Vanguard Audio Labs V1 Lolli Pencil Microphone Kit

The Vanguard Audio Labs V1 Lolli Pencil Microphone Kit is a multi-capsule FET pencil condenser microphone. Lovingly crafted by experts over several years, it is designed to be a versatile, reliable, professional tool for any recording engineer, studio, producer, or artist.

5 total custom-voiced capsules – in both small- and large-diaphragm formats, and with multiple pickup patterns – allow for a cornucopia of tonal variations for virtually any sound source or recording situation. With a “straight-wire” circuit design, premium cryogenically-treated FET componentry, an unparalleled selection of capsules, and a heavy-duty VSSM shockmount, the V1 will be your new studio workhorse.

PERFORMANCE
Vanguard Audio Labs designed the V1 with the character and versatility of iconic pencil condensers in mind, while also utilizing modern technology & design to meet the demands of today's recording professionals.

The Vanguard Audio Labs V1 Pencil Microphone Kit was created to be an incredibly flexible and adaptable microphone system. Four 22mm capsules – cardioid, wide cardioid, hypercardioid, and omnidirectional – not only have different pickup patterns, but different voicings as well, allowing for a variety of instruments and scenarios. Additionally, Vanguard includes their V34C “Lolli” multi-pattern large-diaphragm capsule assembly. The Lolli houses a 34mm custom-voiced dual-capsule assembly with 3 pickup patterns, making the V1 even more handy.

After hundreds of hours of listening and testing exhaustive design variations with world-class engineers, Vanguard Audio Labs can confidently say that this microphone will vastly exceed the performance of other pencil condenser microphones in its price range, and rival the performance of microphones costing several times more.

DESIGN
The Vanguard Audio Labs V1 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 taking place in Southern California.

The small-diaphragm capsules begin with a 20mm 4µm gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragm, carefully positioned in front of a precision-machined, custom-voiced backplate and phase shift assembly. The specially-designed housing brings the diaphragm as close as possible to the front of the assembly to prevent comb filtering.

The V34C Lolli houses an extra-large 34mm edge-terminated, gold-sputtered 3µm Mylar dual-capsule assembly which is custom-voiced with a proprietary hand-tuning process. We then place it in a shockmount saddle nestled in a retro-aesthetic chassis, which is CNC-machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminum billets. Open-weave mesh, carefully radiused interior, and precision-machined venting prevent standing reflections and allow for an “open-air” voicing. Vanguard Audio Labs engineered the V34C Lolli head to spin 360 degrees while mounted on the V1, allowing for quick Y-axis positioning adjustments with no futzing around with mic stands.

Vanguard Audio Labs then designed a transformer-coupled solid-state circuit that matches the unique musical properties of our capsules and loaded it with premium-grade, over-spec components sourced from manufacturers around the world. They cryogenically treated critical components in the signal & power paths, including an ultra-high-grade FET with incredibly low noise. The circuit is designed with an “In = Out” philosophy, with very few components present in the signal path. As a result, the microphone's lower output allows for your preamp character to shape the final tone of your tracking.

Aesthetically, the precision-machined brass body is coated with Vanguard's signature Pinot Noir, finished with a deep, lustrous gloss, and accented by polished nickel trim and a precision-cast Vanguard badge. Your V1's serial number is laser-engraved on the lower rear of the microphone. The V34C housing harkens back to the classic broadcast microphones of yesteryear, and both grills can be aligned either vertically or horizontally simply by removing two screws.

The Vanguard Audio Labs V1 was designed by a team of experts with more than 65 years of experience and vetted by award-winning engineers and producers.

QUALITY
The V1 was designed in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in sunny Southern California. Vanguard performs 100% quality control – every single piece of your V1 kit undergoes a series of stringent audio and visual tests in Southern California before being hand-packed.

Every part of the V1 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. Brass, steel, aluminum, and zinc are part of the heavy-duty construction. You want your recording tools to be reliable, durable, and rugged, and so does Vanguard Audio Labs! Every Vanguard microphone is backed by a FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY.

Vanguard Audio Labs V1 Lolli Pencil Microphone Kit Features

• 4 small-diaphragm 22mm capsule assemblies – cardioid, wide cardioid, hypercardioid, omnidirectional
• Large-diaphragm V34C “Lolli” multi-pattern capsule assembly
• Transformer-balanced solid-state circuit
• Ultra low-noise high-quality JFET and other premium-grade components
• Deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of critical signal & power path components
• Transformer-balanced output – custom-wound humbucking dual-bobbin transformer
• Works via 48V phantom power
• Heavy-duty brass, aircraft-grade aluminum, steel, and zinc construction
• Each V1 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

Vanguard Audio Labs V1 Lolli Pencil Microphone Kit Specifications

• Transducer Type: Condenser
• Capsule Size (V34C) : 1.34″ / 34mm (dual-capsule)
• Diaphragm Size (V34C): 1.04″ / 26.4mm
• Capsule Diaphragms Thickness (v34C)
• Capsule Size (Small-Diaphragm): 0.87″/22mm
• Diaphragm Size (Small-Diaphragm): 0.78″ / 16mm
• Capsule Diaphragm Thickness (Small-Diaphragm): 4µm
• Electronics Type: Solid-state, transformer-balanced output
• Output Impedance: 200Ω
• Output Connector: Male XLR 3-pin, gold-plated
• Finish: Polished nickel trim / High-gloss Pinot Noir
• Voltage Requirement: Phantom Power (+48V ideal)

Vanguard Audio Labs V1 Lolli Pencil Microphone Kit Includes

• 22mm removable capsule – Cardioid
• 22mm removable capsule – Wide Cardioid
• 22mm removable capsule – Hypercardioid
• 22mm removable capsule – Omnidirectional
• V34C “Lolli” removable multi-pattern capsule assembly
• VSSM small shockmount
• Removable windscreen
• Padded pinewood microphone storage box
• 5 Year Warranty