Vanguard Audio Labs V13 Gen2 Tube Microphone Kit

Upgraded 34mm/3um capsule, 9-pattern tube condenser with VLSM Shockmount

The Vanguard V13 gen2 is a large-diaphragm multi-pattern tube condenser microphone. Crafted by experts over the course of 3 years, our design goal was to combine vintage warmth with smooth modern detail. After extensive testing and listening by world-class engineers, we can say with pride that the performance of this mic rivals or exceeds iconic vintage & modern microphones at a fraction of the cost.

The gen2 features upgrades including US-made audiophile-grade low-noise resistors, Neutrik® Group Connectors, and an upgraded power supply.

• PS-13 gen2 Power Supply
• Padded Pinewood Microphone Box
• VLSM Large Shockmount with aerospace-grade suspension rings
• Locking Aluminum Carrying Case
• 7-pin Microphone Cable
• Power Cable

Use Cases

• Vocals
  
• Acoustic Guitar
• Piano
• Drum overheads
• Electric Guitar
  
• Strings, especially cello
• Horns, especially saxophone and trombone
• Drum rooms
• and many more…

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

Specs

• 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

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 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 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 packets.

The black aluminum locking carrying case with the V13 keeps your microphone, cables, and power supply in one place, and includes a slot for a spare vacuum tube. 12AX7, 12AT7, and 12AY7 tube types will work with the V13 microphone. Folks who experiment sonically with NOS tubes can feel safe using these tube types.

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