Outstanding Value in a Small-diaphragm Condenser
The Golden Age Project FC 4 is an affordable small-capsule true-condenser microphone with discrete, transformerless Class A electronics. The 20mm gold-sputtered diaphragm exhibits a cardioid polar pattern and high sensitivity. The sonic characteristics and predictable behavior of the FC 4 are ideal for many recording and live applications. The small-diaphragm condenser microphone is a basic necessity for recording, able to faithfully capture the fast transients of acoustic guitar, piano, and cymbals; the nuance and immediacy of orchestral strings and percussion; the complexity of a clean electric guitar; or the raw power of an overdriven amp. The FC 4 excels on all these sources — and more. And because it's equipped with a 10dB pad and a highpass filter, you can use it on raucous sources without fear of overload. recommends that every mic locker have at least one quality small-diaphragm condenser. Since the Golden Age FC 4 is such an amazing value, our advice is to stock up!
The Golden Age Project
The Golden Age Project was founded in 2005 on the belief that vintage gear sounds best and on the desire to pass on this sonic legacy to a new generation of musicians, engineers, and producers. All-discrete, Class A signal paths with no integrated circuits; the use of transformers, stepped controls, and military-grade build quality: these are the cornerstones of the legendary British equipment deployed in world-class recording and broadcast studios in the 1970s — the Golden Age of analog. Fat, warm, punchy, and authoritative — this is the sound heard on countless hits for nigh unto half a century. Locating, purchasing, restoring, and maintaining vintage gear is time-consuming and costly. Fortunately, this small, family-owned Swedish company makes gear the same way it was made back in the day — at an amazingly gentle price.
A distributor of high-end studio equipment for many years, Golden Age Project founder, Bo Medin, wanted to be able to offer products with much of the same exclusive sound in a price range that made them available to a larger audience. Inspired by original designs, Golden Age uses modern technology to re-create that lush, opulent sound, making it surprisingly affordable. They use some modern ingenuity to add new functionality to superb classic designs and produce them in a cost-effective way, which allows them to be both optimized and affordable. From outboard equipment to condenser, dynamic, and ribbon mics, you can outfit your entire studio with vintage-inspired Golden Age gear without exceeding your budget.
Golden Age FC 4 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone Features:
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True condenser mic with 20mm gold-sputtered, low-distortion dual capsule mounted on internal shockmount
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Versatile cardioid polar pattern
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Low-noise FET first-stage amplification
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Discrete Class A electronics and balanced, transformerless output stage
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External switches for highpass filter and 10dB pad
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Attractive, heavy-duty brass body
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Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz
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Equivalent noise level: 17dB, A-weighted
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Maximum SPL: 140dB
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THD: <1%
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Impedance: 250 ohms; load impedance: 1,000 ohms
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Sensitivity: 14.5mV/Pa
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Operating current consumption: 3mA
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Operating voltage: 48 volts (requires phantom power)
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Output connector: gold-plated XLR
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Shockmount included