V13 Large-Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Valve Condenser

The Vanguard V13 is a large-diaphragm multi-pattern tube condenser microphone. Crafted by experts over the course of 3 years, our design goal was to combine vintage warmth with smooth modern detail. After extensive testing and listening by world-class engineers, we can say with pride that the performance of this mic rivals or exceeds iconic vintage & modern microphones at a fraction of the cost.

We designed the V13 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. We specifically engineered the V13 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 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, we found that the V13 was usually the top option, despite being matched against microphones several times its cost.

One important design objective was maintaining a low noise floor – no small feat when working with vacuum tube circuitry. When tested against several $5000 European tube microphones, the V13 had the lowest noise floor by a significant margin.

After hundreds of hours of listening and testing dozens of design variations with world-class engineers, the V13 is a top-shelf microphone with an incredibly low noise-floor. This is truly a professional, world-class microphone.

• Custom-voiced, edge-terminated 34mm dual-capsule assembly with 3µm 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 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

Transducer Type: Condenser

Capsule Size: 1.34″ / 34mm (dual-capsule)

Diaphragm Size: 1.04″ / 26.4mm

Capsule Diaphragms Thickness: 3µm

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: 82dB (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): 8.18″ long, 1.98″ diameter / 208mm long, 50.5mm diameter

Dimensions (case): 16.73″L x 12.80″W x 5.25″H / 425mmL x 325mmW x 142mmH

Voltage Requirement: 110-240V