuit built around the NOS 5840W tube. All of this produces a sound that is even more polished than the original GA-251. Also, instead of a tweed flight case, you receive a metal one. Specifications of Note The microphone has a smooth and pleasant response between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. Because of its 136 dB SPL, it can record everything from soft vocals to booming percussion. Switchable Precision Capsule with Multiple Polar Patterns The GA-251 MKII employs a 34mm K251-style dual-sided capsule. It features both cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns. To establish uniformity among microphones, roughly 200 capsules are examined to identify 50 that meet the stringent tolerances required by Golden Age’s products. Tube powered The GA-251 MKII employs a NOS Phillip 5840W low-noise pentode tube wired in triode mode to reduce noise. The tube provides a balanced frequency response, smooth tone, warm character, minimal noise, and a long lifespan. High-Quality Output Transformer for Balanced Tone. This microphone’s output transformer is specifically constructed using a 10:1 AMI-type twin bobbin transformer. It is constructed of permalloy steel sheet from the United States and enameled wire from Germany. This transformer contributes to maintaining the equilibrium between the low, medium, and high-frequency bands. Premium Capacitors for Sweet Sonics. Solen’s coupling capacitor is a high-balanced film capacitor constructed of MKP material and has pure oxygen-free copper connections. It produces a very sensitive and balanced sound. To decrease loss, the capsule makes use of an NOS Siemens antique-grade polystyrene capacitor. The tube cathode bypass capacitor uses an ELNA OFC Cerafine, a high-end capacitor from Japan with oxygen-free copper connections, which contributes to the microphone’s pleasant sound. Other capacitors are made from low-loss polystyrene. PSU Transformers and Electrolytic Capacitors The vintage-style power supply employs a high-power, R-style transformer with low noise and minimum stray field. The electrolytic capacitors are high-quality audio-style components. Dual-stage filtering is used in a simple and effective circuit to control filament voltage. The high voltage is properly filtered and stabilized by an ON Semiconductor Zener diode. The polar pattern switch is located on the power supply, allowing the recording engineer to adjust the polar pattern between Cardioid and Omni remotely. A ground-lift switch can help to resolve mains/power-related noise concerns that may arise in particular instances. Included: High-Quality Cable The XLR 7-pin cable is made from 99.99% pure oxygen-free copper, Teflon insulation, tinfoil, and 98% knitmesh with a high braid density. It produces a very wide and smooth sound. The mic connector is an aviation-style plug that ensures robust connections and extended life. Golden Age Project GA-251 MKII Tube Condenser Microphone Features:  High-end components produce realistic antique sound.  Manufactured in small batches of 50 pieces to ensure exceptional construction quality.  Simplified internal wiring improves reliability and acoustic stability.  The specially constructed capsule and gold-coated membrane provide clear recordings every time.  Enjoy versatile recording possibilities with cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns.  All soldering sites used Mundorf MSolder Supreme SilverGold solder.  Excellent consistency across units due to tight production tolerances.  The capsule’s front and rear sides have a sensitivity difference of only 0.3 dB.  Comes with an external PSU, connecting cable, shock mount, microphone box, and aluminum flight case.