Vanguard Audio Labs V4 gen2 FET Condenser Microphone
- Product SKU: V4 gen2
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The newest generation of their Vanguard V4 is a large-diaphragm multi-pattern FET condenser microphone exquisitely re-imagined by their team over the last 12 months. It is designed to be a versatile, reliable, professional recording tool that destroys the usual “bang-for-your-buck” curve. With their acclaimed edge-terminated ultra-thin custom-voiced capsule, primo cryogenically-treated componentry, Neutrik® interconnects, and the best shockmount in all the land, the V4 is made to be your go-to workhorse microphone at a price that won’t break your piggy bank.
gen2 is Here
The impact of 2020, the year of uncertainty, was felt in a number of ways by Vanguard Audio Labs, including its effect on their supply-chain partners. Some of their key suppliers became unreliable or shut down altogether. This forced them to seek out new sources and partners. Their new key supply chain partner has only one other client besides them, it’s some fruit company from Cupertino…
They took this opportunity to upgrade not only their supply chain, but the current mic line-up as well. From day one at Vanguard Audio Labs, they have always been seeking ways to improve their products and they always will…that is part of their mission. As a result, they have upgraded nearly all of the key signal-path components to audiophile-grade parts, sourced from American parts manufacturers. These upgrades have netted them a lower signal-to-noise ratio (even though they already had a superb reputation for low noise mics), and vastly improved sound staging. They even improved the fit and finish of the final product, so not only are they world-class performers, but they look damn good while they’re doing it!
The design team here at Vanguard Audio Labs has worked very long and hard this last year to implement these exciting improvements and they are proud to release these new creations!
Quality
The V4 was designed in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in sunny Southern California. They perform 100% quality control – every single piece of your microphone kit undergoes a series of stringent audio and visual tests here in Southern California before being hand-packed.
Every part of the V4 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. Stainless steel, aluminum, and zinc are part of the heavy-duty construction. Every Vanguard microphone is backed by their FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY.
They run every one of their microphones through a series of tests to ensure that they meet their standards, and they strongly feel that any pair of V4s will match each other close enough for any critical recording applications.
Performance
They designed the V4 with certain characteristics of classic FET microphones in mind, while also utilizing modern technology & design to meet the demands of today’s recording professionals. Their ultra-thin 3µm edge-terminated capsule diaphragms are extraordinarily sensitive, ensuring that every nuance and detail of the performance is faithfully captured.
They heard from a number of Vanguard V44S users that they loved the clean and full character of the V44S so much as an alternative to their V13 and V1 microphones, they wanted a small “mono” version of the V44S for travel purposes. The signal and power paths of the V4 are identical to a single channel of the V44S, but because they had space for an extra switch, they couldn’t resist adding a simple -10/-20dB pad option.
After hundreds of hours of listening with world-renowned engineers in environments ranging from fully-equipped major studios to bootstrapped home setups, they can confidently say that this microphone will vastly exceed the performance of other microphones in its price range, and rival the performance of microphones costing several times more.
Design
The VANGUARD V4 is very different from other microphones in its price range. It is designed and precision-built in limited quantities to “no-compromise” standards, with final assembly and 100% testing here in Southern California. They feel that the sensitive nature of microphones requires a high-standards, no-holds-barred test battery to ensure that they’d be proud to use EVERY microphone that leaves their shop on their own records.
They started with an extra-large 34mm edge-terminated, gold-sputtered 3µm Mylar dual-capsule assembly and custom-voiced it with a proprietary hand-tuning process. The capsule is mounted in an open-weave headbasket for a natural sound with low internal reflections.
They then designed a transformerless solid-state circuit that matches the unique musical properties of their capsules and loaded it with premium-grade, over-spec components sourced from manufacturers around the world, including Germany, Japan, and the USA. They deep-cycle cryogenically treat critical components in the signal & power paths, including an ultra-high-grade FET that is many times more expensive than the standard transistor you’ll find in most sub-$600 microphones. As one of the most critical components in the signal path, they tested several premium-grade transistors before choosing this particular model, an American-made audiophile-grade transistor yielding results that are significant & audible improvements in audio quality, headroom, distortion, sound-stage and noise floor vs. standard-grade JFET transistors. Neutrik® interconnects complete the signal path for the best possible sonic preservation.
Aesthetically, the precision-machined stainless steel body is coated with their signature Pinot Noir, finished with a deep, lustrous gloss, and accented by polished nickel trim and a precision-cast Vanguard badge. Your V4’s serial number is laser-engraved on the lower rear of the microphone.
The V4 was designed by a team of experts with more than a century of experience and vetted by award-winning engineers and producers.
FEATURES
Capsule & Electronics
- Custom-voiced, edge-terminated 34mm dual-capsule assembly with 3µm gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragms
- 3 selectable polar patterns – Cardioid, Figure-8, Omnidirectional
- Switchable-10/-20 dB Attenuator
- Electronically-balanced solid-state circuitry loaded with American-made audiophile-grade components
- Ultra-low-noise JFET design
- Deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of critical signal & power path components
- Neutrik® interconnects
Construction
- Heavy-duty SUS304 stainless steel, aircraft-grade aluminum, and zinc construction
- Open-weave headbasket for low internal reflections and “open-air” voicing
- Each V4 comes with its own laser-engraved serial number
- Over-spec componentry
- Deep-gloss Pinot Noir finish
- Polished nickel trim
- Precision-cast Vanguard badge
- Final Assembly & 100% Quality Control in California, USA
- 5-Year Warranty
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
- Capsule Diaphragms Thickness: 3µm
- Electronics Type: Solid-state, electronically-balanced output
- Output Impedance: 200Ω
- Max SPL: appx. 135dB (145dB w/ Pad)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20000Hz
- Equivalent Noise Level: ≤12dBA (A-weighted)
- Sensitivity:≥82dBA (A-weighted)
- Output Connector: Neutrik® male XLR 3-pin, gold-plated
- Attenuation/Pad Switch: -10dB/ -20dB (switchable)
- Finish: Polished nickel trim / High-gloss Pinot Noir
- Weight (microphone): 0.83 lbs / 0.38 kg
- Weight (in case): 5.63 lbs / 2.56 kg
- Dimensions (microphone): 8.2″ long, 2.05″ diameter / 208mm long, 52mm diameter
- Dimensions (case): 12″L x 11″W x 5.75″H / 305mmL x 280mmW x 146mmH
- Voltage Requirement: Phantom Power (+48V ideal)
Accessories
When you buy a V4, you also get a VLSM Heavy-Duty Shockmount. They 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, they 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.
When not in use, your V4 should be stored in its padded pinewood box.
Included Accessories
- VLSM Large Shockmount
- Padded Pinewood Microphone Storage Box
- Aluminum Carrying Case
The newest generation of their Vanguard V4 is a large-diaphragm multi-pattern FET condenser microphone exquisitely re-imagined by their team over the last 12 months. It is designed to be a versatile, reliable, professional recording tool that destroys the usual “bang-for-your-buck” curve. With their acclaimed edge-terminated ultra-thin custom-voiced capsule, primo cryogenically-treated componentry, Neutrik® interconnects, and the best shockmount in all the land, the V4 is made to be your go-to workhorse microphone at a price that won’t break your piggy bank.
gen2 is Here
The impact of 2020, the year of uncertainty, was felt in a number of ways by Vanguard Audio Labs, including its effect on their supply-chain partners. Some of their key suppliers became unreliable or shut down altogether. This forced them to seek out new sources and partners. Their new key supply chain partner has only one other client besides them, it’s some fruit company from Cupertino…
They took this opportunity to upgrade not only their supply chain, but the current mic line-up as well. From day one at Vanguard Audio Labs, they have always been seeking ways to improve their products and they always will…that is part of their mission. As a result, they have upgraded nearly all of the key signal-path components to audiophile-grade parts, sourced from American parts manufacturers. These upgrades have netted them a lower signal-to-noise ratio (even though they already had a superb reputation for low noise mics), and vastly improved sound staging. They even improved the fit and finish of the final product, so not only are they world-class performers, but they look damn good while they’re doing it!
The design team here at Vanguard Audio Labs has worked very long and hard this last year to implement these exciting improvements and they are proud to release these new creations!
Quality
The V4 was designed in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in sunny Southern California. They perform 100% quality control – every single piece of your microphone kit undergoes a series of stringent audio and visual tests here in Southern California before being hand-packed.
Every part of the V4 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. Stainless steel, aluminum, and zinc are part of the heavy-duty construction. Every Vanguard microphone is backed by their FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY.
They run every one of their microphones through a series of tests to ensure that they meet their standards, and they strongly feel that any pair of V4s will match each other close enough for any critical recording applications.
Performance
They designed the V4 with certain characteristics of classic FET microphones in mind, while also utilizing modern technology & design to meet the demands of today’s recording professionals. Their ultra-thin 3µm edge-terminated capsule diaphragms are extraordinarily sensitive, ensuring that every nuance and detail of the performance is faithfully captured.
They heard from a number of Vanguard V44S users that they loved the clean and full character of the V44S so much as an alternative to their V13 and V1 microphones, they wanted a small “mono” version of the V44S for travel purposes. The signal and power paths of the V4 are identical to a single channel of the V44S, but because they had space for an extra switch, they couldn’t resist adding a simple -10/-20dB pad option.
After hundreds of hours of listening with world-renowned engineers in environments ranging from fully-equipped major studios to bootstrapped home setups, they can confidently say that this microphone will vastly exceed the performance of other microphones in its price range, and rival the performance of microphones costing several times more.
Design
The VANGUARD V4 is very different from other microphones in its price range. It is designed and precision-built in limited quantities to “no-compromise” standards, with final assembly and 100% testing here in Southern California. They feel that the sensitive nature of microphones requires a high-standards, no-holds-barred test battery to ensure that they’d be proud to use EVERY microphone that leaves their shop on their own records.
They started with an extra-large 34mm edge-terminated, gold-sputtered 3µm Mylar dual-capsule assembly and custom-voiced it with a proprietary hand-tuning process. The capsule is mounted in an open-weave headbasket for a natural sound with low internal reflections.
They then designed a transformerless solid-state circuit that matches the unique musical properties of their capsules and loaded it with premium-grade, over-spec components sourced from manufacturers around the world, including Germany, Japan, and the USA. They deep-cycle cryogenically treat critical components in the signal & power paths, including an ultra-high-grade FET that is many times more expensive than the standard transistor you’ll find in most sub-$600 microphones. As one of the most critical components in the signal path, they tested several premium-grade transistors before choosing this particular model, an American-made audiophile-grade transistor yielding results that are significant & audible improvements in audio quality, headroom, distortion, sound-stage and noise floor vs. standard-grade JFET transistors. Neutrik® interconnects complete the signal path for the best possible sonic preservation.
Aesthetically, the precision-machined stainless steel body is coated with their signature Pinot Noir, finished with a deep, lustrous gloss, and accented by polished nickel trim and a precision-cast Vanguard badge. Your V4’s serial number is laser-engraved on the lower rear of the microphone.
The V4 was designed by a team of experts with more than a century of experience and vetted by award-winning engineers and producers.
FEATURES
Capsule & Electronics
- Custom-voiced, edge-terminated 34mm dual-capsule assembly with 3µm gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragms
- 3 selectable polar patterns – Cardioid, Figure-8, Omnidirectional
- Switchable-10/-20 dB Attenuator
- Electronically-balanced solid-state circuitry loaded with American-made audiophile-grade components
- Ultra-low-noise JFET design
- Deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of critical signal & power path components
- Neutrik® interconnects
Construction
- Heavy-duty SUS304 stainless steel, aircraft-grade aluminum, and zinc construction
- Open-weave headbasket for low internal reflections and “open-air” voicing
- Each V4 comes with its own laser-engraved serial number
- Over-spec componentry
- Deep-gloss Pinot Noir finish
- Polished nickel trim
- Precision-cast Vanguard badge
- Final Assembly & 100% Quality Control in California, USA
- 5-Year Warranty
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
- Capsule Diaphragms Thickness: 3µm
- Electronics Type: Solid-state, electronically-balanced output
- Output Impedance: 200Ω
- Max SPL: appx. 135dB (145dB w/ Pad)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20000Hz
- Equivalent Noise Level: ≤12dBA (A-weighted)
- Sensitivity:≥82dBA (A-weighted)
- Output Connector: Neutrik® male XLR 3-pin, gold-plated
- Attenuation/Pad Switch: -10dB/ -20dB (switchable)
- Finish: Polished nickel trim / High-gloss Pinot Noir
- Weight (microphone): 0.83 lbs / 0.38 kg
- Weight (in case): 5.63 lbs / 2.56 kg
- Dimensions (microphone): 8.2″ long, 2.05″ diameter / 208mm long, 52mm diameter
- Dimensions (case): 12″L x 11″W x 5.75″H / 305mmL x 280mmW x 146mmH
- Voltage Requirement: Phantom Power (+48V ideal)
Accessories
When you buy a V4, you also get a VLSM Heavy-Duty Shockmount. They 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, they 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.
When not in use, your V4 should be stored in its padded pinewood box.
Included Accessories
- VLSM Large Shockmount
- Padded Pinewood Microphone Storage Box
- Aluminum Carrying Case
Returns
- Any New item (other than as noted below) purchased from Bananas at Large may be returned within 14 days of the invoice date, for a full refund, exchange or credit.
- All Pre-Owned products may be returned in 48 hours.
- All Clearance, “additional mark down”, additionally discounted, “blow out”, “door buster” or otherwise identified as on sale may be returned within 7 days unless otherwise specified.
For online orders, the above return policy begins on the day the items were delivered. We must receive an active tracking number within the specified time.
Bananas must be notified within 24 hours of receiving delivery of any issues that pertain to damage during shipping, missing product or incorrect product.
See our full Return Policy for all of the pertinent details.
Shipping
We understand that when you make an order, you want your gear as quickly as possible and we'll do our best to make that happen! Most of the items we sell will ship quickly and be at your door fast. In most cases, orders ship within 1-3 business days. Shipping and delivery dates are not guaranteed unless otherwise specified.
Most orders $100 and over qualify for FREE shipping within the Continental United States. Some exclusions may apply.
See our full Shipping Policy for further details.
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Order online and pick up at any store location FREE of charge. Avoid online shipping charges and shipping time, and in most cases get your order faster. Enjoy the in store pickup convenience and security of knowing that your can easily return the product if it does not suit your needs within our return policy.
I'm interested! What do I need to do?
- Place your order on bananas.com and choose In-Store Pickup for your preferred location at checkout.
- We'll contact you by email or phone when it's ready for pick up. Need it sooner? Just give us a call and we'll do our best to arrange that: 888-900-1959
- Bring a copy of your valid government-issued ID such as a Driver's License and a digital or print copy of the order confirmation to your local store.
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You have (2 options): Curbside Contactless Pickup or Pick up in Store.
- Curbside Contactless Pickup: When you arrive at the store location, call us and we will bring your order out to verify your ID, place in your vehicle and you're ready to go!
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How does it work?
After you place your order online, the selected store receives your order. Then the merchandise is selected from the store's current inventory and prepared for pick up. If the items are located at another store, there may be a longer wait time as we need to transfer it to the pickup location of your choice. This is all part of our free service. We'll contact you when it's ready and notify you if anything changes. Once your order is ready, you can choose to come into the store to pick up your order OR call us when you arrive and we will provide Contactless Curbside Pickup at your vehicle.
Most orders are ready within 24 hours; however, please allow for extra processing time depending on the item, size of order, and store location. If you need to pick up your order sooner, please give us a call at either location.
See our full Shipping Policy for further details.
Local delivery to your doorstep
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FAST: Get Same Day Delivery starting at $35*.
Making your online shopping a little easier. We offer an easy “Order Online, Deliver to your Doorstep”.
This service is currently available for these towns within California: Santa Rosa, San Rafael, San Anselmo, Fairfax, Larkspur, Greenbrae, Corte Madera, Novato, Sausalito, Belvedere/Tiburon, Ross, Kentfield, and Mill Valley. Shipping rates are shown at checkout. Got questions?... Contact us!
*Get same day delivery for in-stock orders received and processed by 2pm, otherwise will deliver the following business day. Delivery fee is based on weight, delivery location and courier fees. Any amounts over $35 - You will be notified to approve before delivery. This is a convenience option only. Deliveries are by a 3rd party delivery service and will deliver to doorstep only. By accepting this delivery process you hereby indemnify Bananas At Large Inc of all responsibility as Bananas At Large is not the delivery agent and assumes no liability on lost or stolen products.
By choosing this option you understand and agree to the following terms:
- Some restrictions apply. For in-stock & available items only.
- You are requesting Bananas at Large to contract on your behalf with a 3rd party service.
- Bananas At Large guarantees the product to be delivered to your doorstep, with photo proof of delivery.
- Bananas cannot and is not responsible for the package safety or security once it is delivered to your doorstep.
- You understand and accept the risk and responsibility of your package once it is delivered.
- Large items, overweight items may incur additional charges.
- Certain delivery zones and homes with access issues may incur additional charges or may not qualify for delivery.
- If the last inventory unit is located at either our Santa Rosa or San Rafael store locations, there may be a delivery delay that may take an additional business day to have it transferred to the store closest to you.
FREE: Free Local Delivery in 1-3 Days.
Free 1-3 day local delivery available for orders over $199*. Contact us for details.
If you aren’t in a rush to receive your items and want free delivery, choose the Free Local Delivery option at checkout. Your order will be processed and delivered within 2-3 business days.
*Applies to full price items only. Can't be combined with any other deals or promotions including Bananas Rewards.
This service is currently available for these towns within California: Santa Rosa, San Rafael, San Anselmo, Fairfax, Larkspur, Greenbrae, Corte Madera, Novato, Sausalito, Belvedere/Tiburon, Ross, Kentfield, and Mill Valley. Shipping rates are shown at checkout. Got questions?... Contact us!
By choosing this option you understand and agree to the following terms:
- Some restrictions apply. For in-stock & available items only.
- You are requesting Bananas at Large to contract on your behalf with a 3rd party service.
- Bananas At Large guarantees the product to be delivered to your doorstep, with photo proof of delivery.
- Bananas cannot and is not responsible for the package safety or security once it is delivered to your doorstep.
- You understand and accept the risk and responsibility of your package once it is delivered.
- Large items, overweight items may incur additional charges.
- Certain delivery zones and homes with access issues may incur additional charges or may not qualify for delivery.
- If the last inventory unit is located at either our Santa Rosa or San Rafael store locations, there may be a delivery delay that may take an additional business day to have it transferred to the store closest to you.
See our full Shipping Policy for further details.
Local pickup only
Some products are available for local pickup only. If you’d like this item shipped, please call us at 1 (888) 900-1959 or text us at (415) 457-7600 to discuss shipping options.
Shipping items with tubes
Bananas does not warranty tubes in transit. We offer tube removal and individual bubble wrap service for $45 per customer request (for standard amps, more complex amps that take more time may be a higher fee). Customers buying any tube product and having it shipped should understand and realize that Bananas cannot be responsible for damaged tubes from transit. This applies to all new and used products. Certain manufactures offer a tube warranty on their new products as a courtesy, and that is available thru the manufacturer warranty process for all new products where it applies.
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Extend™ coverage & benefits
- Accidental damage protection: You’re covered for a repair or replacement in case of accidental damage, as well as extended product protection after the manufacturer warranty expires.
- Extended product protection: Play without worry. You’re covered when regular use of your product over time results in mechanical or electrical failure.
- Worry-free shipping protection: Cover your package against loss, damage, and theft, so if your delivery doesn’t arrive safely, Extend will handle it.
- Convenient support: With Extend, you’ll never have a deductible or fees. Simply file a claim with your email address or Extend contract ID (most claims are resolved in minutes). Extend is always happy to help and has online support 24/7.
Hear it from our happy customers
“The plan is definitely worth the price and great customer service!” - Colleen K.
“The replacement process was automated and even easier than I could have imagined. I am glad I purchased the extra protection.” - Michael S.
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Limitations and exclusions apply. Read Extend’s product protection terms and conditions and Extend’s Shoppers Guide to Shipping Protection for more information.
Our manufacturer’s warranty
Every new product you purchase with Bananas comes with its full manufactures warranty coverage.
Why add Extend?
Extend provides affordable product and shipping protection with a modern, easy-to understand process. Add an Extend plan and shipping protection to your purchase during checkout.
Extend Product Protection provides coverage for your product after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.
Extend Shipping Protection protects your package en route; whether it’s a mixup on the truck, a mishandling from a shipping carrier, or it's stolen while you’re at work, you’re covered.
Easy claims, great service
Filing a claim with Extend is simple. Contact Extend online or by phone at (877) 248-7707. They’ll process your claim in minutes and once approved, send you details on your repair or replacement depending on the claim.
What if I need to return my product?
If you return your product, Bananas returns the money you paid for the product protection plan. Depending on how much time has passed since your purchase, Extend may issue a prorated refund.
Shipping protection is non-refundable.
Am I able to cancel my Extend protection plan?
Yes. If you decide you do not want to continue with the Extend Product Protection plan, you can cancel for a full refund within the original manufacturer's warranty period. Product protection plans can also be canceled after the Extend protection plan has started. Depending on how much time has passed since your purchase, Extend may issue a prorated refund.
Shipping protection is non-refundable.
Warning: Some of the products purchased at Bananas At Large can expose you to chemicals, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and/or reproductive harm. For more information go to http://www.P65Warnings.ca.
