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V14 Variable-Voltage Tube Condenser

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V14 VARIABLE-VOLTAGE TUBE CONDENSER

Vanguard Audio Labs is proud to introduce the V14 Variable-Voltage Tube Condenser microphone!

Vanguard Audio Labs is proud to present the V14 Tube Condenser Microphone – designed to be a versatile, reliable, professional tool in the vein of the highly-sought-after vintage Austrian-made condensers of yesteryear. The V14 is, in fact, the single capsule sibling of Vanguard Audio’s acclaimed V24 Dual-Capsule Stereo Tube mic, the crème de la crème of stereo microphones.

The V14 features a BeesNeez CK12 Capsule, vintage GE 6072A tube, 9 polar patterns, and a unique “Variable Voltage” control that can starve or drive the tube voltage, creating even more tonal colors.

With our premium cryogenically-treated tube circuitry, Neutrik® interconnects, US-made audiophile-grade resistors, Cinemag® transformers, and a VLSM shockmount, the V14 is the finest example of an updated legacy tube condenser available at any price.

Hand-made in small batches in the USA, this is the definitive modern tube microphone and will be the crown jewel of any mic locker.

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Overview

SO…IT’S NOT A CLONE?

We did not set out to make a “clone”, “homage”, or “tribute” to some of the most beloved Austrian microphones of yesteryear. Rather, we used the basic circuit topology and improved upon it in as many ways as we could. This includes:

  • Variable Tube Voltage control for starving or driving the tube beyond nominal, creating even more unique voicings
  • 3 Selectable Voicings for a “12”-, “251”-, or “ribbon”-style high end, giving the engineer more tonal options
  • A modernized power supply with extra filtering stages and integrated polar pattern switching for lower noise and reliable operation
  • Improved noise filtering along the capsule and power paths for reduced noise floor
  • Extended low frequency response with a better transformer design and component value changes, allowing full-bodies capture of any source
  • Modernized components, including US-made audiophile-grade low-noise resistors, high-end capacitors, Cinemag® transformer, sealed microphone switches, and deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of the majority of the componentry

World’s First Variable-Voltage Tube Control

We’ve added a switch on the power supply that sags or over-supplies the main tube voltage. You could think about it like Eddie Van Halen’s “brown sound”, but for a mic. We believe this is a world first for a microphone (although more knowledgeable pro audio historians may prove me wrong!)

A typical mic with this style of circuit will operate the tube between 65-80V. With the Variable Voltage Control located on the power supply, you can adjust the tube’s plate voltage between 34-105V. This changes the parameters of how the mic operates:

  • Total Harmonic Distortion
  • Transient Response/”headroom”
  • Frequency Response
  • Output Level

This makes the V14 even more versatile, allowing the engineer to find settings for ideal musicality. We’ve noted the “standard” operating points with larger marks on the power supply so you can use the mic at it’s traditional operating point. We laser-engrave a handy chart on the bottom of the PSU for the engineer’s quick reference, and the makeup gain required is listed on the switch positions to keep your levels optimal.

Oversupplying the tube will increase 3rd-order harmonic distortion as it pushes the Cinemag output transformer, as well as increase output level.

Undersupplying the tube will increase 2nd-order harmonic distortion and reduce output level, as well as reduce “headroom” and change the way the mic reacts to transients.

Quality

The V14 is designed and built in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in sunny Southern California. The PSU chassis is bent locally. We are assembling every unit by hand – every last solder joint and screw. We perform 100% quality control – every single piece of your microphone kit undergoes a series of stringent audio and visual tests in Southern California before being hand-packed.

Every component of the V14 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. Each microphone component is built from stainless steel. Every Vanguard microphone is backed by our FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY.

Design

Every great microphone starts with a great capsule. After much consideration, we chose the BeesNeez CK12 capsule for the V14. These Australian-made beauties are manufactured using modern automated CNC machining and Ben is extremely knowledgeable of the original CK12s. One of the most complex (and revered) capsule designs ever conceived, the CK12 is the beating heart of some of the most hallowed vintage microphones.

This capsule is set within our Vanguard Audio Labs chassis platform, with an open-weave headbasket for low internal reflections and a natural sound.
The Cinemag® transformer emulates the properties of the famed “T14” transformer found in vintage Austrian microphones, but uses a larger core to obtain better low end response along with higher-quality alloys and precision windings.

For the V14, we spared no expense finding premium-grade, over-spec components sourced from manufacturers around the world. We cryogenically treat the majority of components, including a hand-selected vintage GE 6072A tube. We chose to use US-made, low-noise, precision-spec, audiophile-grade resistors. Each circuitboard is populated and soldered by hand in our California workshop.

Aesthetically, the precision-machined stainless steel body is hand-polished to a #4 grained finish. Your V14’s serial number is laser-engraved on the lower rear of the microphone in our workshop.

Performance

We designed the V14 with the character of vintage Austrian-made microphones in mind, while also utilizing modern technology & design to meet the demands of today’s recording professionals.

The historically-accurate CK12 capsule is switchable via the power supply between 9 different polar patterns.

On the rear of the microphone is a 3-way switch which offers 3 different microphone voicings –

  • Flat – an untouched signal flows straight from the tube to the output transformer.
  • “251 rolloff”, a switchable capacitor which gives that famous Telefunken model its signature top end.
  • “ribbon” style, giving a thicker, warmer sound.

The PS-14 power supply is built like a tank and designed from the ground up to provide clean, consistent power with no drift.

Features

Design & Performance

  • 3 Switchable Voicings - The V14 has a switch for the famous "251" high-end rolloff to emulate those hallowed microphones' respective top end response, as well as a "Ribbon" mode for a warmer, thicker sound.

  • 9 independently switchable polar patterns

  • World's First Variable Voltage Selector - tune in your tube's harmonic distortion levels by boosting or reducing the input voltage.

  • BeesNeez CK12 Capsule - a modern recreation of the most revered capsule of all time, handbuilt in Australia

  • Open-weave headbasket for low internal reflections and “open-air” voicing

Capsule & Electronics

  • BeesNeez CK12 historically-accurate capsules handmade in Australia

  • 9 independently selectable polar patterns at the power supply

  • Cinemag® T14 transformer

  • Hand-selected 6072A tube

  • Transformer-balanced tube circuitry using audiophile-grade parts, sourced from USA, Germany, Japan, France, and more

  • Deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of the majority of components

  • Ultra-low-noise design using PRP® audiophile-grade precision resistors

Construction

  • Heavy-duty SUS304 Stainless Steel construction, with locally machined components

  • Laser-Cut Stainless Steel Power Supply, made in Pennsylvania

  • Laser-engraved microphone and PSU markings

  • 5-Year Warranty

  • #4 grained hand-polished Stainless Steel finish

  • Precision-cast Vanguard badge

  • Neutrik® interconnects throughout

  • Made in USA & 100% Quality Control in California, USA

Specs

  • Transducer Type: Condenser

  • Capsule: BeesNeez CK12

  • Finish: hand-polished #4 grained finish

  • Electronics Type: Vacuum Tube, Transformer-Balanced output

  • Output Impedance: 200Ω

  • Max SPL: appx. 126dB @ 0.5% THD (normal mode)

  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20000Hz

  • Equivalent Noise Level: ≤13dBA (A-weighted)

  • S/N Ratio: ≥81dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)

  • Sensitivity: -41dB @ 1kHz (9mV/Pa)

  • Output Connector: Male XLR 7-pin, gold-plated

  • Weight (microphone): 1.2lbs / 0.53kg

  • Diaphragm Size: 1.04″ / 26.4mm

  • Weight (in case): 17.9lbs / 18.14kg

  • 8.2″ long, 2.05″ diameter / 208mm long, 52mm diameter

  • Dimensions (case): 17.5 x 17.6 x 7.3" / 445 x 447 x 186mm

  • Voltage Requirement: PS-14 power supply can operate between 110V-240V, selectable at rear

Accessories

When you buy a V14, 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 V14 also comes with the PS-14 power supply, which allows 9 selectable polar patterns for each capsule and provides clean, unadulterated power to your V14.

The 7-pin connecting cable is manufactured using Gotham GAC-7™ cable and Neutrik™ connectors.

When not in use, your V14 should be stored in its padded pinewood box and its foam-padded utility case.

Included Accessories

  • VLSM Large Shockmount

  • PS-14 Power Supply

  • 7-Pin Heavy-Duty Microphone Cable with Neutrik™ connectors

  • Padded Pinewood Microphone Storage Box

  • SKB i-Series Waterproof Carrying Case

Reviews

“The Vanguard V24 is a very special microphone on so many levels…If you have ever dreamed of or lusted after an AKG C24, you need to check out the V24…The V24 just sounds that good.”

Paul Vnuk Jr.
Recording Magazine

“In a shootout [against our vintage Telefunken ELAM 251], the Vanguard V24 sounds noticeably better. The V24 is a truly pro sound, more sensitive, less noise floor, better low end definition. You made something that has its own character within a known hallmark audio signature. Stellar work!”

Cirilos Rios
Atlantic Studios West

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-resolution WAV file.

Downloads

MANUAL

PHOTOS