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"12" vs "251" mode - each capsule has a switch for the famous "251" high-end rolloff to emulate those hallowed microphones' respective top end response!
9 independently switchable polar patterns - XY, Mid-Side, Blumlein, or any number of creative stereo options
"Tank Turret" Top Capsule - "tour-proof" rotation mechanism allows for up to 120º of rotation with 15º detents
120º rotatable top capsule with 15º detents - "tour-proof" V44S technology, the best rotation mechanism to ever grace a stereo microphone
3-output PSU for easy Mid-Side processing - a phase-reversed top capsule output allows for seamless mid-side processing with 3 cables
Open-weave headbasket for low internal reflections and “open-air” voicing
Twin matched BeesNeez CK12 historically-accurate capsules handmade in Australia
9 independently selectable polar patterns per capsule at the power supply
Twin Cinemag T14 transformers
Hand-selected cryo-treated 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
Robust punched-steel capsule rotation mechanism
Laser-engraved microphone and PSU markings
5-Year Warranty
4 grained hand-polished Stainless Steel finish
Precision-cast Vanguard badge
Neutrik interconnects throughout
Made in USA with 100% quality control in California, USA
A culmination of their combined knowledge and experience, Vanguard Audio Labs is proud to present the Vanguard V24 Stereo Tube Condenser Microphone – designed to be the crème de la crème of stereo microphones. This unique microphone is designed to be a versatile, reliable, professional tool in the vein of highly-sought-after vintage stereo condensers of yesteryear.
The V24 features a pair of matched coincident BeesNeez CK12 Capsules and 9 polar patterns per capsule; you can utilize X/Y, Mid-Side, Blumlein, and other less conventional stereo microphone techniques in a single microphone.
With their acclaimed detented heavy-duty rotation mechanism, premium cryogenically-treated tube circuitry, Neutrik interconnects, US-made audiophile-grade resistors, twin Cinemag transformers, and a VLSM shock mount, the V24 is the first and last stereo microphone you’ll ever need to reach for. Hand-made in small batches in the USA, this is the definitive modern tube stereo microphone.
A CLONE?
Vanguard Audio Labs did not set out to make a “clone”, “homage”, or “tribute” to one of the most hallowed stereo microphones of all time. Rather, they used the basic circuit topology and improved upon it in as many ways as they could including:
- A modernized power supply with extra filtering stages and integrated polar pattern switching
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Vastly reducing the crosstalk between the two circuits that was inherent to the original design, leading to superior stereo imaging
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Improved noise filtering along the capsule and power paths
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Extended low frequency response with a better transformer design and component value changes
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Modernized components, including US-made audiophile-grade low-noise resistors, high-end capacitors, dual Cinemag transformers, sealed microphone switches, and deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of the majority of the componentry
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Switchable low-pass filtering per channel – for “12”- or “251”-style high end.
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And of course, their tried-and-tested “tank turret” V44S capsule-rotating metalwork that is the most durable rotating stereo microphone design conceived, using punched stainless steel and ball bearings for stage-worthy recallable settings
QUALITY
The V24 is designed and built in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in sunny Southern California. The V44S chassis platform is modified, stripped, polished, re-engraved, and finished. The PSU chassis is bent locally. We are assembling every unit by hand – every last solder joint and screw. Vanguard Audio Labs performs 100% quality control – every single piece of the microphone kit undergoes a series of stringent audio and visual tests in Southern California before being hand-packed.
Every component of the V24 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 a FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY.
DESIGN
Every great microphone starts with a great capsule. After much consideration, they chose a matched set of BeesNeez CK12 capsules for the V24. 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.
These capsules are set within Vanguard's “tour-proof” V44S platform, with open-weave headbaskets for low internal reflections and a natural sound. The top headbasket rotates up to 120 degrees, with detents every 15 degrees for repeatability of settings.
The dual Cinemag transformers emulate the properties of the famed T14 transformer found in vintage Austrian microphones, but use a larger core to obtain better low end response along with higher-quality alloys and precision windings.
For the V24, they spared no expense finding premium-grade, over-spec components sourced from manufacturers around the world. Vanguard cryogenically treats the majority of components, including a hand-selected 6072A tubes. They chose to use US-made, low-noise, precision-spec, audiophile-grade resistors.
Aesthetically, the precision-machined stainless steel body is polished to a #4 grained finish. The V24’s serial number is laser-engraved on the lower rear of the microphone.
PERFORMANCE
Vanguard Audio designed the V24 with the character of the definitive vintage stereo microphone in mind, while also utilizing modern technology & design to meet the demands of today’s recording professionals.
Both historically-accurate CK12 capsules are independently switchable via the power supply between 9 different patterns, allowing X/Y, Mid-Side, and Blumlein stereo mic’ing within one microphone, as well as less conventional stereo techniques. On the rear of the microphone are two switches. The original Austrian microphone was neither a pair of “12s” nor a pair of “251”s, but was an amalgamation of the two. It utilized the “251 rolloff”, a capacitor which gives the famous Telefunken model its signature top end. Chief Everything Officer Derek Barghaer made this capacitor switchable per capsule, allowing for a “12” or “251” style response for each channel.
The power supply was designed from the ground up to provide clean, consistent power with no drift. The power supply output gives the engineer an additional phase-reversed top capsule output, which is perfect for less-than-ideal recording conditions such as concert taping. This allows mid-side recording with no additional mixer patching.
For more information on this or any other Vanguard product, visit www.vanguardaudiolabs.com.
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