V1S PENCIL CONDENSER KIT
The Vanguard V1S is a matched pair of multi-capsule FET pencil condenser microphones. Eight matched custom small-diaphragm capsules in 4 pickup patterns allow for a cornucopia of tonal variations for virtually any sound source. With premium cryogenically-treated FET componentry, an unparalleled selection of capsules, and a true heavy-duty shockmount, the V1S will be your new “go-to” set of pencil condensers, whether you’re in the studio or the field.
Overview
cardioid, wide cardioid, omni
M21x0.5 threading
output transfromer
of critical components
with premium-grade components.
at least half as good as it sounds.
easy switch access
Quality
The V1S was designed in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in sunny Southern California. We perform 100% quality control – every single part of your V1S 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 on a calibrated analog oscilloscope (a Tektronix 465B, for you fellow EE geeks).
Every part of the V1S 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 V1S 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 spent more than three years designing, developing and refining the V1S.
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. Each 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. Each microphone’s serial number is laser-engraved on the lower rear of the microphone.
The V1S was designed by a team of experts with more than 65 years of experience and vetted by award-winning engineers and producers.
Performance
We designed the V1S 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 V1S kit was created to be your most flexible and adaptable microphone system. Eight small capsules (2 of each pattern) 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
Two Vanguard V1 Microphones – packed with high-end componentry including an ultra-quality precision-biased JFET, a custom-wound transformer, premium capacitors, and cryogenic treatment throughout. A “straight-wire” design philosophy means there’s only four components between the capsule and the output.
Eight 22mm Capsules – these interchangeable capsules give you unmatched flexibility – two each of cardioid, wide cardioid, hypercardioid, and omnidirectional patterns. Ultra-sensitive 4-micron diaphragms, an anti-comb-filtering front design, and precision-machined backplates give wide consistency across each capsule.
Two VSSM Shockmounts – 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 the your mic placement.
Stereo Microphone Bar – Easily set up X/Y, ORTF, or other stereo mic’ing configurations.
Locking Aluminum Storage Case – because your microphones should stay safe in luxury. Custom-cut high-density foam keeps your mics and capsules cozy and secure…whether they’re on the road or in your studio.
Features
Capsule & Electronics
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Eight small-diaphragm 22mm capsules – cardioid, hypercardioid, omnidirectional, wide cardioid (pairs)
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Transformer-balanced solid-state circuit with premium-grade over-spec circutiry
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Ultra low-noise high-quality hand-biased JFET and other premium-grade components
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Deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of critical signal & power path components
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Transformer-balanced output – custom-wound humbucking dual-bobbin transformer
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Works via 48V phantom power
Construction & Aesthetics
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Heavy-duty brass, steel, and zinc construction
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Each V1 comes with its own laser-engraved serial number
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Over-spec componentry
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Deep-gloss Pinot Noir finish
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Polished nickel trim
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Precision-cast Vanguard badge
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Final Assembly & 100% Quality Control in California, USA
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5-Year Warranty
Included Accessories
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22mm removable capsule – Cardioid (pair)
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22mm removable capsule – Hypercardioid (pair)
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22mm removable capsule – Omnidirectional (pair)
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22mm removable capsule – Wide Cardioid (pair)
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VSSM small shockmount (pair)
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Locking Aluminum Storage Case
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Stereo microphone bar
Specs
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Transducer Type: Condenser
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Capsule Size (Small-Diaphragm): 0.87″/22mm
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Diaphragm Size (Small-Diaphragm): 0.78″ / 16mm
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Capsule Diaphragm Thickness (Small-Diaphragm): 4µm
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Electronics Type: Solid-state, transformer-balanced output
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Output Impedance: 200Ω
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Max SPL: >=136dB (0.5% THD @ 1000Hz)
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Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
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Equivalent Noise Level: <15dbA
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S/N Ratio : TBA
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Sensitivity: TBA
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Output Connector: Male XLR 3-pin, gold-plated
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High-Pass/Rolloff Switch: N/A
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Attenuation/Pad Switch: N/A
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Finish: Polished nickel trim / High-gloss Pinot Noir
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Weight (microphone): TBA
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Weight (in case): TBA
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Dimensions (microphone): TBA
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Dimensions (case): TBA
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Voltage Requirement: Phantom Power (+48V ideal)
Accessories
We’ve already mentioned the eight capsules, but let’s list them again here:
- 22mm Cardioid – matched pair
- 22mm Hypercardioid – matched pair
- 22mm Omnidirectional – matched pair
- 22mm Wide Cardioid – matched pair
When you buy a V1S kit, you also get a pair of VSSM Heavy-Duty Shockmounts. We wanted to improve on the standard “tube” design that was popularized by our chief designer 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.
Also included: a 300mm (11.8″) stereo microphone bar for easily setting up ORTF and XY configurations.
When not in use, your V1S should be stored in its locking aluminum storage case.
We offer a four different V1 systems to suit your needs. Check the links below for mono kits, as well packages that include the V34C Removable Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Capsule Head(but we just call her “LOLLI”).
Included Accessories
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22mm removable capsule – Cardioid (pair)
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22mm removable capsule – Hypercardioid (pair)
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22mm removable capsule – Omnidirectional (pair)
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22mm removable capsule – Wide Cardioid (pair)
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VSSM small shockmount (pair)
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Padded pinewood microphone storage box
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Stereo microphone bar
Reviews
“Testing day with Vanguard [V1S and V13] – 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.
“I am totally hooked…Every time I A/B any another options I always wind up right back here. Silky without the sizzle. These mics have become a perennial favourite.”
“Once again, Vanguard is delivering features and options that you can get at a price you can’t find anywhere else.”
“[The V1S+LOLLI is] a great way to get a full palette of mic options that are readily available and easy to implement. The overall balance of the kit leans toward fullness over brightness, which makes this kit a standout in its field right there. Solid yet airy, very realistic…natural dynamics…Very full and warm…This suspension should be the envy of other manufacturers…”
“ I’m very impressed by the small-diaphragm [capsules]…these are almost ribbon-like. A very well-balanced sound.”
“Highly recommended and exceptionally versatile. A great set with a very nice color palette.” [translated from German]
“In a shootout on acoustic guitar, the V1s were the most balanced and I found myself reaching for EQ the least….I had a single V1 with an omni capsule about 16 feet back from the piano, and it added a ton of space and weight to the piano that wasn’t there in the close mics alone.”
“Normally [for SDCs] we use more expensive microphones of a small German family company, but we did not notice any quality loss with the V1. Compared to our [usual SDCs], V1 has a slightly flatter and less boomy sound…listening is very pleasant. Later, I was once again convinced that the Vanguard guys knew what they were doing. I recorded solo violin and used V1 as the main microphone. I did not use either an equalizer or a compressor…The sound of the violin was pleasing to me right away. “Being a microphone of this quality and with so many accessories, [the V1] is a real win. I am convinced that Vanguard microphones will serve you in any demanding recording and will be honored alongside more expensive models.” [translated from Czech]
“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.”
“These guys are still my go to mic for demoing as well as overdubbing vocals and acoustic instruments on various projects. I also recently used them for drum overheads on a rock and roll studio session where I liked them every bit as much as my usual Neumann and Schoeps choices.”
“As with all the mics in the Vanguard range the build quality, look and feel of the V1 is just perfection and the mic has a nice weight to it. It feels like the quality product that it is when you are setting it up. Every little detail has been thought about…Conclusion: The Vanguard V1 is a fantastic microphone.”
“Instead of meeting the standard challengers head on, the V1+Lolli adds the enormously useful functionality of a genuine, high quality LDC attachment which turns the already great V1 pencil from being a useful and attractive curio into being a seriously useful contender for any instrumentalist/producers or singer songwriters who also happen to be self recordists. Again, with such a well thought out price tag, this mic opens up a whole world of flexibility, especially with the incredibly useful and well designed VSSM shockmount, which similar to the VLSM offering of the V13 accomodates all manner of other pencil mics. A great many home studio pro’s may start turning to this high value kit to cover the greatest amount of ground in the most economical way.”
“Nice smoothness that gave the guitar warmth and punch…a great balance of width and smoothness…a solid and well-thought-out kit with a classy look and great fit & finish. The large diaphragm V34C Lolli is both visually and sonically beautiful, and I am very pleased that the small diaphragm capsules offer their own sound – a delicate smoothness balanced with a clean capture that doesn’t just try to copy other SDC mics. Even more impressive is their very approachable price.”
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!
VIDEOS
AUDIO
For details about each track, follow the “View Track” link in the SoundCloud player for available notes about preamp, placement, etc. as well as a link to a high-quality WAV file hosted via Dropbox.