Vanguard Audio Labs V1S Stereo Pencil Condenser Kit Microphones

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.

FEATURES

CAPSULE & ELECTRONICS

• 8 Small-diaphragm 22mm capsule assemblies:
  
  • 22mm Cardioid (x2)
    
  • 22mm Hypercardioid (x2)
    
  • 22mm Omnidirectional (x2)
    
  • 22mm Wide Cardioid (x2)
    
• Transformer-balanced solid-state circuit
  
• Ultra low-noise high-quality hand-biased JFET and other premium-grade components
  
• Deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of critical signal & power path components
  
• Transformer-balanced output – custom-wound humbucking dual-bobbin transformer
  
• Works via 48V phantom power
  

CONSTRUCTION

• Heavy-duty brass, aircraft-grade aluminum, steel, and zinc construction
  
• Each V1 comes with its own laser-engraved serial number
  
• Over-spec componentry
  
• Deep-gloss Pinot Noir finish
  
• Polished nickel trim
  
• Precision-cast Vanguard badge
  
• Final Assembly & 100% Quality Control in California, USA
  
• 5-Year Warranty
  

QUALITY
The V1S was designed in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in sunny Southern California. Vanguard performs 100% quality control – every single part of your V1S kit undergoes a series of stringent audio and visual tests before being hand-packed. Each high-grade JFET is precision-biased 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.
Every Vanguard microphone is backed by a manufacturer’s 5-year warranty!

DESIGN
The small-diaphragm capsules begin with a 16mm 4µm gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragm, carefully positioned in front of a precision-machined, custom-voiced backplate. The housing was engineered 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 Vanguard’s capsules and is loaded with premium-grade, over-spec components sourced from manufacturers all over the world. Vanguard cryogenically treats 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.
Each precision-machined brass body is coated with Vanguard’s signature Pinot Noir hue, finished with a deep, lustrous gloss, and accented by polished nickel trim and a precision-cast Vanguard badge. The serial number is laser-engraved on the lower rear of the microphone.

PERFORMANCE
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 they are exceptionally well-suited for close-to-medium-range mic’ing of acoustic guitar, percussion, piano, and stringed instruments.
After hundreds of hours listening and testing exhaustive design variations with world-class engineers, these microphones will exceed the performance of other pencil condenser mics in its price range, and rival or exceed the performance of microphones costing several times more.

SPECS

• Transducer Type: Condenser
  
• Capsule Size (Small-Diaphragm): 0.87″/22mm
  
• Diaphragm Size (Small-Diaphragm): 0.78″ / 16mm
  
• Capsule Diaphragm Thickness (Small-Diaphragm): 4µm
  
• Electronics Type: Solid-state, transformer-balanced output
  
• Output Impedance: 200Ω
  
• Max SPL: >=136dB (0.5% THD @ 1000Hz)
  
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
  
• Equivalent Noise Level: <15dbA
  
• Output Connector: Male XLR 3-pin, gold-plated
  
• Finish: Polished nickel trim / High-gloss Pinot Noir
  
• Voltage Requirement: Phantom Power (+48V ideal)
  

INCLUDED ACCESSORIES

• 8 Removable 22mm Capsules (Cardioid x2, Hypercardioid x2, Omnidirectional x2, & Wide Cardioid x2)
  
• VSSM Small Shockmount (x2)
  
• Locking Aluminum Storage Case
  
• Stereo Microphone Bar
  

When not in use, your V1S should be stored in its locking aluminum storage case.