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Vanguard Audio Labs is proud to present the V14 Variable-Voltage Tube Condenser Microphone – designed to take the classic mics of yesteryear and make them just plain better!
The V14 is the mono, single capsule version of our celebrated V24 stereo tube mic and uses the same componentry including a BeesNeez CK-12 capsule, Cinemag custom-wound output transformer and a vintage GE 6072A tube.
The V14 also adds a unique control that can adjust the tube voltage up or down, providing even more creative tonal shadings.
BETTER THAN A CLONE!
The V14 is neither a “clone”, “homage”, nor “tribute” to one of the most beloved Austrian tube mics microphones of all time. Rather, we used the basic circuit topology and improved upon it in as many ways as we could. This includes:
- A modernized power supply with extra filtering stages and integrated polar pattern switching for clean, reliable power with low noise
- Variable Tube Voltage control for starving or oversupplying the tube and creating even more unique voicings
- Extended low frequency response with a better transformer design and key component value optimization means the V14 has much more robust low frequency response than its vintage counterpart
- Improved noise filtering along the capsule and power paths for lower noise floor and better signal-to-noise ratio
- Modernized components, including US-made audiophile-grade low-noise resistors, high-end capacitors, Cinemag™ transformers, and deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of the majority of the componentry for lower noise and no-holds-barred tonal bliss
- Switchable voicings for “12”-, “251”-style, or “ribbon” high-frequency response, giving the engineer even more tonal options
Every great microphone starts with a great capsule. After much consideration, we chose the BeesNeez CK12 capsules for the V14. This Australian-made beauty is manufactured using modern automated CNC machining and Ben is extremely knowledgeable of the original CK12s. One of the most complex (and revered) capsule designs ever conceived, the CK12 is the beating heart of some of the most hallowed vintage microphones.
The Cinemag™ transformer emulates the properties of the famed T14 transformer found in vintage Austrian microphones, but uses a larger core to obtain better low end response along with higher-quality alloys and precision windings.
Audio Performance & Features
- Variable Tube Voltage – a 9-position switch on the power supply allows you to over- or under-supply the tube’s plate,changing the microphone’s frequency response, harmonic distortion characteristics, and output level
- “12” vs “251” vs mode – the capsule has a switch for the famous “251” high-end rolloff to emulate those hallowed microphones’ respective top end response.
- “Ribbon” mode – an additional switch position allows for an even darker and thicker tone – perfect for getting vintage vibes
- 9 selectable polar patterns for increased versatility
- Open-weave headbasket for low internal reflections and “open-air” voicing
Capsule & Electronics
- BeesNeez CK12 historically-accurate capsule handmade in Australia
- 9 independently selectable polar patterns at the power supply
- Cinemag™ T14 output transformer
- Hand-selected GE 6072A tube
- Transformer-balanced tube circuitry using audiophile-grade parts, sourced from USA, Germany, Japan, France, and more
- Deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of the majority of components
- Ultra-low-noise design using PRP™ audiophile-grade precision resistors
CONSTRUCTION
- Heavy-duty SUS304 Stainless Steel construction, with locally machined components
- Laser-engraved microphone and PSU markings
- 5-Year Warranty
- #4 grained hand-polished Stainless Steel finish
- Precision-cast Vanguard badge
- Neutrik® interconnects
- Made in USA – Assembly & 100% Quality Control in Pennsylvania, USA
Included Accessories
- PS-24 Power Supply
- Padded Pinewood Microphone Box
- VLSM Large Shockmount with aerospace-grade suspension rings
- SKB i-Series Mil-Standard Waterproof Carry Case with Custom-Routed Foam Insert
- 7-pin Microphone Cable with Neutrik™ connectors
- IEC Power Cable
SO…IT’S NOT A CLONE?
We did not set out to make a “clone”, “homage”, or “tribute” to some of the most beloved Austrian microphones of yesteryear. Rather, we used the basic circuit topology and improved upon it in as many ways as we could. This includes:
- Variable Tube Voltage control (PATENT PENDING) for starving or driving the tube beyond nominal, creating even more unique voicings
- 3 Selectable Voicings for a “12”-, “251”-, or “ribbon”-style high end, giving the engineer more tonal options
- 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-bodies capture of any source
- Modernized components, including US-made audiophile-grade low-noise resistors, high-end capacitors, Cinemag® transformer, sealed microphone switches, and deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of the majority of the componentry
World’s First Variable-Voltage Tube Control (PATENT PENDING)
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.
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
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 odd-order harmonic distortion as it pushes the Cinemag output transformer, as well as increase output level.
Undersupplying the tube will increase even-order harmonic distortion and reduce output level, as well as reduce “headroom” and change the way the mic reacts to transients.
Quality
The V14 is designed and built in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in Hatfield, Pennsylvania. The PSU chassis is bent locally. We are assembling every unit by hand – every last solder joint and screw. We perform 100% quality control – every single piece of your microphone kit undergoes a series of stringent audio and visual tests in Hatfield PA before being hand-packed.
Every component of the V14 was designed to be robust and reliable. Wherever possible, components were over-spec’d. The deep-cycle cryogenic treatment improves the lifespan and performance of critical electronic components. Each microphone component is built from stainless steel. Every Vanguard microphone is backed by our FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY.
Design
Every great microphone starts with a great capsule. After much consideration, we chose the BeesNeez CK12 capsule for the V14. These Australian-made beauties are manufactured using modern automated CNC machining and Ben is extremely knowledgeable of the original CK12s. One of the most complex (and revered) capsule designs ever conceived, the CK12 is the beating heart of some of the most hallowed vintage microphones.
This capsule is set within our Vanguard Audio Labs chassis platform, with an open-weave headbasket for low internal reflections and a natural sound.
The Cinemag® transformer emulates the properties of the famed “T14” transformer found in vintage Austrian microphones, but uses a larger core to obtain better low end response along with higher-quality alloys and precision windings.
For the V14, we spared no expense finding premium-grade, over-spec components sourced from manufacturers around the world. We cryogenically treat the majority of components, including a hand-selected vintage GE 6072A tube. We chose to use US-made, low-noise, precision-spec, audiophile-grade resistors. Each circuitboard is populated and soldered by hand in our California workshop.
Aesthetically, the precision-machined stainless steel body is hand-polished to a #4 grained finish. Your V14’s serial number is laser-engraved on the lower rear of the microphone in our workshop.
Performance
We designed the V14 with the character of vintage Austrian-made microphones in mind, while also utilizing modern technology & design to meet the demands of today’s recording professionals.
The historically-accurate CK12 capsule is switchable via the power supply between 9 different polar patterns.
On the rear of the microphone is a 3-way switch which offers 3 different microphone voicings –
- Flat – an untouched signal flows straight from the tube to the output transformer.
- “251 rolloff”, a switchable capacitor which gives that famous Telefunken model its signature top end.
- “ribbon” style, giving a thicker, warmer sound.
The PS-14 power supply is built like a tank and designed from the ground up to provide clean, consistent power with no drift.
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