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Vanguard Audio Labs
V1 gen2 FET Pencil Condenser Kit
V1 gen2 FET Pencil Condenser Kit
*US pricing & shipping only. Customers outside the US, click here for your local distributor*
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Generation 2 is HERE!
The Vanguard V1 gen2 is a multi-capsule FET pencil condenser microphone - the ultimate "Swiss army knife" of small diaphragm condensers. Lovingly crafted by experts, it is designed to be a versatile, reliable, professional tool for any recording engineer, studio, producer, or artist. Four standard capsules, along with an optional "LOLLI" large capsule, means the V1 gen2 can handle nearly any studio task. With a “straight-wire” circuit design, premium cryogenically-treated dual-monolithic FET componentry, an unparalleled selection of capsules, and a true heavy-duty shockmount, the V1 will be your new studio workhorse.
Included Accessories
- 22mm removable capsule – Cardioid
- 22mm removable capsule – Hypercardioid
- 22mm removable capsule – Omnidirectional
- 22mm removable capsule – Wide Cardioid
- VSSM small shockmount
- Padded pinewood microphone storage box
Use Cases
- Acoustic Guitars and other stringed instruments
- Violin, Viola, Cello, and Upright Bass
- Piano
- Drum Overheads
- Orchestral Spot-Mic'ing
- Horns
- and many more…
For more information: https://www.vanguardaudiolabs.com/products/v1-pencil-condenser-kit/
Features
Capsule & Electronics
- Four small-diaphragm 22mm capsules - cardioid, hypercardioid, omnidirectional, wide cardioid
- Transformer-balanced solid-state circuit with premium-grade over-spec circuitry
- 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
Construction
- Heavy-duty brass, steel, and zinc metal construction
- Each V1 comes with its own laser-engraved serial number
- Over-spec componentry
- Stealthy matte-black finish
- Precision-cast Vanguard badge
- Hand-Assembled in the USA
- 100% Quality Control
- 5-Year Warranty
Aesthetics
- Stealthy matte-black finish for stage & video use
- Precision-cast Vanguard badge
- Laser-etched model and serial numbers
Specs
- Transducer Type: Condenser
- Capsule Size: 0.87″/22mm
- Diaphragm Size: 0.78″ / 16mm
- Electronics Type: Solid-State Discrete, Transformer-Balanced Output
- Output Impedance: 200Ω
- Max SPL: 136dB (0.5% THD @ 1000Hz)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20000Hz
- Equivalent Noise Level: ≤13db (A-Weighted)
- S/N Ratio: ≥81dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)
- Sensitivity: -39dB @ 1Pa
- Output Connector: Male XLR 3-pin gold-plated
- High-Pass/Rolloff Switch: N/A
- Attenuation/Pad Switch: N/A
- Finish: Matte Black
- Weight (microphone): 4.79oz / 136g
- Weight (in case): 2.5lbs / 1.13kg
- Dimensions (microphone): 5.59"L, 142mmL, 0.87" diameter
- Dimensions (case): 11.53"L x 7.67"W x 3.74"H / 293mmL x 195mmW x 95mmH
- Power Requirement: 48V Phantom
Accessories
We’ve already mentioned the four capsules, but let’s list them again here:
- 22mm Cardioid
- 22mm Hypercardioid
- 22mm Omnidirectional
- 22mm Wide Cardioid
When you buy a V1S gen2 kit, you also get a VSSM Heavy-Duty Shockmount. We wanted to improve on the standard “tube” design that was popularized by our chief designer Ken Avant in the late 2000s.
First, we created a windowed design for the shockmount. This allows you to access switches on your microphone without affecting your carefully-placed positioning.
Second, we source aerospace-grade suspension bands that won’t break, sag, crack, or stretch over time. The bands can be positioned either vertically/horizontally or diagonally, to tightly hold microphones of varying diameter. The V1 microphone has slight insets machined into the body, so the suspension bands “lock in” easily to the microphone for a more secure hold.
The main body and knob are precision-cast from a high-grade zinc alloy and finished with a durable powdercoat. The pivot is injection-molded from high-impact ABS to keep your mic placement locked in place. The pivot is also inset with both 5/8″-24 and 3/8″-16 threads to be compatible with any microphone stand.
This shockmount was designed to fit any microphone with a diameter below 30mm, so it can be used with several brands of microphone, including almost any pencil microphone – and even ribbon microphones
When not in use, your V1S gen2 should be stored in its padded pinewood storage box.
Testimonials
"I love my V1+LOLLI pair! I needed a pair of utility large-diaphragm condensers and when I tried these out I found that they’re not your typical ‘utility mics’ that sound good on most sound sources, but they sounded great on everything I mic’d, which included male and female vocals, piano, drums, percussion, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, violin, even as room mics. Lots of detail with nice smooth mid range and top, not harsh and good lows and lower mids without getting muddy or boomy. Added bonus is they’re also a really great pair of SDC’s, two mics in one!"
Kyle Manner (Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow…)
"“Testing day with Vanguard [V1S]] – such a deep and emotional experience to hear my Woolson Soundcraft [guitar] sounding as big and detailed and natural as it sounds in my head…It feels like now I can record things again, and that is inspiring."
Ian Ethan Case, Fingerstyle Guitarist
"“Got to use my Vanguard V1S kit at Disney Concert Hall. No EQ! Super smooth…I was surprised that my Sony 7506 headphones didn’t sound super-midrangy like they usually do with [inexpensive SDCs]. Well done on the circuitry and capsule tuning! Everything is sounding GREAT."
Derek Williams, Colburn Conservatory
Audio Samples
Real recordings from real customers.
Videos
Reviews, performances, unboxings, and shootouts.