Vanguard V14 Variable-Voltage Tube Condenser Microphone

Product Description

The Vanguard Audio Labs V14 Tube Condenser Microphone is a versatile, reliable, professional tool in the vein of the highly-sought-after vintage Austrian-made condensers of yesteryear. The V14 is, in fact, the single capsule sibling of Vanguard Audio's acclaimed V24 Dual-Capsule Stereo Tube mic, the crème de la crème of stereo microphones. The V14 features a BeesNeez CK12 Capsule, vintage GE 6072A tube, 9 polar patterns, and a unique "Variable Voltage" control that can starve or drive the tube voltage, creating even more tonal colors.

With Vanguard's premium cryogenically-treated tube circuitry, Neutrik interconnects, US-made audiophile-grade resistors, Cinemag transformers, and a VLSM shock mount, the V14 is the finest example of an updated legacy tube condenser available at any price. Hand-made in small batches in the USA, this is the definitive modern tube microphone and will be the crown jewel of any mic locker!

WORLD'S FIRST VARIABLE-VOLTAGE TUBE CONTROL

The V14 features a switch on the power supply that sags or over-supplies the main tube voltage. You could think about it like Eddie Van Halen's "brown sound", but for a mic. A typical mic with this style of circuit will operate the tube between 65-80V. With the Variable Voltage Control located on the power supply, you can adjust the tube's plate voltage between 34-105V. This changes the parameters of how the mic operates:

• Total Harmonic Distortion
• Transient Response/"headroom"
• Frequency Response
• Output Level

Oversupplying the tube will increase odd-order harmonic distortion as it pushes the Cinemag output transformer, as well as increase output level. Undersupplying the tube will increase even-order harmonic distortion and reduce output level, as well as reduce "headroom" and change the way the mic reacts to transients.

DESIGN

The V14 employs a BeesNeez CK12 capsule. These Australian-made beauties are manufactured using modern automated CNC machining and Ben is extremely knowledgeable of the original CK12s. One of the most complex (and revered) capsule designs ever conceived, the CK12 is the beating heart of some of the most hallowed vintage microphones.

This capsule is set within the Vanguard Audio Labs chassis platform, with an open-weave headbasket for low internal reflections and a natural sound. The Cinemag transformer emulates the properties of the famed "T14" transformer found in vintage Austrian microphones, but uses a larger core to obtain better low end response along with higher-quality alloys and precision windings.

Vanguard cryogenically treat the majority of components, including a hand-selected vintage GE 6072A tube. The V14 features US-made, low-noise, precision-spec, audiophile-grade resistors. Each circuitboard is populated and soldered by hand Vanguard's California workshop. Aesthetically, the precision-machined stainless steel body is hand-polished to a #4 grained finish. Your V14's serial number is laser-engraved on the lower rear of the microphone.

PERFORMANCE

The V14 features the character of vintage Austrian-made microphones in mind, while also utilizing modern technology and design to meet the demands of today's recording professionals. The historically-accurate CK12 capsule is switchable via the power supply between 9 different polar patterns. On the rear of the microphone is a 3-way switch which offers 3 different microphone voicings:

• Flat: an untouched signal flows straight from the tube to the output transformer
• "251 rolloff": a switchable capacitor which gives that famous Telefunken model its signature top end
• "Ribbon": giving a thicker, warmer sound

The PS-14 power supply is built like a tank and designed from the ground up to provide clean, consistent power with no drift.