Vanguard Audio Labs V13 gen2 Tube Condenser
MPN #V13
$1499.00 (Open Box)
Save $116.00, New $1615.00
Large diaphragm tube condenser mic with 9 selectable polar patterns. gen2 brings upgraded, new components providing a significant improvement in both sonic quality and fit and fin
A Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Mic with 9 Selectable Polar Patterns, Vanguard V13 gives you classic vintage tube mic sound at an affordable price. gen2 brings upgraded, new components providing a significant improvement in both sonic quality and fit and finish.
The Vanguard Audio Labs V13 gen2 is a large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone that provides the vintage warmth and smooth detail found in iconic vintage microphones at a fraction of the cost. The Vanguard V13 features 9 selectable polar-patterns and an edge-terminated, custom-voiced 34-mm gold-sputtered 3-micron thick, dual-diaphragm capsule.
PERFORMANCE
Vanguard Audio Labs designed the V13 with the character of yesteryear's iconic vintage tube microphones in mind, while also utilizing the latest technology to ensure that every nuance and detail of the performance is faithfully captured. They specifically engineered the V13 with warm, full lows, a precise and detailed midrange, and buttery-smooth high end. The result is a microphone that unifies warmth with clarity, depth with detail, and character with precision.
The V13 is particularly forgiving when it comes to vocal style and timbre. Oftentimes, microphones can be a bit choosy when it comes to how they mesh with different vocalists, but Vanguard Audio Labs have found that the V13 sounds great with almost any vocal complexion. Tested on both male and female vocalists in a diversity of ranges, styles, and genres, Vanguard Audio Labs found that the V13 was usually the top option, despite being matched against microphones several times its cost.
One important design objective was maintaining a low noise floor " no small feat when working with vacuum tube circuitry. When tested against several $5000 European tube microphones, the V13 had the lowest noise floor by a significant margin.
After hundreds of hours of listening and testing dozens of design variations with world-class engineers, the V13 is a top-shelf microphone with an incredibly low noise-floor. This is truly a professional, world-class microphone.
DESIGN
The VANGUARD V13 is very different from other mics in its price range. It is designed and precision-built in limited quantities to "no-compromise" standards.
Vanguard Audio Labs started with an extra-large 34mm edge-terminated, gold-sputtered 3µm Mylar dual-capsule assembly and custom-voiced it with a proprietary hand-tuning process, placing it in an open-weave headbasket for a natural sound with low internal reflections.They then designed a circuit that matches the unique musical properties of their capsules and loaded it with premium-grade, over-spec components sourced from manufacturers around the world.
Vanguard Audio Labs cryogenically treated critical components in the signal path, including a hand-selected European vacuum tube. They placed the low-frequency roll-off and -10dB pad toggle switches on the rear of the microphone, where they are easily accessible to the engineer. Vanguard topped off the electronics with an ultra-linear, fully shielded, custom-wound, dual-bobbin humbucking transformer for the output stage to drive long cable runs.
Aesthetically, the precision-machined brass body is coated with Vanguard Audio Labs' signature Pinot Noir, finished with a deep, lustrous gloss, and accented by polished nickel trim and a precision-cast Vanguard badge. Machined into the rear of the microphone is a cooling vent to prolong tube life. Your V13's serial number is laser-engraved on the lower rear of the microphone.
The V13 was designed by a team of experts with more than 65 years of experience and vetted by world-famous award-winning engineers and producers.
QUALITY
The V13 was designed in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in sunny Southern California. Vanguard Audio Labs perform 100% quality control " every single microphone undergoes a series of stringent audio and visual tests here in Southern California before being hand-packed.
Every part of the V13 was designed to be robust and reliable. Wherever possible, components were over-specced. The deep-cycle cryogenic treatment improves the lifespan and performance of critical electronic components. Brass, steel, aluminum, and zinc are part of the heavy-duty construction.
ACCESSORIES
When you buy a V13, you also get a VLSM Heavy-Duty Shockmount. Vanguard wanted to rethink the standard "spider-style" shockmount of old, and designed the VLSM with a few nifty features. First is the open front, which allows you to position the microphone as close to the source as necessary. Second, they install aerospace-grade suspension rings that won't break, sag, crack, or stretch over time. This shockmount was designed to fit any microphone with M22x1 threading, so you also can use it with a number of microphones from other manufacturers.
The V13 also comes with the PS-13 power supply, which allows you to select any of 9 available polar patterns on your microphone. Vnaguard encourage you to experiment with the different polar patterns, as each one changes the character and frequency response of the microphone. The PS-13 can operate worldwide on 110-240V mains outlets via a switch on the rear of the power supply.
When not in use, your V13 should be stored in its padded pinewood box.
The black aluminum locking carrying case with the V13 keeps your microphone, cables, and power supply in one place, and includes a slot for a spare vacuum tube. 12AX7, 12AT7, and 12AY7 tube types will work with the V13 microphone. Folks who experiment sonically with NOS tubes can feel safe using these tube types.
Features
Custom-voiced, edge-terminated 34mm dual-capsule assembly with 3µm gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragms9 polar patterns (selectable at power supply)Vacuum tube analog circuitry with premium-grade componentsHand-selected European vacuum tubeDeep-cycle cryogenic treatment of critical signal path componentsTransformer-coupled output " humbucking, shielded, dual-bobbin transformer-10dB pad and low-frequency rolloff toggle switchesRobust power supply design for ultra-low noise floorOpen-weave headgrills for natural sound with low internal reflectionsVanguard's proprietary hand-tuned custom voicingHeavy-duty brass, aluminum, steel, and zinc metal constructionRear venting to prolong tube and component lifeOpen-weave headbasket for low internal reflections and "open-air" voicingEach V13 comes with its own laser-engraved serial numberOver-spec componentryDeep-gloss Pinot Noir finishPolished nickel trimPrecision-cast Vanguard badge100% Quality Control5-Year Warranty / 90-day warranty for vacuum tube
Specifications
What's Included in the Box:
Vanguard V13 Gen2 Microphone (obviously)PS-13 Power SupplyVLSM Large ShockmountPadded Pinewood Microphone Storage BoxLocking Aluminum Carrying Case7-Pin Braided Microphone CablePower Cable
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