Orangeburg, SC, United States
About this listing
This updated version marries old school tone with modern sensibility!
The second generation Vanguard V13 is a large-diaphragm multi-pattern tube condenser microphone lovingly re-imagined by our team over the last 2 years. We sought to improve upon the legacy of the lauded original V13, combining smooth modern detail with vintage warmth and character. With a gen2 upgraded power supply, premium cryogenically-treated tube circuitry (including US-made audiophile-grade resistors), Neutrik® Group interconnects, and a VLSM shockmount, the V13 will be your go-to microphone for vocals and instruments alike.
QualityThe V13 was designed in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in sunny Southern California. We perform 100% quality control – every single microphone undergoes a series of stringent audio and visual tests here in Southern California before being hand-packed.
Every part of the V13 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. Brass, stainless steel, aluminum, and zinc are part of the heavy-duty construction. Every Vanguard microphone is backed by our FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY.
PerformanceWe designed the V13 with the character of yesteryear’s iconic vintage tube microphones in mind, while also utilizing the latest technology to ensure that every nuance and detail of the performance is faithfully captured. We specifically engineered the V13 with warm, full lows, a precise and detailed midrange, and buttery-smooth high end. The result is a microphone that unifies warmth with clarity, depth with detail, and character with precision.
The V13 is particularly forgiving when it comes to vocal style and timbre. Oftentimes, microphones can be a bit choosy when it comes to how they mesh with different vocalists, but we have found that the V13 sounds great with almost any vocal complexion. Tested on both male and female vocalists in a diversity of ranges, styles, and genres, we found that the V13 was usually the top option, despite being matched against microphones several times its cost.
One important design objective was maintaining a low noise floor – no small feat when working with vacuum tube circuitry. When tested against several $5000 European tube microphones, the V13 had the lowest noise floor by a significant margin.
After hundreds of hours of listening and testing dozens of design variations with world-class engineers, the V13 is a top-shelf microphone with an incredibly low noise-floor. This is truly a professional, world-class microphone.
The VANGUARD V13 is very different from other mics in its price range. It is designed and precision-built in limited quantities to “no-compromise” standards.
We started with an extra-large 34mm edge-terminated, gold-sputtered Mylar dual-capsule assembly and custom-voiced it with a proprietary hand-tuning process, placing it in an open-weave headbasket for a natural sound with low internal reflections. We then designed a circuit that matches the unique musical properties of our capsules and loaded it with premium-grade, over-spec components sourced from manufacturers around the world. We cryogenically treated critical components in the signal path, including a hand-selected European vacuum tube. We placed the low-frequency roll-off and -10dB pad toggle switches on the rear of the microphone, where they are easily accessible to the engineer. We topped off the electronics with an ultra-linear, fully shielded, custom-wound, dual-bobbin humbucking transformer for the output stage to drive long cable runs.
The V13 gen2 refines the lauded design of the original V13. Key upgrades include low-noise audiophile-grade resistors sourced from a US manufacturer, as well as Neutrik® Group audio connectors on the microphone, power supply, and cable. These upgrades make the V13 gen2 one of the quietest tube microphones ever made. The redesigned power supply provides even more clean headroom, and sports a durable matte-black powdercoat.
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. Machined into the rear of the microphone is a cooling vent to prolong tube life. Your V13’s serial number is laser-engraved on the lower rear of the microphone.
The V13 was designed by a team of experts with more than 65 years of experience and vetted by world-famous award-winning engineers and producers.
Features
Capsule & Electronics
Custom-voiced, edge-terminated 34mm dual-capsule assembly with gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragms
9 polar patterns (selectable at power supply)
Vacuum tube analog circuitry with premium-grade components
Hand-selected European vacuum tube
Deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of critical signal path components
Transformer-coupled output – humbucking, shielded, dual-bobbin transformer
-10dB pad and low-frequency rolloff toggle switches
Robust redesigned power supply design for ultra-low noise floor
Open-weave headgrills for natural sound with low internal reflections
Vanguard’s proprietary hand-tuned custom voicing
Construction
Heavy-duty brass, aluminum, stainless steel, and zinc metal construction
Rear venting to prolong tube and component life
Open-weave headbasket for low internal reflections and “open-air” voicing
Each V13 comes with its own laser-engraved serial number
Over-spec componentry
Deep-gloss Pinot Noir finish
Polished nickel trim
Precision-cast Vanguard badge
100% Quality Control
5-Year Warranty / 90-day warranty for vacuum tube
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
Electronics Type: Valve/Tube, Transformer-Coupled Output
Output Impedance: 200Ω
Max SPL: 134dB (144dB with pad)
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20000Hz
Equivalent Noise Level: ≤13dB (A-weighted)
S/N Ratio: ≥81dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)
Sensitivity: -35dBV
Output Connector: Male XLR 7-pin gold-plated
High-Pass/Rolloff Switch: 125Hz (6dB/octave)
Attenuation/Pad Switch: -10dB
Finish: Polished nickel trim / High-gloss Pinot Noir
Weight (microphone): 1.07 lbs / 0.48kg
Weight (in case): 11.67 lbs / 5.29kg
Dimensions (microphone): 8.2″ long, 2.05″ diameter / 208mm long, 52mm diameter
Dimensions (case): 16.73″L x 12.80″W x 5.25″H / 425mmL x 325mmW x 142mmH
Voltage Requirement: 110-240V
Included Accessories
PS-13 gen2 Power Supply with Neutrik® audio connectors
Padded Pinewood Microphone Box
VLSM Large Shockmount with aerospace-grade suspension rings
Locking Aluminum Carrying Case
Heavy-Gauge 7-pin Microphone Cable with REAN® Connectors
Power Cable
*Vanguard Audio Labs brand is USA only.
PriceC$1,736.41
+ C$128.89 Shipping
