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exclusive 10% discount at checkout. Enter code 'VAL10'. Valid until September 30, 2023
The Vanguard V4 is a large-diaphragm multi-pattern FET condenser microphone. Lovingly crafted by experts over 2 years, it is designed to be a versatile, reliable, professional recording tool that breaks the usual “bang-for-your-buck” curve. With our acclaimed edge-terminated ultra-thin custom-voiced capsule, a pad/rolloff option, primo cryogenically-treated componentry, and the best shockmount in al the land, the V4 is made to be your go-to workhorse microphone at a price that won’t break your piggy bank.
NEW FOR gen2
The new V4 gen2 3-Pattern FET mic is truly a “giant killer” ...easily winning favor over much-lauded mics in any listening comparison. As with ALL of the gen2 releases, the sonic performance has been given a significant improvement.
● The new stainless steel body was given a size increase to allow for the larger, beefier, audiophile-grade components to fit onto the newly designed PCB.
● The beautiful pinot noir Vanguard finish we’re known for is even more luxurious now…..totally sleek!
● We have enhanced the capsule cradle/saddle assembly, making the V4 nearly impervious to sudden knocks and shocks.
● Vanguard has upgraded a number of key signal-path components to audiophile-grade, and sourced them from USA makers.
● The component and circuit improvements have lowered the self-noise of the V4 gen 2 making it one of the quietest mics ever made
Available now for $999.00
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PERFORMANCE
We designed V4 with certain characteristics of classic FET microphones in mind, while also utilizing modern technology & design to meet the demands of today’s recording professionals. Our ultra-thin 3µm edge-terminated capsule diaphragms are extraordinarily sensitive, ensuring that every nuance and detail of the performance is faithfully captured.
We heard from a number of Vanguard V44S 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 is identical to a single channel of the V44S, but because we had space for an extra PCB and switch, we couldn’t resist adding a simple pad/rolloff combo switch to the rear, as well as spacing the power conversion circuit as far as possible from the signal path.
After hundreds of hours of listening with world-class engineers in environments ranging from fully-equipped major studios to bootstrapped home setups, we can confidently say that this microphone will vastly exceed the performance of other microphones in its price range, and rival the performance of microphones costing several times more.
DESIGN
The VANGUARD 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 taking place here in Southern California. We feel that the sensitive nature of microphones requires a high-standards, no-holds-barred test battery to ensure that we’d be proud to use EVERY microphone that leaves our shop on our own records.
We started with an extra-large 34mm edge-terminated, gold-sputtered 3µm Mylar dual-capsule assembly and custom-voice it with a proprietary hand-tuning process. The capsule is mounted in an open-weave headbasket for a natural sound with low internal reflections.
We then designed a transformerless solid-state circuit that matches the unique musical properties of our capsules and loaded it with premium-grade, over-spec components sourced from manufacturers around the world, including Germany, Japan, and the USA. We deep-cycle cryogenically treat critical components in the signal & power paths, including an ultra-high-grade FET. As one of the most critical components in the signal path, we tested several premium-grade transistors before choosing this particular model, and the results are significant & audible improvements in audio quality, headroom, distortion, and noise floor vs. standard-grade JFET transistors.
Aesthetically, the precision-machined stainless steel 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 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 65 years of experience and vetted by award-winning engineers and producers.
QUALITY
The V4 was designed in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in sunny Southern California. We perform 100% quality control – every single piece of your microphone kit undergoes a series of stringent audio and visual tests here in Southern California before being hand-packed.
Every part of the V4 was designed to be robust and reliable. Wherever possible, components were over-spec’d. 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. Every Vanguard microphone is backed by our FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY.
We run every one of our microphones through a series of tests to ensure that they meet our standards, and we strongly feel that any pair of V4s will match each other close enough for any critical recording applications. However, we also understand the level of detail and fastidiousness that we audio engineers hold ourselves to. At your request to your dealer, we can provide matched pairs of the V4 +/- 1.5dB at no additional cost.
ACCESSORIES
When you buy a V4, you also get a VLSM Heavy-Duty Shockmount. We wanted to rethink the standard “spider-style” shockmount of old, and designed the VLSM with a few nifty features. First is the open front, which allows you to position the microphone as close to the source as necessary. Second, we install aerospace-grade suspension rings that won’t break, sag, crack, or stretch over time. This shockmount was designed to fit any microphone with M22x1 threading, so you also can use it with a number of microphones from other manufacturers.
SPECIFICATIONS
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES
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Such a deep and emotional experience to hear my instrument sounding as big and detailed and natural as it sounds in my head (which is usually 4 inches away when playing - a sound few others ever hear!) It feels like now I can record things again and that is inspiring.
Ian Ethan Case - Recording Artist & Producer
I fell in love with these mics!
Alex Anderson - Recording Artist & Producer
