Vanguard V44S User manual

V A N G U A R D V 4 4 S
Multi-Pattern Stereo FET Condenser Microphone
Thank you for choosing the VANGUARD V44S Microphone!
Your VANGUARD V44S microphone is carefully packed at our workshop. The padded pinewood
mic box and aluminum carrying case are designed to protect the microphone during shipping
and storage. In addition, before any microphone is released, the final assembly and testing is
performed here in sunny Southern California to make sure the mic is ready for you to reliably
enjoy in professional recording situations.
TO AVOID DAMAGE TO YOUR MICROPHONE, PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE MANUAL
BEFORE PLUGGING IN THE V44S FOR THE FIRST TIME!
OVERVIEW
The Vanguard V44S is a stereo large-diaphragm multi-pattern FET condenser microphone.
Lovingly crafted by experts over 2 years, it is designed to be a versatile, reliable, professional tool
in the vein of highly-sought-after vintage stereo condensers of yesteryear. With a pair of
coincident twin custom-voiced multi-pattern capsules, you can utilize X/Y, Mid-Side, Blumlein,
and other less conventional stereo microphone techniques in a single microphone. With our
proprietary detented heavy-duty rotation mechanism, versatile splitter box, premium
cryogenically-treated FET circuitry, and a VLSM shockmount, the V44S is the first and last stereo
microphone you’ll ever need to reach for.
PERFORMANCE
The VANGUARD V44S was conceived and commissioned to establish a new performance
standard at an until now unachievable price point. While being visually stunning, the V44S’s
audio performance will inspire confidence from any artist, engineer or producer, with a sonic
signature that is rich, yet natural, with no high-frequency hype or distortion. We designed the
V44S with the character of yesteryear’s iconic vintage microphones in mind, while also utilizing
the latest technology to ensure that every nuance and detail of the performance is faithfully
captured. Both matched custom-voiced capsules are independently switchable between
cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 pickup patterns to enable several different stereo
recording techniques.
©2017 Vanguard Audio Labs, LLC. All rights reserved.
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DESIGN
The VANGUARD V44S is very different from other mics in its price range. It is designed and
precision-built in limited quantities to “no-compromise” standards.
We started with twin 34mm edge-terminated, gold-sputtered Mylar 3µm 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. The top headbasket
rotates up to 90º, with detents every 15º for repeatability of settings. The headbasket uses a
proprietary punched-steel and ball bearing design that is incredibly reliable and durable.
We then created 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.
Aesthetically, the precision-machined brass body is coated with our signature Pinot Noir finish
with a deep, lustrous gloss. We accented the color with 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 more than 65 years of experience and vetted
by world-famous engineers and producers.
QUALITY
The V44S was designed in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in sunny Southern California.
We perform 100% quality control - every single microphone undergoes a series of stringent audio
and visual tests here in Southern California before being hand-packed.
Every part of the V44S was designed to be robust and reliable. Wherever possible, over-specced
components were utilized. The deep-cycle cryogenic treatment improves the lifespan,
efficiency, and performance of critical electronic components. Brass, steel, aluminum, and zinc
are part of the heavy-duty construction. Every Vanguard microphone is confidently backed by
our FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY.
ACCESSORIES
When you buy a V44S, 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.
The V44S also comes with a splitter box with a unique set of inputs and outputs for easy location
recording operation. An additional phase-reversed top-capsule output allows for live Mid-Side
operation. We also added two additional standard XLR inputs so you can use this functionality
with any pair of mono microphones.
When not in use, your V44S should be stored in its padded pinewood box.
The black aluminum locking carrying case with the V44S keeps your microphone, cables, and
power supply in one place.
©2017 Vanguard Audio Labs, LLC. All rights reserved.
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USAGE
The VANGUARD V44S excels in a multitude of recording situations. It is a superior choice for
acoustic guitar, strings, drum overheads, room mic’ing, and the delicate nuances of piano,
choral, and orchestral recording - essentially any acoustic instrument. There's even a good use
for vocals! Tested in a diversity of situations, acoustic environments, styles, and genres, we found
that the V44S was often the top option, despite being matched against microphones several
times its cost. Through our extensive testing, research, and listening, we’ve found a few particular
uses we would like to share with you.
ACOUSTIC GUITAR
The V44S is superb for adding width and detail to your acoustic guitar tracks. We tested the V44S
on a variety of acoustic guitars from several price ranges. We found that even when tracking
overly-bright and mid-rangey guitars, the V44S brought out the very best in each instrument.
Using an X/Y pattern, vary the distance and angle of the two capsules to pick up both the body
of the guitar and the fretting hand.
DRUMS - ROOM AND OVERHEAD
As an overhead, experiment with X/Y, Mid-Side, and Blumlein operation for various styles. The
coincident capsules allow for virtually perfect phase alignment.
As a room mic, try setting both capsules to omnidirectional and rotating the top capsule to the
90º position. This allows for a more truly omnidirectional operation at higher frequencies, as the
2nd capsule picks up high frequencies where the “nulled” sides of the first capsule might not.
An additional room microphone trick if you prefer a variety of options in the mix: set the top
capsule to the 0º position. Set each capsule to a different polar pattern (for instance,
omnidirectional for the top capsule, cardioid for the bottom capsule). You’ll be able to use
either track during mixing, or a combination of both.
VOCALS
One unique trick for songs or passages with a variety of vocal dynamics is to use a V44S with two
different gain settings. By setting one capsule to a lower gain than the other, you can easily
capture both quiet and loud phrases by the artist during the same take, without clipping. You
can then quickly comp together a vocal track from the two tracks that sound identical.
Rotate the top capsule to the 0º mark. Position the singer so they are 6-12 inches from the
microphone, singing directly in between the two capsules. IMPORTANT - for any vocals recorded
within 12 inches of the microphone, it is imperative that you use a professional-grade pop filter to
protect the capsules of the V44S.!
©2017 Vanguard Audio Labs, LLC. All rights reserved.
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POLAR PATTERNS
Each V44S capsule is independently switchable between three polar patterns - cardioid,
omnidirectional, and figure-8/bidirectional. The combination of different patterns and capsule
angles allows you to use a variety of conventional and unconventional stereo techniques.
PATTERNS
Cardioid
The Cardioid setting provides optimum pickup performance from the front, less from the sides,
and the least from the back of the microphone. It is primarily used to allow precise focusing on a
close-miked solo voice or instrument. This pattern allows the minimal amount of room sound to
get into the signal path if working close up."
Cardioid microphones also exhibit “proximity effect”. This is a boost in low frequency response at
close range. For example, a singer that is 1 inch away from the mic will have a much deeper
tone than one 6 inches away."Keep this in mind, and experiment with microphone distance to
use it to your advantage.
Omnidirectional
The Omnidirectional setting will allow sound to be picked up equally from all sides of the
microphone."It tends to have a more natural low frequency response, as well as a generally
smoother response across the entire frequency spectrum."It also can exhibit some directional
characteristics at higher frequencies. This setting allows the most room sound to be present with
the recorded signal.
Figure-8 (also known as “Bidirectional”)
This pattern allows equal response on both the front and rear sides of the microphone capsule
assembly, with excellent rejection of sound from the sides of the microphone."The Figure-8
pattern is used most commonly in stereo miking techniques such as Mid-Side and Blumlein,
which both involve a figure-8 microphone in some way."Figure-8's can also used as room mics,to
record two sources with a single microphone (e.g., two vocalists on opposite sides of the
microphone).
!
CARDIOID
!
OMNIDIRECTIONAL
!
FIGURE-8 / BIDIRECTIONAL
©2017 Vanguard Audio Labs, LLC. All rights reserved.
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USING THE SPLITTER BOX
The V44S splitter box was designed with mobile recording situations in mind. There are a few
extra inputs and outputs on the splitter box that may come in handy.
Inputs
V44S - This 5-pin XLR connector connectors the V44S microphone to the splitter box. It routes to
all three outputs.
MID - you can use two mono microphones with the splitter box for Mid-Side recording in mobile
recording situations. This 3-pin XLR connector routes to the “BOTTOM” output.
SIDE - you can use two mono microphones with the splitter box for Mid-Side recording in mobile
recording situations. This 3-pin XLR connector routes to the “TOP” and “TOP Ø” outputs.
Outputs
BOTTOM - This 3-pin XLR connector routes to the bottom capsule of the V44S microphone - or the
“MID” input in the case of using two mono microphones.
TOP - This 3-pin XLR connector routes to the top capsule of the V44S microphone - or the “SIDE”
input in the case of using two mono microphones.
TOP Ø - This 3-pin XLR connector routes to the top capsule of the V44S microphone - or the
“SIDE” input in the case of using tw o mono microphones. This connector is phase-reversed and
transformer-isolated. This output is specifically for Mid-Side recording in mobile or live situations
where a phase-reversed input is not available on your mixer or DAW. Instead, you can use this
output and a 3rd XLR cable to have all the necessary tracks for Mid-Side stereo.!
©2017 Vanguard Audio Labs, LLC. All rights reserved.
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HOW TO SET UP YOUR V44S MICROPHONE FOR USE
1) Set up the splitter box.
-Remove the splitter from the aluminum carrying case. Set it at a reasonable distance,
taking into account the length of your cable runs.
2) Set up your audio cables.
-Remove the 5-pin XLR cable from the aluminum carrying case. Plug the male end into the
V44S jack on the INPUT side of the splitter box, and run the female end to the mic stand for
your V44S microphone. Make sure to leave enough slack and route the cable safely so it
won’t be a tripping hazard. You may need to reposition your splitter box and/or mic stand
so you have enough cable length.
-Plug the XLR cables from your mixer, interface, preamp, or other input device into the
corresponding OUTPUT jacks of the splitter box. The V44S requires phantom power to
operate. Do not apply phantom power until all cables are routed and plugged in at both
sides
3) Set up the V44S microphone.
-It’s always best to set up your V44S microphone last, and take it down first, whenever setting
up or putting away your gear. During other stages of setup, the microphone might
accidentally be bumped or knocked over.
-Remove the VLSM Shockmount from the aluminum carrying case. Thread it onto the
microphone stand until tight, and then position the shockmount.
-Remove the V44S microphone from its wood storage box. Hold the microphone carefully
and thread the base of the V44S microphone into the threaded locking nut of the VLSM
shockmount until tight. Don’t over-tighten - you might need to re-adjust the microphone’s
angle.
-Plug the female end of the 5-pin cable into the bottom of the V44S microphone, taking
care to align the cable correctly before plugging it in. You can look at the bottom of the
microphone and see the slotted insert on the side of the 5-pin jack, and correctly align the
slotted insert of the 5-pin cable with it. Phantom power should always be off when plugging
and unplugging the V44S microphone. Incorrect alignment of the cable may result in
electric shock or damage to your V44S microphone.
-Position your V44S microphone as desired towards your sound source. If you are using the
V44S microphone on vocals, it is important to use a high quality Pop Filter to protect the
capsule against breath moisture, as well as plosive blasts like “P”, “K”, “T”, etc. Failure to use
a pop filter may result in damage to your microphone.
4) Turn on the phantom power on your mixer, preamp, interface, or other device.
-NOTE: You won’t hear any sound for several seconds as the microphone voltages stabilize.
©2017 Vanguard Audio Labs, LLC. All rights reserved.
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FEATURES
CAPSULE & ELECTRONICS
•Twin matched custom-voiced, edge-terminated 34mm dual-capsule assembly with 3-micron
gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragms
•3 independently switchable polar patterns per capsule (selectable at microphone)
•Electronically-balanced solid-state circuitry loaded with premium-grade components
•Ultra-low-noise JFET design
•Deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of critical signal & power path components
•90º rotatable top capsule with 15º detents
•Versatile splitter box for mobile & live recording conditions
CONSTRUCTION
•Heavy-duty brass, aluminum, steel, and zinc metal construction
•Robust punched-steel capsule rotation mechanism
•Open-weave headbasket for low internal reflections, “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
•Final Assembly and 100% Quality Control in California, USA
•5-Year Warranty
STANDARD ITEMS SUPPLIED
•V44S Stereo FET Condenser Microphone
•V44S Splitter Box
•VLSM Large Shockmount with aerospace-grade suspension rings (with 2 replacement bands)
•Padded Pinewood Microphone Storage Box
•Microfiber Storage Bag
•Locking Aluminum Carrying Case
•5-Pin Microphone Cable!
©2017 Vanguard Audio Labs, LLC. All rights reserved.
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SPECIFICATIONS
CARE AND PRECAUTIONS
•When not in use, please store your V44S microphone in the provided padded wooden
microphone case. We recommend keeping the plastic sleeve that the microphone is shipped
in, and keeping it on the microphone when not in use to prevent debris build-up on the
capsule. The provided microfiber storage bag can also be used for this.
•When using for close-mic’d vocals, it is important to use a high quality Pop Filter to protect the
capsule against breath moisture, as well as plosive blasts like “P”, “K”, “T”, etc. Failure to use a
Pop Filter may result in damage to your microphone.
•Always protect your V44S from any hard jolts, drops, and vibrations. Although it is ruggedly
constructed, it is a professional tool and should be treated with respect. Always handle with
care.
•For best performance, stability, & longevity, do not expose the microphone to any moisture or
smoke.
•DO NOT open the V44S microphone while plugged in.
•DO NOT open the V44S splitter box while plugged in. Don’t use this product in or near water,
during a lightning storm, etc. It is intended as a professional microphone only.
Capsule Type:
34mm / 3-micron Gold sputtered Mylar-True Condenser (DUAL CAPSULE)
Polar Pattern/s:
3 patterns per capsule, independently selectable at microphone
Frequency Range:
20Hz-20,000 Hz
Output Impedance:
200 Ohms / electronically coupled
Maximum SPL :
135dB (1% THD @1000Hz)
Equivalent noise level :
<=14dBA (A-weighted)
S/N Ratio:
>=80dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)
Output Connector:
Male XLR 5 pin, gold-plated
Included Accessories:
Padded Wooden Box, Shockmount, Metal case, Power Supply, 5-Pin Cable, Microfiber
Bag
JFET Type:
Proprietary Select Premium Grade, Ultra-Low-Noise and Ultra-Low-Capacitance
Power Requirement:
Phantom Power (48V ideal)
Finish:
Polished Nickel trim / Pinot Noir Body
Warranty:
5 Years
©2017 Vanguard Audio Labs, LLC. All rights reserved.
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•HOW TO SET YOUR CARRYING CASE LOCKS:
•Open the V44S case. Remove the red plastic securing the 3 rotating number wheels.
•Push the square opening mechanism for the first lock TOWARDS THE HANDLE of the case. Set
your desired 3-digit combination. Release the square so it returns to its normal (middle
position).
•Repeat this process for the second lock. Close the case and test your new combinations.
The VANGUARD V44S complies with all applicable CE / RoHS / WEEE European Union directives.
©2017 Vanguard Audio Labs, LLC. All rights reserved.
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SERVICE & WARRANTY
Do not attempt to service this unit yourself, as it will void your warranty. Please check your unit carefully
upon receipt and return to place of purchase immediately if there are any problems with the product.
After that, the standard VANGUARD AUDIO LABS 5-YEAR WARRANTY will apply to defects in materials and
workmanship.
(U.S.A) Should your VANGUARD microphone require service, please contact the VANGUARD AUDIO LABS
Service Department. [phone] -or- e-mail [email protected]
To claim warranty in USA, microphones and accessories must be delivered in their entirety to VANGUARD
AUDIO LABS freight prepaid, IN PROPER/SAFE PACKAGING. All returns must have prior authorization before
shipping. Please contact VANGUARD AUDIO LABS for a Return Authorization Number (RA). A sales slip or
other proof of purchase must be included.
LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY
VANGUARD microphones purchased in the U.S.A. are warranted by Vanguard Audio Labs to be free from
defects in materials and workmanship for the period of 5 YEARS to the original purchaser. In the event of
such defects, the Vanguard Audio Labs product will be repaired without charge or, at our option,
replaced with a new one if delivered to Vanguard Audio Labs prepaid, together with the sales slip or
other proof of purchase date. The warranty excludes problems due to normal wear, abuse, shipping
damage or failure to use the product in accordance with the specifications. This warranty does not apply
if the product has been damaged by accident or misuse, or as a result of repair or modification by other
than a Vanguard Audio Labs customer service facility authorized to service this product.
All parts except tubes (90 days) are covered under this Limited 5 Year Warranty.
Vanguard Audio Labs shall not be liable for damages based upon inconvenience, loss of use of the
product, loss of time, interrupted operation or commercial loss or any other damages, whether incidental,
consequential or otherwise. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights,
which will vary from state to state.
Specifications and prices are subject to change without notice or obligation.
©2017 Vanguard Audio Labs, LLC. All rights reserved.
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