Design
The VANGUARD V44S 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 Hatfield, PA.
We started with twin extra-large 34mm edge-terminated, gold-sputtered 3µm Mylar dual-capsule assemblies and custom-voiced them with a proprietary hand-tuning process, placing each capsule in an open-weave headbasket for a natural sound with low internal reflections. New for the gen2, tbhe top headbasket now rotates up to 120 degrees, with detents every 15 degrees for repeatability of settings.
We then designed a transformerless 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. We cryogenically treated critical components in the signal & power paths, including an ultra-high-grade FET. In our entire lineup of gen2 microphones, we chose to use US-made, low-noise audiophile-grade resistors. This takes the noise floor of the V44S from a very quiet gen1 to a nearly undetectable gen2.
Aesthetically, the precision-machined stainless steel body is coated with our signature Pinot Noir, finished with a deep, lustrous gloss, and accented by polished nickel trim and a precision-cast Vanguard badge. Your V44S’s serial number is laser-engraved on the lower rear of the microphone.
The V44S was designed by a team of experts with nearly a century of experience and vetted by award-winning engineers and producers.
Performance
We designed the V44S with the character of classic stereo microphones in mind, while also utilizing modern technology & design to meet the demands of today’s recording professionals. Our ultra-thin 3µm edge-terminated capsule diaphragms are extraordinarily sensitive, ensuring that every nuance and detail of the performance is faithfully captured.
Both custom-voiced capsules are independently switchable between cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 pickup patterns, enabling X/Y, Mid-Side, and Blumlein stereo mic’ing within one microphone, as well as less conventional stereo techniques.
One of the biggest frustrations we’ve heard from users of stereo microphones is the flaws of current and past headbasket rotation assemblies. Too often, the current designs are fragile and prone to noisy operation, breakage, and signal loss. We designed a heavy-duty, punched-steel rotation mechanism which detents every 15 degrees for reliable, durable operation.
The included splitter box contains 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.
After hundreds of hours of listening and testing exhaustive design variations with renowned recording engineers, we can confidently say that this microphone will vastly exceed the performance of other stereo microphones in its price range, and rival the performance of stereo microphones costing several times more.
Quality
The V44S was designed in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in Hatfield, Pennsylvania. We perform 100% quality control – every single piece of your microphone kit undergoes a series of stringent audio and visual tests here in Hatfield before being hand-packed.
Every part of the V44S 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. Stainless steel, aluminum, and zinc are part of the heavy-duty construction.
Features
Capsule & Electronics
Twin custom-voiced, edge-terminated 34mm dual-capsule assembly with 3µm gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragms
3 independently selectable polar patterns per capsule
Electronically-balanced solid-state circuitry using audiophile-grade parts, sourced from USA, Germany, Japan, France, and more
Deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of critical signal & power path components
120º rotatable top capsule with 15º detents
Versatile splitter box for mobile & live recording conditions
Ultra-low-noise JFET design
US-made low-noise audiophile-grade resistors
Construction
Heavy-duty brass, aluminum, steel, and zinc construction
Robust punched-steel capsule rotation mechanism
Open-weave headbasket for low internal reflections and “open-air” voicing
Each V44S comes with its own laser-engraved serial number
Over-spec componentry
Deep-gloss Pinot Noir finish
Polished nickel trim
Precision-cast Vanguard badge
Neutrik® interconnects throughout
Final Assembly & 100% Quality Control in Pennsylvania, USA
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