Vanguard Audio Labs V1 Gen2 FET Pencil Condenser Microphone - Black

The Vanguard Audio Labs V1 gen2 is the long-awaited 2nd generation update to Vanguard's TEC Award-nominated multi-capsule FET pencil condenser microphone. Four matched custom small-diaphragm capsules in four pickup patterns (cardioid, hypercardioid, wide cardioid, and omnidirectional) allow for a cornucopia of tonal variations for virtually any sound source. Vanguard have upgrades the electronics with a high-end dual-monolithic parallel JFET and US-made audiophile resistors for an even better signal-to-noise ratio, and changed the color to a smooth cosmos black for use in stage and video environments.

With premium cryogenically-treated FET componentry, American-made audiophile-grade resistors, an unparalleled selection of capsules, and a true heavy-duty VSSM shock-mount, the V1 gen2 will be your new "go-to" small-diaphragm condenser microphone, whether you’re in the studio or the field. The design team at Vanguard Audio Labs has worked very long and hard this last year to implement these exciting improvements and they’re proud to release these new creations!

QUALITY

The V1 gen2 was designed in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in sunny Southern California. They perform 100% quality control – every single part of your V1 gen2 kit undergoes a series of stringent audio and visual tests in southern California before being hand-packed. At Vanguard, they precision-bias each high-grade JFET by hand. Every part of the V1 gen2 was designed to be robust and reliable. Wherever possible, the circuitry is over-spec'ed. Deep-cycle cryogenic treatment improves the lifespan and performance of critical electronic components. Brass, steel, and zinc are part of the heavy-duty construction.

DESIGN

The V1 gen2 is very different from other microphones in its price range. It is designed and precision-built in limited quantities to “no-compromise” standards, with hand assembly and 100% testing taking place here in Southern California. They spent more than three years designing, developing, and refining the V1 gen2. Vanguard's small-diaphragm capsules begin with a 16mm 4µm gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragm, carefully positioned in front of a precision-machined, custom-voiced backplate. Vanguard 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 the capsules and is loaded with premium-grade, over-spec components sourced from manufacturers all over the world. Vanguard Audio cryogenically treats critical components in the signal and 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.

The 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. Your V1’s serial number is laser-engraved on the lower rear of the microphone.

The V1 gen2 was designed by a team of experts with more than 65 years of combined experience and vetted by award-winning engineers and producers.

PERFORMANCE

V1 gen2 was designed with the character and versatility of iconic pencil condensers in mind, while also utilizing modern technology and design to meet the demands of today’s recording professionals. The V1 gen2 kit was created to be your most flexible and adaptable microphone system. Four 22mm capsules allow tonal variety on any number of sources, but were found to be exceptionally well-suited for close-to-medium-range mic’ing 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, Vanguard Audio boasts 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.

COMPLETE PACKAGE

The V1 gen2 comes complete with the mic, four swappable 22mm capsules, the VSSM shock-mount and a padded pinewood box. The VSSM shock-mount is the best pencil shock-mount in the universe. Heavy-duty cast zinc partners with high-impact ABS to create a mount that stays where it's 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 your mic placement. Pinewood storage case keeps your mic safe in luxury. There are individual capsule pockets carved into a block of solid pine, and custom-cut foam for your mics to stay cozy and secure, whether they’re on the road or in your studio.

FEATURES:

• Small diaphragm condenser microphone with four 22mm capsule assemblies – cardioid, hypercardioid, omnidirectional, and wide cardioid
• Transformer-balanced solid-state circuit
• Ultra low-noise high-quality hand-biased dual-monolithic JFET and other premium-grade components
• Deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of critical signal and power path components
• Transformer-balanced output – custom-wound humbucking dual-bobbin transformer
• Works via 48V phantom power
• Heavy-duty brass, aircraft-grade aluminum, steel, and zinc construction
• Each V1 comes with its own laser-engraved serial number
• Over-spec components
• Stealthy matte black finish
• Precision-cast Vanguard badge
• Hand-assembled and 100% quality control in California, USA