Description

Vanguard V1S Stereo Multi Capsule Pencil Condenser Microphone Kit Overview:

The Vanguard V1S is a matched pair of multi-capsule FET pencil condenser microphones. Eight matched custom small-diaphragm capsules in 4 pickup patterns allow for a cornucopia of tonal variations for virtually any sound source. With premium cryogenically-treated FET componentry, an unparalleled selection of capsules, and a true heavy-duty shockmount, the V1S will be your new go-to set of pencil condensers, whether youre in the studio or the field.

What’s Inside
Two Vanguard V1 Microphones packed with high-end componentry including an ultra-quality precision-biased JFET, a custom-wound transformer, premium capacitors, and cryogenic treatment throughout. A straight-wire design philosophy means theres only four components between the capsule and the output.

Eight 22mm Capsules these interchangeable capsules give you unmatched flexibility two each of cardioid, wide cardioid, hypercardioid, and omnidirectional patterns. Ultra-sensitive 4-micron diaphragms, an anti-comb-filtering front design, and precision-machined backplates give wide consistency across each capsule.

Two VSSM Shockmounts the best pencil shockmount in the verse. Heavy-duty cast zinc partners with high-impact ABS to create a shockmount that stays where its supposed to. Aerospace-grade suspension rings keep the rumble out (no hair scrunchies here!), and a windowed design allows you to easily access switches without changing the your mic placement.

Stereo Microphone Bar Easily set up X/Y, ORTF, or other stereo micing configurations.

Pinewood Storage Case because your microphones should stay safe in luxury. Weve carved individual capsule pockets into a block of solid pine, and custom-cut foam for your mics to stay cozy and securewhether theyre on the road or in your studio.

Performance
We designed the V1S with the character and versatility of iconic pencil condensers in mind, while also utilizing modern technology & design to meet the demands of todays recording professionals.

The V1S kit was created to be your most flexible and adaptable microphone system. Eight small capsules (2 of each pattern) allow tonal variety on any number of sources, but we found them to be exceptionally well-suited for close-to-medium-range micing of acoustic guitar, percussion, piano, and stringed instruments. (The wide cardioid capsule in particular deserves special mention here as our favorite, but each capsule has sources and situations in which it excels.)

After hundreds of hours of listening and testing exhaustive design variations with world-class engineers, we can confidently say that this microphone will exceed the performance of other pencil condenser microphones in its price range, and rival or exceed the performance of microphones costing several times more

Design
The VANGUARD V1S 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 taking place here in Southern California. We spent more than three years designing, developing and refining the V1S.

Our small-diaphragm capsules begin with a 16mm 4m gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragm, carefully positioned in front of a precision-machined, custom-voiced backplate. We engineered the housing to bring the diaphragm as close as possible to the front of the capsule housing, preventing comb filtering.

The capsule is coupled to a transformer-balanced solid-state circuit that matches the unique musical properties of our capsules and is loaded with premium-grade, over-spec components sourced from manufacturers all over the world. We cryogenically treat critical components in the signal & power paths, including an ultra-high-grade hand-biased FET. The circuit is designed with an In = Out philosophy, with only four components present in the signal path.

Aesthetically, we think a microphone should look at least half as good as it sounds. Each precision-machined brass body is coated with our signature Pinot Noir hue, finished with a deep, lustrous gloss, and accented by polished nickel trim and a precision-cast Vanguard badge. Each microphones serial number is laser-engraved on the lower rear of the microphone.

The V1S was designed by a team of experts with more than 65 years of experience and vetted by award-winning engineers and producers.

Quality
The V1S was designed in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in sunny Southern California. We perform 100% quality control every single part of your V1S kit undergoes a series of stringent audio and visual tests here in Southern California before being hand-packed. We precision-bias each high-grade JFET by hand on a calibrated analog oscilloscope (a Tektronix 465B, for you fellow EE geeks).

ery part of the V1S was designed to be robust and reliable. Wherever possible, the circuitry is over-speced. Deep-cycle cryogenic treatment improves the lifespan and performance of critical electronic components. Brass, steel, and zinc are part of the heavy-duty construction.

Accessories
Weve already mentioned the eight capsules, but lets list them again here:

• 22mm Cardioid matched pair
• 22mm Hypercardioid matched pair
• 22mm Omnidirectional matched pair
• 22mm Wide Cardioid matched pair

When you buy a V1S kit, you also get a pair of VSSM Heavy-Duty Shockmounts. We wanted to improve on the standard tube design that was popularized by our chief designer in the late 2000s.

First, we created a windowed design for the shockmount. This allows you to access switches on your microphone without affecting your carefully-placed positioning.

Second, we source aerospace-grade suspension bands that wont break, sag, crack, or stretch over time. The bands can be positioned either vertically/horizontally or diagonally, to tightly hold microphones of varying diameter. The V1 microphone has slight insets machined into the body, so the suspension bands lock in easily to the microphone for a more secure hold.

The main body and knob are precision-cast from a high-grade zinc alloy and finished with a durable powdercoat. The pivot is injection-molded from high-impact ABS to keep your mic placement locked in place. The pivot is also inset with both 5/8-24 and 3/8-16 threads to be compatible with any microphone stand.

This shockmount was designed to fit any microphone with a diameter below 30mm, so it can be used with several brands of microphone, including almost any pencil microphone and even ribbon microphones.

Also included: a 300mm (11.8) stereo microphone bar for easily setting up ORTF and XY configurations.

When not in use, your V1S should be stored in its padded pinewood storage case.

We offer a four different V1 systems to suit your needs. Check the links below for mono kits, as well packages that include the V34C Removable Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Capsule Head(but we just call her LOLLI).

V1 A mono version of the V1S kit.
V1+LOLLI Add a large-diaphragm option to your V1 kit.
V1S+LOLLI The holy grail of microphone versatility in a matched stereo pair.

Features
Capsule & Electronics

• Eight small-diaphragm 22mm capsules cardioid, hypercardioid, omnidirectional, wide cardioid (pairs)
• Transformer-balanced solid-state circuit with premium-grade over-spec circutiry
• Ultra low-noise high-quality hand-biased JFET and other premium-grade components
• Deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of critical signal & power path components
• Transformer-balanced output custom-wound humbucking dual-bobbin transformer
• Works via 48V phantom power

Construction

• Heavy-duty brass, steel, and zinc construction
• Each V1 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

• 22mm removable capsule Cardioid (pair)
• 22mm removable capsule Hypercardioid (pair)
• 22mm removable capsule Omnidirectional (pair)
• 22mm removable capsule Wide Cardioid (pair)
• VSSM small shockmount (pair)
• Padded pinewood microphone storage box
• Stereo microphone bar

Specifications

• Transducer Type: Condenser
• Capsule Size (Small-Diaphragm): 0.87/22mm
• Diaphragm Size (Small-Diaphragm): 0.78 / 16mm
• Capsule Diaphragm Thickness (Small-Diaphragm): 4m
• Electronics Type: Solid-state, transformer-balanced output
• Output Impedance: 200
• Max SPL: >=136dB (0.5% THD @ 1000Hz)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Equivalent Noise Level: <15dbA
• S/N Ratio: TBA
• Sensitivity: TBA
• Output Connector: Male XLR 3-pin, gold-plated
• High-Pass/Rolloff Switch: N/A
• Attenuation/Pad Switch: N/A
• Finish: Polished nickel trim / High-gloss Pinot Noir
• Weight (microphone): TBA
• Weight (in case): TBA
• Dimensions (microphone): TBA
• Dimensions (case): TBA
• Voltage Requirement: Phantom Power (+48V ideal)

Included Accessories

• 22mm removable capsule Cardioid (pair)
• 22mm removable capsule Hypercardioid (pair)
• 22mm removable capsule Omnidirectional (pair)
• 22mm removable capsule Wide Cardioid (pair)
• VSSM small shockmount (pair)
• Padded pinewood microphone storage box
• Stereo microphone bar

Made in USA