From the minds at Vanguard Audio Labs…Introducing the V14 Variable-Voltage 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 Condenser, the crème de la crème of stereo microphones. Naturally, Derek and Ken couldn’t resist adding a few twists.
Our Custom-Shop V14 features a BeesNeez CK12 Capsule, vintage GE 6072 tube, 9 polar pattern options, 3 switchable mic voicings, and a unique “sag” control that can starve or drive the tube voltage from 34V up to 105V, creating even more tonal colors.
With our premium cryogenically-treated tube circuitry, Neutrik® interconnects, US-made audiophile-grade resistors, Cinemag® transformer, and a VLSM shockmount, the V14 is the finest example of an updated legacy tube condenser available at any price.
Hand-built one at a time in California, USA.
Get all the nerdy details here – or read below for a less technical overview!
We plan to begin shipping the V14 by August 31 and our first run will be 10 units. Pre-order yours today at your favorite dealer or in our custom shop.
Tube Voltage and Pattern Control of the V14 is available on the power supply front plate.
WHAT IS “VARIABLE VOLTAGE” AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
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
A more detailed chart of the V14’s variable voltage control settings.
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.
All dolled up and ready to roll.
WAIT, SO IT’S *NOT* A CLONE?
The V14 takes the classic designs of the Austrian vintage mics of yore, and modifies and improves them to meet today’s recording standards.
- 3 Switchable voicings – for a “12”, “251”, or “ribbon”-style sound, giving the engineer more tonal options
- Variable Voltage Control for starving or driving the tube beyond nominal, creating even more unique tonal shadings. (We even added a handy chart underneath letting you know exactly how each voltage setting affects the gain)
- 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-bodied capture of any source
- Modernized components, including US-made audiophile-grade low-noise resistors, high-end audiophile-grade capacitors, Cinemag® transformer, and deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of the majority of the components
USA PRICING: $4,999
