Golden Age Premier GA-8000

Description

The GA 8000 is a premium tube condenser microphone engineered for the most discerning recording environments. Equipped with a unique semiconductor active cooling system, it delivers a superior signal to noise ratio, ensuring pristine audio capture even in demanding studio applications. At its core is a NOS CIFTE 6AU6 vacuum tube from France, operating at higher voltages for enhanced performance, made possible by a custom designed cooling solution that ensures longevity and consistent thermal management.The microphone features a ROGERS ceramic gold plated circuit board, usually reserved for aerospace applications, which provides exceptional stability and insulation. Combined with meticulously selected capacitors, resistors, and audiophile grade wiring, the GA 8000 ensures a sonic character that is both modern and transparent. With selectable cardioid and omni polar patterns, high SPL handling, and a low self noise floor, the GA 8000 is ideal for vocal recording, voiceover work, and film post production where the utmost fidelity is required.Key Features:Advanced Cooling System: The semiconductor active cooling system effectively manages tube temperature, resulting in lower self noise and stable long term operation.ROGERS Ceramic Circuit Board: Delivers aerospace grade thermal and electrical performance with unmatched signal stability and insulation properties.Exceptional Audio Components: Features Siemens EPCOS capacitors, Japanese audio resistors, oxygen free copper wiring and silver based solder for audiophile sound quality.Microphone Design and Build:Crafted for professional audio environments, the GA 8000 showcases impeccable construction quality. Its internal architecture utilises a ROGERS ceramic circuit board and a carefully selected NOS CIFTE 6AU6 tube, securely housed in an aluminium enclosure. An external heat sink, in conjunction with the integrated cooling chip, maintains optimal operating temperature during sessions. The microphone’s structure not only enhances heat dissipation but also ensures consistency in tonal characteristics across longer recordings. It is supplied with a Rycote USM VB shockmount, ensuring excellent mechanical isolation during use.Sound Performance:The GA 8000 provides a detailed, rich, and transparent sonic profile. Thanks to the precision matched capsule, it handles high sound pressure levels with ease, making it ideal for dynamic vocalists and loud sources alike. The combination of high quality components and advanced circuitry yields a clean output with minimal distortion. Its selectable cardioid and omni polar patterns add flexibility to capture both isolated sources and room ambience with clarity. The result is a microphone with both vintage warmth and modern detail.Power and Components:Power is delivered by a robust external supply using solid state rectification and FET stabilisation for the high voltage rail. Following extensive listening tests, this configuration was chosen over tube based supplies for its superior reliability and clarity. Internally, Siemens EPCOS coupling capacitors and Japanese audio grade components ensure signal purity. The use of silver enriched German solder and premium copper wiring from Japan further exemplifies the uncompromising design ethos behind the GA 8000.Specifications:Microphone Type: Tube CondenserPolar Pattern: Cardioid, OmniFrequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHzMax SPL: 137dB (Cardioid), 140dB (Omni)Output Impedance: 100 ohmsSignal to Noise Ratio: 76dBSelf Noise: 18dB (A weighted)Tube: NOS CIFTE 6AU6 (France)Cooling System: Semiconductor active with external heat sinkPCB: ROGERS ceramic gold-plated boardPower Supply: Solid state rectified with FET voltage stabiliserCapacitors: Siemens EPCOS (Germany)Internal Wiring: Oxygen free copper (Japan)Solder: FELDER silver copper solder (Germany)Shockmount: Rycote USM-VBColour: BlackGolden Age Premier GA-8000