Vanguard Audio Labs V13 gen2 Tube Microphone

The Vanguard Audio Labs V13 gen2 Tube Microphone is Vanguard's flagship microphone and when you hear it in action, it's obvious why. The balance between a warm vintage tone and a modern clarity gives the V13 a unique voice that is perfect for any vocal application as well as acoustic stringed instruments.

The Vanguard Audio Labs V13 gen2 Tube Microphone is the second generation of Vanguard's V13 large-diaphragm multi-pattern tube condenser mic. Everything loved about the original V13 including the smooth modern detailed sound with vintage warmth and character as well as that iconic Vanguard look remains the same with the V13 gen2. The changes instead were all upgrades to the components, making the gen2 version that much more of a quality piece. With the gen2, you are getting an upgraded power supply, premium cryogenically-treated tube circuitry (including US-made audiophile-grade resistors), Neutrik® Group interconnects, and a VLSM shockmount. Expect the Vanguard V13 gen2 to become your go-to microphone for vocals and instruments alike. We don't just sell Vanguard at Front End Audio, we use their mics on our own projects and therefore feel very confident in recommending the line!

The Vanguard Quality
The Vanguard V13 gen 2 Tube Microphone was designed in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in sunny Southern California. Vanguard performs 100% quality control – every single microphone undergoes a series of stringent audio and visual tests in Southern California before being hand-packed. Every part of the V13 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, stainless steel, aluminum, and zinc are part of the heavy-duty construction. Vanguard is so confident of their quality that every Vanguard microphone is backed by a FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY. The quality and support Vanguard backs the line with is why we are happy to offer this line at Front End Audio!

The Vanguard Performance
The Vanguard V13 gen 2 was designed with the character of yesteryear’s iconic vintage tube microphones in mind, while also utilizing the latest technology to ensure that every nuance and detail of the performance is faithfully captured. The V13 gen2 was specifically engineered with warm, full lows, a precise and detailed midrange, and buttery-smooth high end. The result is a microphone that unifies warmth with clarity, depth with detail, and character with precision. The V13 gen2 is particularly forgiving when it comes to vocal style and timbre. Oftentimes, microphones can be a bit choosy when it comes to how they mesh with different vocalists, but we have found that the V13 sounds great with almost any vocal complexion. Tested on both male and female vocalists in a diversity of ranges, styles, and genres, the V13 gen 2 performed wonderfully. One important design objective for Vanguard on the V13 gen2 was maintaining a low noise floor – no small feat when working with vacuum tube circuitry. After hundreds of hours of listening and testing dozens of design variations with world-class engineers, the Vanguard V13 gen2 is a top-shelf microphone with an incredibly low noise-floor. This is truly a professional, world-class microphone.

Vanguard Audio Labs V13 gen2 Tube Microphone Features

• Custom-voiced, edge-terminated 34mm dual-capsule assembly with gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragms
• 9 polar patterns (selectable at power supply)
• Vacuum tube analog circuitry with premium-grade components
• Hand-selected European vacuum tube
• Deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of critical signal path components
• Transformer-coupled output – humbucking, shielded, dual-bobbin transformer
• -10dB pad and low-frequency rolloff toggle switches
• Robust redesigned power supply design for ultra-low noise floor
• Open-weave headgrills for natural sound with low internal reflections
• Vanguard’s proprietary hand-tuned custom voicing

Vanguard Audio Labs V13 gen2 Tube Microphone Specifications

• Transducer Type: Condenser
• Capsule Size: 1.34″ / 34mm (dual-capsule)
• Diaphragm Size: 1.04″ / 26.4mm
• Electronics Type: Valve/Tube, Transformer-Coupled Output
• Output Impedance: 200Ω
• Max SPL: 134dB (144dB with pad)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20000Hz
• Equivalent Noise Level: ≤13dB (A-weighted)
• S/N Ratio: ≥81dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)
• Sensitivity: -35dBV
• Output Connector: Male XLR 7-pin gold-plated
• High-Pass/Rolloff Switch: 125Hz (6dB/octave)
• Attenuation/Pad Switch: -10dB
• Finish: Polished nickel trim / High-gloss Pinot Noir
• Weight (microphone): 1.07 lbs / 0.48kg
• Weight (in case): 11.67 lbs / 5.29kg
• Dimensions (microphone): 8.2″ long, 2.05″ diameter / 208mm long, 52mm diameter
• Dimensions (case): 16.73″L x 12.80″W x 5.25″H / 425mmL x 325mmW x 142mmH
• Voltage Requirement: 110-240V

Vanguard Audio Labs V13 gen2 Tube Microphone Includes

• Vanguard Audio Labs V13 gen2 Tube Microphone
• PS-13 gen2 Power Supply with Neutrik® audio connectors
• Padded Pinewood Microphone Box
• Soft Mic Bag
• VLSM Large Shockmount with aerospace-grade suspension rings
• Locking Aluminum Carrying Case
• Heavy-Gauge 7-pin Microphone Cable with REAN® Connectors
• Power Cable