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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