Vanguard Audio Labs V4 gen2 FET Condenser
MPN #V4
$875.00 (Special)
Save $70.00, Regular $945.00
Upgraded 3-pattern 34mm/3m FET condenser with VLSM shockmount
The Vanguard V4 is a large-diaphragm multi-pattern FET condenser microphone lovingly crafted by experts over the course of 2 years. It is designed to be a versatile & reliable professional tool in the vein of highly-sought-after vintage "workhorse" microphones of yesteryear. With a custom-voiced 3-micron capsule with 3 selectable polar patterns, pad switch, premium transformerless cryogenically-treated FET circuitry, and our heavy-duty VLSM shockmount, the V4 will be one of your favorite utility microphones.
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 today's recording professionals. Our ultra-thin 3µm 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 couldn't 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 we'd 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 3µm 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 you'll 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. 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 V4's 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.
Features
Capsule & Electronics
Custom-voiced, edge-terminated 34mm dual-capsule assembly with 3µm 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
5-Year Warranty
Aesthetics
Exquisite deep-gloss Pinot Noir finish
Polished nickel trim
Precision-cast Vanguard badge
Laser-etched model and serial numbers
Specifications
Transducer Type: CondenserCapsule Size: 1.34 / 34mm (dual-capsule)Diaphragm Size: 1.04 / 26.4mmCapsule Diaphragms Thickness: 3µmElectronics Type: Solid-state, electronically-balanced outputOutput Impedance: 200Max SPL: appx. 135dB (145dB w/ Pad)Frequency Response: 20Hz-20000HzEquivalent Noise Level: 12dBA (A-weighted)Sensitivity:82dBA (A-weighted)Output Connector: Neutrik male XLR 3-pin, gold-platedAttenuation/Pad Switch: -10dB/ -20dB (switchable)Finish: Polished nickel trim / High-gloss Pinot NoirWeight (microphone): 0.83 lbs / 0.38 kgWeight (in case): 5.63 lbs / 2.56 kgDimensions (microphone): 8.2 long, 2.05 diameter / 208mm long, 52mm diameterDimensions (case): 12L x 11W x 5.75H / 305mmL x 280mmW x 146mmHVoltage Requirement: Phantom Power (+48V ideal)
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