Vanguard V1 gen2 Pencil Condenser Microphone

The long-awaited 2nd-generation Vanguard V1 gen2 is an update to our award-nominated multi-capsule FET pencil condenser microphone. Four matched custom small-diaphragm capsules in 4 pickup patterns – Cardioid, Hypercardioid, Wide Cardioid, and Omnidirectional – allow for a cornucopia of tonal variations for virtually any sound source.

We’ve upgraded 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 & video environments.

With premium cryogenically-treated FET componentry, American-made audiophile-grade resistors, an unparalleled selection of capsules, and a true heavy-duty VSSM shockmount, the V1 gen2 will be your new “go-to” small-diaphragm condenser microphone, whether you’re in the studio or the field.

From day one at Vanguard Audio Labs, we have always sought ways to improve our products and we always will…that is part of our mission. As a result, we have upgraded key components. The first of which is a dual-monolithic parallel JFET design at the front end of the microphone, resulting in reduced noise and higher resolution. audiophile-grade parts, including US-made low-noise resistors. These upgrades have netted us a lower signal-to-noise ratio (even though we already had a superb reputation for low noise mics), and improved sound staging. In addition, we not only upgraded key components, but also made physical design upgrades in several areas, including a redesigned assembly system for our V1 condenser (we hated those tiny set screws as much as you did). We even improved the fit and finish of the final product, so not only are they world-class performers, but they look damn good while they’re doing it!

The design team here at Vanguard Audio Labs has worked very long and hard this last year to implement these exciting improvements and we are proud to release these new creations!

Features

• Capsule & Electronics
• 4 small-diaphragm 22mm capsule assemblies – cardioid, hypercardioid, omnidirectional, 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 & power path components
• Transformer-balanced output – custom-wound humbucking dual-bobbin transformer
• Works via 48V phantom power
• Construction & Aesthetics
• Heavy-duty brass, aircraft-grade aluminum, steel, and zinc construction
• Each V1 comes with its own laser-engraved serial number
• Over-spec componentry
• Stealthy Matte Black finish
• Precision-cast Vanguard badge
• Hand Assembled & 100% Quality Control in California, USA
• 5-Year Warranty

Quality

The V1 gen2 was designed in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in sunny Southern California. We perform 100% quality control – every single part of your V1 gen2 kit undergoes a series of stringent audio and visual tests here in Southern California before being hand-packed. We 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.

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

Design

The VANGUARD 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. We spent more than three years designing, developing, and refining the V1 gen2.

Our small-diaphragm capsules begin with a 16mm 4µm gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragm, carefully positioned in front of a precision-machined, custom-voiced backplate. We 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 our capsules and is loaded with premium-grade, over-spec components sourced from manufacturers all over the world. We cryogenically treat critical components in the signal & 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.

Aesthetically, we think a microphone should look at least half as good as it sounds. 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

We designed the V1 gen2 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 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 we found them 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, we can confidently say 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.

What’s Inside

• Vanguard V1 gen2 Microphone – packed with high-end componentry including an ultra-quality precision-biased dual-monolithic JFET, a custom-wound transformer, premium capacitors, US-made audiophile-grade resistors, and cryogenic treatment throughout. A “straight-wire” design philosophy means there’s only four components between the capsule and the output.
• Four 22mm Capsules – these interchangeable capsules give you unmatched flexibility – cardioid, wide cardioid, hypercardioid, and omnidirectional. Ultra-sensitive 4-micron diaphragms, an anti-comb-filtering front design, and precision-machined backplates give wide consistency across each capsule.
• VSSM Shockmount – the best pencil shockmount in the ‘verse. Heavy-duty cast zinc partners with high-impact ABS to create a shockmount 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 – because your microphones should stay safe in luxury. We’ve carved individual capsule pockets 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.