Vanguard V13 User Manual

V A N G U A R D V 1 3

Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

Thank you for choosing the VANGUARD V13 Microphone!

Your VANGUARD V13 microphone is carefully packed at the factory. 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 THE ENTIRE MANUAL

BEFORE PLUGGING IN THE V13 FOR THE FIRST TIME!

OVERVIEW

Crafted by experts over the course of 2 years, the VANGUARD V13 is designed to offer true
world-class performance. It combines vintage warmth with smooth modern detail, all while

being visually stunning and reliably designed. After exhaustive research, testing, and listening by
world-class engineers, we can say with pride that the performance of this mic will rival or exceed
that of both iconic vintage and modern microphones, at a fraction of the cost.

PERFORMANCE

The VANGUARD V13 was conceived and commissioned to establish a new performance
standard at an until now unachievable price point. While being visually stunning, the V13’s audio

performance will inspire confidence from any artist, engineer or producer, with a sonic signature
that is rich, yet natural. 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.

After hundreds of hours of listening and testing dozens of design variations with world-class
engineers, the V13 has proven itself to be a top-shelf microphone with an incredibly low noise-

floor. This is truly a professional, world-class microphone.

©2015 Vanguard Audio Labs, LLC. All rights reserved.

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DESIGN

The VANGUARD V13 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 a 34mm edge-terminated, gold-sputtered Mylar 3µm dual-capsule assembly
and custom-voiced it with a proprietary hand-tuning process, placing it in an open-weave

headbasket for a natural sound with low internal reflections. We then designed a circuit that
compliments the unique musical properties of our capsules, loading it with premium-grade, low-

tolerance, ultra-reliable components sourced from highly-respected manufacturers around the
world. We cryogenically treated critical components in the signal path, including a hand-

selected European vacuum tube. We placed the low-frequency roll-off and -10dB pad toggle
switches on the rear of the microphone, where they are easily accessible to the engineer. We
topped off the electronics with an ultra-linear, fully shielded, custom-wound, dual-bobbin/

humbucking transformer for the output stage to drive long cable runs.

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. Machined into the rear of the microphone is a cooling vent to prolong
component life. Your V13’s serial number is laser-engraved on the lower rear of the microphone.

The V13 was designed by a team of experts with more than 65 years of experience and vetted
by world-famous engineers and producers.

QUALITY

The V13 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 V13 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 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.

The V13 also comes with the PS-13 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 character and frequency response of the microphone. The
PS-13 can operate from 110-240V.

©2015 Vanguard Audio Labs, LLC. All rights reserved.

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When not in use, your V13 should be stored in its padded pinewood box.

The black aluminum locking carrying case with the V13 keeps your microphone, cables, and
power supply in one place, and includes a slot for an extra 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.

USAGE

The VANGUARD V13 excels in a multitude of recording situations. It is a superior choice for studio
vocals, acoustic guitar, mandolin, drum overheads, room mic’ing, the delicate nuances of
piano, choral, and orchestral recording - essentially any acoustic instrument. Tested in a diversity

of situations, acoustic environments, styles, and genres, we found that the V13 was often the top
option, despite being matched against microphones several times its cost! Through our hundreds

of hours of testing, research, and listening, we’ve found a few particular uses we would like to
share with you.

VOCALS

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. If you’re having
difficulty dialing in “that” sound for your vocals, try experimenting with the different polar

patterns via the selection knob on the power supply. One of our favorite polar patterns for
smooth, open vocals is two clicks to the right of Cardioid mode. 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 capsule of the V13.

ACOUSTIC GUITAR

The V13 is superb for adding warmth and detail to your acoustic guitar tracks. We tested the V13
on a variety of acoustic guitars from several price ranges. We found that even when tracking
overly-bright and mid-rangey guitars, the V13 brought out the very best in each instrument.

Once again, polar patterns play a huge role in finding the perfect tone - try widening or
narrowing the pattern for different results.

PIANO

The custom-voiced capsule of the V13 gives it incredible low-frequency depth while providing
an open, smooth top end, and allows you to capture the nuanced performance of the entire

range of the instrument. In a good-sounding room, the omni-directional pattern allows for an
incredibly spacious and lush piano recording, even on a mono track!

©2015 Vanguard Audio Labs, LLC. All rights reserved.

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