Vanguard Audio Labs V44S gen2 Stereo FET Condenser
MPN #V44S
$1575.00 (Open Box)
Save $160.00, New $1735.00
Upgraded twin 3-pattern 34mm capsules, stereo condenser with VLSM shockmount and M/S splitter box - 2nd generation
The second generation Vanguard V44S is a stereo large-diaphragm multi-pattern FET condenser microphone lovingly re-imagined by our team. This unique microphone is designed to be a versatile, reliable, professional tool in the vein of highly-sought-after vintage stereo condensers of yesteryear. With a pair of twin coincident custom-voiced multi-pattern capsules, you can utilize X/Y, Mid-Side, Blumlein, and other less conventional stereo microphone techniques in a single microphone. With a gen2 redesigned detented heavy-duty rotation mechanism, premium cryogenically-treated FET circuitry, Neutrik interconnects, and a VLSM shockmount, the V44S is the first and last stereo microphone you'll ever need to reach for.
Quality
The V44S was designed in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in sunny Southern California. We perform 100% quality control - every single piece of your microphone kit undergoes a series of stringent audio and visual tests here in Southern California before being hand-packed.
Every part of the V44S 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. Stainless steel, aluminum, and zinc are part of the heavy-duty construction. Every Vanguard microphone is backed by our FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY.
Design
The VANGUARD V44S 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 started with twin extra-large 34mm edge-terminated, gold-sputtered 3µm Mylar dual-capsule assemblies and custom-voiced them with a proprietary hand-tuning process, placing each capsule in an open-weave headbasket for a natural sound with low internal reflections. The top headbasket rotates up to 120 degrees, with detents every 15 degrees for repeatability of settings.
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. We cryogenically treated critical components in the signal & power paths, including an ultra-high-grade FET.
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 V44S's serial number is laser-engraved on the lower rear of the microphone.
The V44S was designed by a team of experts with nearly a century of experience and vetted by award-winning engineers and producers.
Performance
We designed the V44S with the character of classic stereo 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.
Both custom-voiced capsules are independently switchable between cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 pickup patterns, enabling X/Y, Mid-Side, and Blumlein stereo mic'ing within one microphone, as well as less conventional stereo techniques.
One of the biggest frustrations we've heard from users of stereo microphones is the flaws of current and past headbasket rotation assemblies. Too often, the current designs are fragile and prone to noisy operation, breakage, and signal loss. We designed a heavy-duty, punched-steel rotation mechanism which detents every 15 degrees for reliable, durable operation.
The included splitter box contains an additional phase-reversed top capsule output, which is perfect for less-than-ideal recording conditions such as concert taping. This allows mid-side recording with no additional mixer patching.
After hundreds of hours of listening and testing exhaustive design variations with renowned recording engineers, we can confidently say that this microphone will vastly exceed the performance of other stereo microphones in its price range, and rival the performance of stereo microphones costing several times more.
Features
Capsule & Electronics
Twin custom-voiced, edge-terminated 34mm dual-capsule assembly with 3µm gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragms3 independently selectable polar patterns per capsuleElectronically-balanced solid-state circuitry using audiophile-grade parts, most sourced from American manufacturersDeep-cycle cryogenic treatment of critical signal & power path components120º rotatable top capsule with 15º detentsVersatile splitter box for mobile & live recording conditionsUltra-low-noise JFET design
Construction
Heavy-duty brass, aluminum, steel, and zinc constructionRobust punched-steel capsule rotation mechanismOpen-weave headbasket for low internal reflections and "open-air" voicingEach V44S comes with its own laser-engraved serial number5-Year WarrantyOver-spec componentryDeep-gloss Pinot Noir finishPolished nickel trimPrecision-cast Vanguard badgeNeutrik interconnects throughoutFinal Assembly & 100% Quality Control in California, USA
Aesthetics
Exquisite deep-gloss Pinot Noir finishPolished nickel trimPrecision-cast Vanguard badgeLaser-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: 14dBA (A-weighted)S/N Ratio: 80dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)Sensitivity: TBAOutput Connector: Neutrik Male XLR 5-pin, gold-platedFinish: Polished nickel trim / High-gloss Pinot NoirWeight (microphone): 1.5 lbs / 0.68kgWeight (in case): 9.625 lbs / 4.37kgDimensions (microphone): 10.63 long, 2.05 max diameter / 270mm long, 52mm max diameterDimensions (case): 16.92L x 12.60W x 6.02H / 430mmL x 320mmW x 153mmVoltage Requirement: Phantom Power (+48V ideal)
Accessories
When you buy a V44S, you also get a VLSM Heavy-Duty Shockmount. We 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, we 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 V44S also comes with the our utility splitter box, which allows you to break out the 5-pin microphone cable into conventional 3-pin XLR. The splitter box contains a transformer-isolated phase-inverted top capsule output in addition to the standard top-capsule output, allowing for mid-side operation in less-than-ideal recording conditions with no patching at the mixer. An additional two standard XLR inputs allow you to use other microphones, such as the Vanguard V13, in the same conditions.
When not in use, your V44S should be stored in its padded pinewood box.
The aluminum combo-lock carrying case keeps your V44S microphone, pinewood box, cable, windscreen, and splitter box in one place.
Included Accessories
VLSM Large ShockmountV44S Splitter Box5-Pin Heavy-Duty Microphone CablePadded Pinewood Microphone Storage BoxLocking Aluminum Carrying Case
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