Description
VANGUARD AUDIO LABS V13 gen2 – LARGE DIAPHRAGM TUBE MIC
From day one at Vanguard Audio Labs, we have always sought ways to improve our products and we
always will…that is part of our mission. As a result, on the NEW gen2 mics we have upgraded nearly all of
the key signal-path components to audiophile-grade parts, many sourced from American parts
manufacturers. These upgrades have netted us a lower signal-to-noise ratio (even though we already had
a superb reputation for low noise mics), and vastly improved sound staging. In addition, we also made
physical design improvements in several areas, as well as giving the finish a beautiful upgrade. All cable,
microphone, and power supply connectors are now made by Neutrik® Group. The V13 power supply
gained key upgrades to provide cleaner power with more headroom. In short, we feel the new V13 gen2
microphone is a true world-class mic.
- US-made, audiophile-grade low-noise resistors throughout the V13’s re-designed PCB
- All audio connectors are now Neutrik® Group on the microphone, cable, and PSU
- redesigned stainless-steel construction on the microphone and PSU
- An even more refined fit and finish on the luxurious Pinot Noir finish and Polished Nickel Trim
- The PSU transformer has been upgraded to provide even more clean headroom to the tube
- The redesigned PSU chassis now features a durable matte-black powdercoat finish and rubberized floor pad
- Upgraded capsule saddle assembly for durability and shockmounting the V13 capsule
OVERVIEW
Lovingly refined by experts over the course of 2 years, the VANGUARD V13 gen2 Tube Condenser is designed to offer true world-class performance. It combines vintage warmth with smooth modern detail, all while being visually stunning and reliably designed. After exhaustive research, testing, and listening by
world-class engineers, we can say with pride that the performance of this mic will rival or exceed that of
both iconic vintage and modern microphones, at a fraction of the cost.
PERFORMANCE
The VANGUARD V13 was conceived and commissioned to establish a new performance standard at an
until now unachievable price point. While being visually stunning, the V13’s audio performance will inspire
confidence from any artist, engineer or producer, with a sonic signature that is rich, yet natural. We
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.
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.
DESIGN
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 edge-terminated, gold-sputtered Mylar dual-capsule assembly and custom-voice
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, loading 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 70Hz 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 trademark 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 engineers and producers.
QUALITY
Each V13 undergoes final assembly in the USA. 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 are over-
specced. The gen2 V13 uses US-made audiophile-grade precision resistors throughout. The deep-cycle
cryogenic treatment improves the lifespan 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.
ACCESSORIES
When you buy a V13, 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 source
aerospace-grade suspension rings that won’t break, sag, crack, or stretch over time.
The V13 also comes with the redesigned PS-13 gen2 power supply, which allows you to select any of 9 available polar patterns on your microphone. We encourage you to experiment with the different polar patterns, as each one changes the frequency response of the microphone. The PS-13 can operate from 110-240V. A 7-pin XLR Neutrik® Group cable connects the PS-13 to the V13.
When not in use, your V13 should be stored in its padded pinewood box with the included dessicant inside.
The black aluminum locking carrying case with the V13 keeps your microphone, cables, and power supply in one place, and includes a slot for an extra vacuum tube. Varying the tube model from our stock V13 tube gives a unique sonic character to the V13 – in particular, we found that a Russian 6072A lent a distinctly different flavor.
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 70Hz rolloff toggle switches
- Robust power supply design for ultra-low noise floor
CONSTRUCTION
- Heavy-duty brass, aluminum, stainless steel, and zinc metal construction
- Tube vent
- Open-weave headbasket for low internal reflections, “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
STANDARD ITEMS SUPPLIED
- V13 Vacuum Tube Condenser Microphone
- PS-13 Power Supply with Neutrik® audio connectors
- VLSM Large Shockmount with aerospace-grade suspension rings
- Padded Pinewood Microphone Storage Box
- Locking Aluminum Carrying Case
- 7-Pin Microphone Cable with REAN® connectors
- Power Cable
SPECIFICATIONS
Capsule Type: 34mm Gold sputtered Mylar-True Condenser (DUAL CAPSULE)
Polar Pattern/s: 9 patterns selectable at power supply
Frequency Range: 20Hz-20,000 Hz
Output Impedance: <200 Ohms / transformer isolated
Maximum SPL : 144dB (0.5% THD @1000Hz) with pad engaged
Equivalent noise level : < 13dB SPL (A-weighted)
Sensitivity: -35dBV
S/N Ratio: 80dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)
Output Connector: Male XLR 7 pin
Included Accessories: Padded Wooden Box, Shockmount, Metal case, Power Supply,
Vacuum Tube Type: Proprietary Select Premium Grade
Power Requirement: Dedicated PS-13 POWER SUPPLY w/ selectable 110/240V Capability
Finish: Polished Nickel trim / Black Cherry Body
Warranty: 5 Years
