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Product Category

Microphones

Manufacturer

Golden Age Project

Features

Mic | Large Diaphragm Condenser, Vacuum Tube Circuit

Sweetwater Purchase Link

Detailed Information

The GA-ELA M 251E is the Golden Age Project’s meticulous re-creation of a legend. The original 251, introduced in 1960, is reverentially considered to be one of the most gorgeous-sounding microphones ever made. With rare working-condition vintage 251s going for $20–30,000, the Golden Age Project GA-ELA M 251E is a no-brainer if you’re after that uniquely smooth, present, and open sound you’ve heard on countless iconic recordings. There’s nothing like the sound of a perfectly balanced symphony orchestra in a hall with glorious acoustics, captured with just three spaced 251s set to omni. Sporting three pickup patterns and a max SPL of 136dB, this large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone delivers sumptuous results on any instrument or vocal. Bring pure sonic opulence to your studio with a modern classic: the Golden Age Project GA-ELA M 251E.

GA-ELA M 251E Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

Why not an original?

Made from 1960 to 1965 with an estimated total production run of fewer than 3,700 units, the original 251 is exceedingly rare — and highly coveted. If you were to find one in working condition for sale today (a tall order), it would command a price well into the five figures. You would not only be paying a hefty premium — you’d be buying all the problems the microphone has accumulated over six decades of (ab)use. That’s because electronics age, like everything else. From oxidized switches to past-their-prime resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, and transformers, old components eventually need to be replaced, not to mention the headache of finding a reliable and knowledgeable technician to perform the work. And then there’s the time and effort that goes into locating a reasonably well-maintained piece of equipment in nominal working condition. Once you find what you’re looking for and fork over the cash, your saga is just beginning. Even if it is “certified” to work now, there’s no real way of knowing until after the sale how many of the original components still lurk under the hood. Expect them to fail — and in accordance with Murphy’s Law, this will be during a particularly important project!

The sound of a classic

Presumably, the reason to seek out vintage gear is to obtain the “authentic sound” of that equipment back when it was new. But due to the aging of original parts or their replacement with new parts, plus any modifications that were done during its service life, a decades-old microphone will not sound exactly the same as it did when it was new. You actually stand a better chance of nailing the “original” sound with a modern microphone that’s precision engineered and voiced to deliver the rich, creamy sound of an original 251 in its prime. Fortunately, for a quarter of what an original 251 would set you back, you can own the GA-ELA M 251E, which delivers the inimitable 251 sound along with modern reliability. Cutting-edge technology and advanced materials science enable high-precision design and manufacturing unimaginable back in the ’60s. Accordingly, the Golden Age GA-ELA M 251E incorporates reliable, state-of-the-art vintage-spec components and technical improvements throughout. And it comes with a warranty.

The Golden Age Project: high-quality, vintage-inspired gear

The Golden Age Project was founded in 2005 on the belief that vintage gear sounds best, and the desire to pass on this sonic legacy to a new generation of musicians, engineers, and producers. Inspired by original designs, Golden Age employs innovative technology and skillful ingenuity to re-create that lush, opulent sound, making it surprisingly affordable. 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 pro audio 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. But locating, purchasing, restoring, and maintaining vintage gear is time consuming and costly. Fortunately, this small, family-owned Swedish company manufactures microphones and outboard equipment the same way they were made back in the day, and makes them available an amazingly accessible price. Sweetwater is delighted to bring you the Golden Age Project’s exciting line of outstanding pro audio gear.