Vanguard Audio Labs V44S Gen2 Stereo Condenser Mic

Two Mics in One Body

Introducing the Vanguard V44S gen2! Vanguard's multi pattern stereo FET condenser microphone. This second generation of the V44S brings significant audio and durability upgrades to an already fantastic stereo mic! The V44S takes inspiration from some of the great vintage recording mics of yesteryear while still striving for its own sonic signature. With a pair of two custom voiced multi pattern capsules, the V44S allows you to use recording techniques like X/Y, Blumlein and Mid/Side and other techniques to capture sources whichever way you like with perfect phase alignment.

Endless Possibilities

With both capsules able to independently switch between cardioid, figure 8, and omni, the V44s allows you to record using any stereo configuration possible within a single point. The top capsule is able to rotate up to 120 degrees with detents every 15 degrees so you can be sure your stereo spread is accurate for your intended setup, this 120 degrees also allows you to achieve true ORTF-style stereo recording.

How it Sounds

The folks over at Sound on Sound magazine tested the V44S in one of its most popular uses, drum overheads. They found that it produced a seriously chunky sound with lots of midrange heft, and a low end that was weighty without being exaggerated. Like some other stereo FET mics, the V44S has a slight lift at 10kHz and above, the lift on the V44s gives the mic a nice airy quality without being overly bright.

Dedicated Splitter Box

Rather than just a breakout cable most stereo microphones come with, the V44S has its own splitter box that includes an additional phase reversed output for the top capsule. This lets you easily set up mid side recording without any additional patching/tricks.

Overspecced by Design

Inside the V44S gen2 are two of Vanguard's custom voiced, edge-terminated, 34mm dual capsule with ultra thin 3µm gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragms. These capsules are hand tuned and placed inside an open weave headbasket for a natural, open sound with minimal internal reflections. Vanguard deep-cycle cryogenically treat critical components in the signal & power paths including a hand-selected American-made ultra-high-grade FET transistor that Vanguard describe as many times more expensive than standard transistors found in most microphones at this price point. This transistor gives significant & audible improvements in audio quality, headroom, distortion, sound-stage and noise floor over standard grade JFET transistors. Audiophile grade resistors, Neutrik connectors and the cryogenic treatment give the V44S gen2 an even lower noise floor than before, staying true to Vanguards fantastic low noise reputation.

Pristine Built

The precision machined stainless steel body is coated in Vanguard's signature Pinot Noir deep-gloss finish with polished nickel trim and a laser engraved serial number. The V44S gen2 ships complete with the VLSM Heavy-Duty Shockmount, a padded pinewood storage box, 6-metre custom heavy cuty 5-pin cable, passive splitter box, and a combination lockable aluminium carry case, everything you need, ready to record.

In Vanguards own words: "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."