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Vanguard Audio Labs - 'Limited Edition' V13 Gen2 Tube Condenser Microphone with BeesNeez CK12 and Cinemag™ Transformers

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Vanguard Audio Labs - 'Limited Edition' V13 Gen2 Tube Condenser Microphone with BeesNeez CK12 and Cinemag™ Transformers

$1,999.00

The latest limited-edition Vanguard Audio Labs V13 gen2 mod/upgrade is yet another hand-tweezed effort from Vanguard head Derek Bargaehr, and the results are outstanding.

Vanguard is only offering five of these units, so grab one while you can because when they’re gone, they’re gone!

The first upgrade is an Australian-made BeesNeez CK12 capsule. In Derek’s opinion, it’s the best CK12 on the market - a true historic recreation of perhaps the most complex and musical capsule ever built. The original brass CK12 capsule was the heart of some of the most revered vintage microphones of the 50s and 60s including the Telefunken ELA M 251, AKG C12, and AKG 414 EB. This multi-chambered capsule is, without a doubt, the most complicated capsule available and the accuracy that is achieved is only possible with the best possible machining and care. Each CK12 capsule is entirely manufactured and personally hand-lapped by the BeesNeez Team with care and attention.

The BeesNeez CK12 sounds markedly different from the V13’s standard capsule - it features a more detailed low end and shimmering highs, along with more detail and clarity across its entire frequency response. These capsules are custom-wired for Vanguard by Ben at BeesNeez with Teflon-insulated, silver-plated stranded 28awg wire.

The second major upgrade is the Cinemag transformer, replacing Vanguard’s standard V13 transformer. Made in the USA in Ventura, California, Cinemags are some of the best transformers currently available, with rich harmonics and that delicious je ne sais quoi that only high-quality audio transformers can provide. With humbucking rejection, low distortion, and superb bandwidth, these transformers take the already-scrumptious V13 gen2 to new levels of delicious sonic flavor.

The Cinemag adds subtle improvements, particularly in the high end and crucial mid-range frequencies for vocals. Says Derek, “Because of the larger transformer core, it can also handle higher SPL sources before saturation, giving the V13 more clean headroom for things like guitar amp and kick drum mic'ing.”

Third and finally, Vanguard is offering FREE personalized engraving of your limited-edition V13+BeesNeez+Cinemag microphone using their fiber laser engraver. Want your studio logo on the mic? A personalized message? Just let us know.

Each of these custom microphones will be assembled, as usual, in Vanguard’s California workshop.

READY TO SHIP IN 3-5 BUSINESS DAYS

Only available for the Lower 48 of the United States at this time

If not located inside the Lower 48, please contact info@audio-scape.com for availability

BUY NOW!

Our ops manager Curtis Humphrey brought in his acoustic to quickly record some tracks in our listening room to compare the stock V13 to the BeesNeez+Cinemag upgraded version. These are raw tracks inside a 6x8 WhisperRoom, recorded into a PreSonus MP20 preamp and into Logic Pro X. Both mics were in cardioid. Listen to the results here.

FEATURES

Capsule & Electronics

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

Construction

Heavy-duty brass, aluminum, stainless steel, and zinc metal construction
Rear venting to prolong tube and component life
Open-weave headbasket for low internal reflections and “open-air” voicing
Each V13 comes with its own laser-engraved serial number
Over-spec componentry
Deep-gloss Pinot Noir finish
Polished nickel trim
Precision-cast Vanguard badge
100% Quality Control
5-Year Warranty / 90-day warranty for vacuum tube

Aesthetics

Exquisite deep-gloss Pinot Noir finish
Polished nickel trim
Precision-cast Vanguard badge
Laser-etched model and serial numbers

Specs

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

Accessories

When you buy a V13, you also get a VLSM Heavy-Duty Shockmount. We 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, we 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.

The V13 also comes with the redesigned PS-13 gen2 power supply, which allows you to select any of 9 available polar patterns on your microphone. We encourage you to experiment with the different polar patterns, as each one changes the frequency response of the microphone. The PS-13 can operate from 110-240V. A 7-pin XLR Neutrik® Group cable connects the PS-13 to the V13.

When not in use, your V13 should be stored in its padded pinewood box with the included dessicant packets.

The black aluminum locking carrying case with the V13 keeps your microphone, cables, and power supply in one place, and includes a slot for a spare vacuum tube. 12AX7, 12AT7, and 12AY7 tube types will work with the V13 microphone. Folks who experiment sonically with NOS tubes can feel safe using these tube types.