V44S Gen2 is Here
We’re excited to introduce the VANGUARD AUDIO LABS V44S Gen2!
The impact of 2020, the year of uncertainty, was felt in a number of ways by Vanguard Audio Labs, including its effect on their supply-chain partners. Some of our key suppliers became unreliable or shut down altogether. This forced them to seek out new sources and partners. Their new key supply chain partner has only one other client besides them, it’s some fruit company from Cupertino…
Vanguard Audio Labs took this opportunity to upgrade not only their supply chain, but the current mic line-up as well. From day one at Vanguard Audio Labs, they have always sought ways to improve their products and we always will … that is part of their mission. As a result, they have upgraded nearly all of the key signal-path components to audiophile-grade parts, sourced from American parts manufacturers. These upgrades have netted them a lower signal-to-noise ratio (even though they already had a superb reputation for low noise mics), and vastly improved sound staging. In addition, they not only upgraded key components, but also made physical design upgrades in several areas, including a redesigned rock-solid rotating mechanism for our V44S dual-capsule stereo mic, allowing the user to precisely set the angle of the two capsules and widening available rotation range to 120º. Vanguard 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 at Vanguard Audio Labs has worked very long and hard this last year to implement these exciting improvements and they are proud to release these new creations!
Quality
The V44S 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 V44S 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 our FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY.
Design
The VANGUARD V44S 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 Audio Labs started with twin extra-large 34mm edge-terminated, gold-sputtered 3µm Mylar dual-capsule assemblies and custom-voiced them with a proprietary hand-tuning process, placing each capsule in an open-weave headbasket for a natural sound with low internal reflections. The top headbasket rotates up to 120 degrees, with detents every 15 degrees for repeatability of settings.
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. We cryogenically treated critical components in the signal & power paths, including an ultra-high-grade FET.
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 V44S’s serial number is laser-engraved on the lower rear of the microphone.
The V44S was designed by a team of experts with nearly a century of experience and vetted by award-winning engineers and producers.
Performance
Vanguard Audio Labs designed the V44S with the character of classic stereo microphones in mind, while also utilizing modern technology & design to meet the demands of today’s recording professionals. Their ultra-thin 3µm edge-terminated capsule diaphragms are extraordinarily sensitive, ensuring that every nuance and detail of the performance is faithfully captured.
Both custom-voiced capsules are independently switchable between cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 pickup patterns, enabling X/Y, Mid-Side, and Blumlein stereo mic’ing within one microphone, as well as less conventional stereo techniques.
One of the biggest frustrations they’ve heard from users of stereo microphones is the flaws of current and past headbasket rotation assemblies. Too often, the current designs are fragile and prone to noisy operation, breakage, and signal loss. They designed a heavy-duty, punched-steel rotation mechanism which detents every 15 degrees for reliable, durable operation.
The included splitter box contains an additional phase-reversed top capsule output, which is perfect for less-than-ideal recording conditions such as concert taping. This allows mid-side recording with no additional mixer patching.
After hundreds of hours of listening and testing exhaustive design variations with renowned recording engineers, Vanguard Audio Labs can confidently say that this microphone will vastly exceed the performance of other stereo microphones in its price range, and rival the performance of stereo microphones costing several times more.
Capsule & Electronics
• Twin custom-voiced, edge-terminated 34mm dual-capsule assembly with 3µm gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragms
• 3 independently selectable polar patterns per capsule
• Electronically-balanced solid-state circuitry loaded with premium-grade components
• Ultra-low-noise JFET design
• Deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of critical signal & power path components
• 90º rotatable top capsule with 15º detents
• Versatile splitter box for mobile & live recording conditions
Feautures
Capsule & Electronics
• Twin custom-voiced, edge-terminated 34mm dual-capsule assembly with 3µm gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragms
• 3 independently selectable polar patterns per capsule
• Electronically-balanced solid-state circuitry using audiophile-grade parts, most sourced from American manufacturers
• Deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of critical signal & power path components
• 120º rotatable top capsule with 15º detents
• Versatile splitter box for mobile & live recording conditions
• Ultra-low-noise JFET design
Construction
• Heavy-duty brass, aluminum, steel, and zinc construction
• Robust punched-steel capsule rotation mechanism
• Open-weave headbasket for low internal reflections and “open-air” voicing
• Each V44S comes with its own laser-engraved serial number
• 5-Year Warranty
• Over-spec componentry
• Deep-gloss Pinot Noir finish
• Polished nickel trim
• Precision-cast Vanguard badge
• Neutrik® interconnects throughout
• Final Assembly & 100% Quality Control in California, USA
Aesthetics
• Exquisite deep-gloss Pinot Noir finish
• Polished nickel trim
• Precision-cast Vanguard badge
• Laser-etched model and serial numbers
Specifications
• Transducer Type: Condenser
• Capsule Size: 1.34″ / 34mm (dual-capsule)
• Diaphragm Size: 1.04″ / 26.4mm
• Capsule Diaphragms Thickness: 3µm
• Electronics Type: Solid-state, electronically-balanced output
• Output Impedance: 200Ω
• Max SPL: appx. 135dB (145dB w/ Pad)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20000Hz
• Equivalent Noise Level: ≤14dBA (A-weighted)
• S/N Ratio: ≥80dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)
• Sensitivity: TBA
• Output Connector: Neutrik® Male XLR 5-pin, gold-plated
• Finish: Polished nickel trim / High-gloss Pinot Noir
• Weight (microphone): 1.5 lbs / 0.68kg
• Weight (in case): 9.625 lbs / 4.37kg
• Dimensions (microphone): 10.63″ long, 2.05″ max diameter / 270mm long, 52mm max diameter
• Dimensions (case): 16.92″L x 12.60″W x 6.02″H / 430mmL x 320mmW x 153mm
• Voltage Requirement: Phantom Power (+48V ideal)
Accessories
When you buy a V44S, 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.
The V44S also comes with the our utility splitter box, which allows you to break out the 5-pin microphone cable into conventional 3-pin XLR. The splitter box contains a transformer-isolated phase-inverted top capsule output in addition to the standard top-capsule output, allowing for mid-side operation in less-than-ideal recording conditions with no patching at the mixer. An additional two standard XLR inputs allow you to use other microphones, such as the Vanguard V13, in the same conditions.
When not in use, your V44S should be stored in its padded pinewood box.
The aluminum combo-lock carrying case keeps your V44S microphone, pinewood box, cable, windscreen, and splitter box in one place.
Included Accessories
• VLSM Large Shockmount
• V44S Splitter Box
• 5-Pin Heavy-Duty Microphone Cable
• Padded Pinewood Microphone Storage Box
• Locking Aluminum Carrying Case
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