Description

Vanguard Audio Labs V4 FET Gen2 Large-Diaphragm Multi Pattern Condenser Microphone Overview:

Performance
We designed the V4 with certain characteristics of classic FET microphones in mind, while also utilizing modern technology & design to meet the demands of todays recording professionals. Our ultra-thin 3m edge-terminated capsule diaphragms are extraordinarily sensitive, ensuring that every nuance and detail of the performance is faithfully captured.

We heard from a number of Vanguard V44S users that they loved the clean and full character of the V44S so much as an alternative to their V13 and V1 microphones, they wanted a small mono version of the V44S for travel purposes. The signal and power paths of the V4 are identical to a single channel of the V44S, but because we had space for an extra switch, we couldnt resist adding a simple -10/-20dB pad option.

After hundreds of hours of listening with world-renowned engineers in environments ranging from fully-equipped major studios to bootstrapped home setups, we can confidently say that this microphone will vastly exceed the performance of other microphones in its price range, and rival the performance of microphones costing several times more.

Design
The VANGUARD V4 is very different from other microphones in its price range. It is designed and precision-built in limited quantities to no-compromise standards, with final assembly and 100% testing here in Southern California. We feel that the sensitive nature of microphones requires a high-standards, no-holds-barred test battery to ensure that wed be proud to use EVERY microphone that leaves our shop on our own records.

We started with an extra-large 34mm edge-terminated, gold-sputtered Mylar dual-capsule assembly and custom-voiced it with a proprietary hand-tuning process. The capsule is mounted in an open-weave headbasket for a natural sound with low internal reflections.

We then designed a transformerless solid-state circuit that matches the unique musical properties of our capsules and loaded it with premium-grade, over-spec components sourced from manufacturers around the world, including Germany, Japan, and the USA. We deep-cycle cryogenically treat critical components in the signal & power paths, including an ultra-high-grade FET that is many times more expensive than the standard transistor youll find in most sub-$600 microphones. As one of the most critical components in the signal path, we tested several premium-grade transistors before choosing this particular model, an American-made audiophile-grade transistor yielding results that are significant & audible improvements in audio quality, headroom, distortion, sound-stage and noise floor vs. standard-grade JFET transistors. The gen2 features US-made audiophile-grade resistors that yield a superbly low noise floor. Neutrik interconnects complete the signal path for the best possible sonic preservation.

Aesthetically, the precision-machined stainless steel body is coated with our signature Pinot Noir, finished with a deep, lustrous gloss, and accented by polished nickel trim and a precision-cast Vanguard badge. Your V4s serial number is laser-engraved on the lower rear of the microphone.

The V4 was designed by a team of experts with more than a century of experience and vetted by award-winning engineers and producers.

Capsule & Electronics

• Custom-voiced, edge-terminated 34mm dual-capsule assembly with 3m gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragms
• 3 selectable polar patterns Cardioid, Figure-8, Omnidirectional
• Switchable-10/-20 dB Attenuator
• Electronically-balanced solid-state circuitry loaded with American-made audiophile-grade components
• Ultra-low-noise JFET design
• Deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of critical signal & power path components
• Neutrik interconnects

Construction

• Heavy-duty SUS304 stainless steel, aircraft-grade aluminum, and zinc construction
• Open-weave headbasket for low internal reflections and open-air voicing
• Each V4 comes with its own laser-engraved serial number
• Over-spec componentry
• Deep-gloss Pinot Noir finish
• Polished nickel trim
• Precision-cast Vanguard badge
• Final Assembly & 100% Quality Control in California, USA

Aesthetics

• Exquisite deep-gloss Pinot Noir finish
• Polished nickel trim
• Precision-cast Vanguard badge
• Laser-etched model and serial numbers

Specifications

• Transducer Type: Condenser
• Capsule Size: 1.34 / 34mm (dual-capsule)
• Diaphragm Size: 1.04 / 26.4mm
• Capsule Diaphragms Thickness: 3m
• Electronics Type: Solid-state, electronically-balanced output
• Output Impedance: 200
• Max SPL: appx. 135dB (145dB w/ Pad)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20000Hz
• Equivalent Noise Level: 12dBA (A-weighted)
• Sensitivity:82dBA (A-weighted)
• Output Connector: Neutrik male XLR 3-pin, gold-plated
• Attenuation/Pad Switch: -10dB/ -20dB (switchable)
• Finish: Polished nickel trim / High-gloss Pinot Noir
• Weight (microphone): 0.83 lbs / 0.38 kg
• Weight (in case): 5.63 lbs / 2.56 kg
• Dimensions (microphone): 8.2 long, 2.05 diameter / 208mm long, 52mm diameter
• Dimensions (case): 12L x 11W x 5.75H / 305mmL x 280mmW x 146mmH
• Voltage Requirement: Phantom Power (+48V ideal)

Included Accessories

• VLSM Large Shockmount
• Padded Pinewood Microphone Storage Box
• Aluminum Carrying Case