Vanguard Audio Labs V1S Stereo Pencil Condenser Kit

The Vanguard V1 is a multi-capsule FET pencil condenser microphone. Lovingly crafted by experts over several years, it is designed to be a versatile, reliable, professional tool for any recording engineer, studio, producer, or artist. 4 total custom-voiced capsules – in both small- and large-diaphragm formats, and with multiple pickup patterns – allow for a cornucopia of tonal variations for virtually any sound source or recording situation. With a “straight-wire” circuit design, premium cryogenically-treated FET components, an unparalleled selection of capsules, and a heavy-duty VSSM shock mount, the V1 will be your new studio workhorse.

It is sold here as stereo pair.

PERFORMANCE

The V1 was designed with the character and versatility of iconic pencil condensers in mind, while also utilizing modern technology & design to meet the demands of today’s recording professionals.

The V1 kit was created to be an incredibly flexible and adaptable microphone system. Three 22 mm capsules – cardioid, hypercardioid, and omnidirectional – not only have different pickup patterns, but different voicings as well, allowing for a variety of instruments and scenarios.

After hundreds of hours of listening and testing exhaustive design variations with world-class engineers, this microphone will vastly exceed the performance of other pencil condenser microphones in its price range, and rival the performance of microphones costing several times more.

DESIGN

The VANGUARD V1 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 taking place in Southern California.

The small-diaphragm capsules begin with a 20mm 4µm gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragm, carefully positioned in front of a precision-machined, custom-voiced backplate and phase shift assembly. The specially-designed housing brings the diaphragm as close as possible to the front of the assembly to prevent comb filtering.

Vanguard have designed a transformer-coupled solid-state 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. They then cryogenically treated critical components in the signal & power paths, including an ultra-high-grade FET with incredibly low noise. The circuit is designed with an “In = Out” philosophy, with very few components present in the signal path. As a result, the microphone’s lower output allows for your preamp character to shape the final tone of your tracking.

Aesthetically, the precision-machined brass 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 V1’s serial number is laser-engraved on the lower rear of the microphone.

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

QUALITY

The V1 was designed in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in sunny Southern California. Vanguard perform 100% quality control – every single piece of your V1 kit undergoes a series of stringent audio and visual tests here in Southern California before being hand-packed.

Every part of the V1 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. You want your recording tools to be reliable, durable, and rugged, and so do we! Every Vanguard microphone is backed by a FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY.

Features:

• 3 small-diaphragm 22mm capsule assemblies – cardioid, hypercardioid, omnidirectional
• Transformer-balanced solid-state circuit
• Ultra low-noise high-quality JFET and other premium-grade components
• Deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of critical signal & power path components
• Transformer-balanced output – custom-wound humbucking dual-bobbin transformer
• Works via 48 V phantom power
• Heavy-duty brass, aircraft-grade aluminum, steel, and zinc construction
• Each V1 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