Vanguard V4 gen2 FET Condenser Microphone

The second-generation of the Vanguard Audio Labs V4 is a large-diaphragm multi-pattern FET condenser microphone exquisitely re-imagined by the Vanguard team over 2020. It is designed to be a versatile, reliable, professional recording tool that destroys the usual “bang-for-your-buck” curve. With Vanguard's acclaimed edge-terminated ultra-thin custom-voiced capsule, primo cryogenically-treated components, Neutrik interconnects, and the best shock-mount in all the land, the V4 is made to be your go-to workhorse microphone at a price that won’t break your piggy bank.

Vanguard have upgraded nearly all of the key signal-path components to audiophile-grade parts, sourced from American parts manufacturers. These upgrades have netted us a lower signal-to-noise ratio, and vastly improved sound staging.

The design team at Vanguard Audio Labs has worked very long and to implement these exciting improvements and are proud to release these new creations!

QUALITY

The V4 was designed in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in sunny Southern California. Vanguard Audio Labs perform 100% quality control – every single piece of your microphone kit undergoes a series of stringent audio and visual tests in Southern California before being hand-packed.

Every part of the V4 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 a five-year warranty.

Vanguard run every one of their microphones through a series of tests to ensure that they meet rigid standards. As such, any pair of V4s will match each other close enough for any critical recording applications.

PERFORMANCE

The 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 in Southern California.

Vanguard 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.

Vanguard then designed a transformerless 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, including Germany, Japan, and the USA. Vanguard deep-cycle cryogenically treat critical components in the signal and 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, VanGUARD tested several premium-grade transistors before choosing this particular model, an American-made audiophile-grade transistor yielding results that are significant and 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 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.

DESIGN

The V4 was designed with certain characteristics of classic FET microphones in mind, while also utilizing modern technology and design to meet the demands of today’s recording professionals. The ultra-thin 3µm edge-terminated capsule diaphragms are extraordinarily sensitive, ensuring that every nuance and detail of the performance is faithfully captured.

Vanguard V44S have commented 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 they had space for an extra switch, Vanguard couldn’t resist adding a simple -10/-20 dB pad option.

After hundreds of hours of listening with world-renowned engineers in environments ranging from fully-equipped major studios to bootstrapped home setups, this microphone will vastly exceed the performance of other microphones in its price range, and rival the performance of microphones costing several times more.

FEATURES:

• 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 and power path components
• Neutrik interconnects
• 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
• Exquisite deep-gloss Pinot Noir finish
• Polished nickel trim
• Precision-cast Vanguard badge
• Laser-etched model and serial numbers