The Vanguard Audio Labs V13 (Gen 1) is one of the most impressive values in the tube microphone world. Designed in the USA with cryogenic component treatment and meticulous hand-testing, the V13 bridges the gap between boutique, high-end tube warmth and modern, ultra-quiet performance. It captures that classic, rich vintage character—silky top end, smooth mids, and deep low-end body—without the noisy electronics or high maintenance typically associated with older valve microphones.

At the center of its sound is an extra-large, custom-voiced 34mm edge-terminated capsule feeding a hand-selected European tube and a custom output transformer. The result is a microphone that feels remarkably forgiving on vocals, acoustic guitars, and stringed instruments. It flatters tracks immediately, rounding off harsh digital transients while keeping the overall picture open, detailed, and mix-ready.

The Vanguard Audio Labs V13 (Gen 1) is a flagship, large-diaphragm multi-pattern tube condenser microphone crafted to unite the lush, musical warmth of vintage valve circuits with the crystal-clear precision and ultra-low noise floor of modern high-end engineering. Designed over a three-year period in the USA and hand-tested in Southern California, the V13 delivers an exceptionally forgiving tonal character that flatters almost any sound source.

At the heart of the V13 is an extra-large 34mm edge-terminated, dual-diaphragm capsule featuring 3-micron gold-sputtered Mylar, hand-tuned through a proprietary voicing process. Housed in an open-weave headbasket for low internal reflections, the capsule feeds a meticulously designed signal path utilizing deep-cycle cryogenically treated components. The circuit centers around a hand-selected, high-grade European vacuum tube paired with a custom dual-bobbin, humbucking output transformer. The result is a smooth, open top end, detailed midrange, and rich, full low-end response with a remarkably low self-noise floor that rivals or exceeds microphones costing many times as much.

Aesthetically stunning, the precision-machined brass body is finished in Vanguard's signature deep-gloss Pinot Noir lacquer, accented by polished nickel trim, a precision-cast badge, and a rear-vented cooling portal designed to prolong tube life. Powered by the dedicated external PS-13 power supply, the user can remotely select across 9 distinct polar patterns to perfectly tailor spatial capture and proximity effect for any session.

Key Features

• Custom-Voiced Capsule Assembly: Extra-large 34mm edge-terminated dual capsule with ultra-thin 3-micron gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragms for exceptional transient response.

• Cryogenically Treated Signal Path: Critical audio components, including the hand-selected European tube, undergo deep-cycle cryogenic treatment for maximized lifespan, structural reliability, and signal purity.

• 9 Remote-Selectable Polar Patterns: External PS-13 power supply features a stepped pattern selector providing Omni, Cardioid, Figure-8, and 6 intermediate positions.

• Low Noise & High Headroom: Engineered for an ultra-low noise floor with over-specified audiophile-grade components and a dual-bobbin shielded output transformer.

• Onboard Attenuation & Filter: Integrated -10dB pad and low-frequency roll-off (high-pass filter) switches on the microphone body.

• Heavy-Duty Machined Construction: Solid brass, steel, and zinc body construction with rear cooling vents and signature Pinot Noir gloss finish.

• Complete Studio System: Includes the PS-13 power supply, heavy-duty VLSM open-front shockmount with aerospace-grade suspension rings, 7-pin cable, padded wooden mic box, and a locking aluminum flight case.

Warranty

This item is sold without the Sound Pure 3-year warranty (used / B-stock / dealer-exempt). Coverage terms for items in this category live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.

Returns

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