Vanguard Audio Labs V14 Variable Voltage Tube Microphone

The Vanguard Audio Labs V14 Variable Voltage Tube Microphone is designed to be a versatile, reliable, professional tool in the vein of the highly-sought-after vintage Austrian-made condensers of yesteryear.

The V14 is, in fact, the single capsule sibling of Vanguard Audio’s acclaimed V24 Dual-Capsule Stereo Tube mic, the crème de la crème of stereo microphones. The V14 features a BeesNeez CK12 Capsule, vintage GE 6072A tube, 9 polar patterns, and a unique “Variable Voltage” control that can starve or drive the tube voltage, creating even more tonal colors. With our premium cryogenically-treated tube circuitry, Neutrik® interconnects, US-made audiophile-grade resistors, Cinemag® transformers, and a VLSM shockmount, the V14 is the finest example of an updated legacy tube condenser available at any price. Hand-made in small batches in the USA, this is the definitive modern tube microphone and will be the crown jewel of any mic locker.

Quality
The V14 is designed and built in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in sunny Southern California. 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 Southern California before being hand-packed. Every component of the V14 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. 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.

Vanguard Audio Labs V14 Variable Voltage Tube Microphone Features

• 3 Switchable Voicings - The V14 has a switch for the famous "251" high-end rolloff to emulate those hallowed microphones' respective top end response, as well as a "Ribbon" mode for a warmer, thicker sound.
• 9 independently switchable polar patterns
• World's First Variable Voltage Selector - tune in your tube's harmonic distortion levels by boosting or reducing the input voltage.
• BeesNeez CK12 Capsule - a modern recreation of the most revered capsule of all time, handbuilt in Australia
• Open-weave headbasket for low internal reflections and “open-air” voicing
• BeesNeez CK12 historically-accurate capsules handmade in Australia
• 9 independently selectable polar patterns at the power supply
• Cinemag® T14 transformer
• Hand-selected 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
• Heavy-duty SUS304 Stainless Steel construction, with locally machined components
• Laser-Cut Stainless Steel Power Supply, made in Pennsylvania
• Laser-engraved microphone and PSU markings
• #4 grained hand-polished Stainless Steel finish
• Precision-cast Vanguard badge
• Neutrik® interconnects throughout
• Made in USA & 100% Quality Control in California, USA

Vanguard Audio Labs V14 Variable Voltage Tube Microphone Specifications

• Transducer Type: Condenser
• Capsule: BeesNeez CK12
• Finish: hand-polished #4 grained finish
• Electronics Type: Vacuum Tube, Transformer-Balanced output
• Output Impedance: 200Ω
• Max SPL: appx. 126dB @ 0.5% THD (normal mode)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20000Hz
• Equivalent Noise Level: ≤13dBA (A-weighted)
• S/N Ratio: ≥81dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)
• Sensitivity: -41dB @ 1kHz (9mV/Pa)
• Output Connector: Male XLR 7-pin, gold-plated
• Weight (microphone): 1.2lbs / 0.53kg
• Diaphragm Size: 1.04″ / 26.4mm
• Weight (in case): 17.9lbs / 18.14kg
• Dimensions: 8.2″ long, 2.05″ diameter / 208mm long, 52mm diameter
• Dimensions (case): 17.5 x 17.6 x 7.3" / 445 x 447 x 186mm
• Voltage Requirement: PS-14 power supply can operate between 110V-240V, selectable at rear

Vanguard Audio Labs V14 Variable Voltage Tube Microphone Includes

• Vanguard Audio Labs V14 Variable Voltage Tube Microphone
•  Shockmount
• Power Supply
• 7-Pin Heavy-Duty Microphone Cable with Neutrik connectors
• Padded Pinewood Microphone Storage Box
• SKB i-Series Waterproof Carrying Case
• Manufacturer Warranty