Vanguard Audio Labs V44S gen2 Stereo Microphone Eclipse Edition

Capsule & Electronics

- Twin custom-voiced, edge-terminated 34mm dual-capsule assembly with 3µm gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragms

- 3 independently selectable polar patterns per capsule

- Electronically-balanced solid-state circuitry using audiophile-grade parts, sourced from USA, Germany, Japan, France, and more

- Deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of critical signal & power path components

- 120º rotatable top capsule with 15º detents

- Versatile splitter box for mobile & live recording conditions

- Ultra-low-noise JFET design

Construction

- Heavy-duty brass, aluminum, steel, and zinc construction

- Robust punched-steel capsule rotation mechanism

- Open-weave headbasket for low internal reflections and “open-air” voicing

- Each V44S comes with its own laser-engraved serial number

- 5-Year Warranty

- Over-spec componentry

- Deep-gloss Pinot Noir finish

- Polished nickel trim

- Precision-cast Vanguard badge

- Neutrik® interconnects throughout

- Final Assembly & 100% Quality Control in California, USA

Aesthetics

- Exquisite deep-gloss Pinot Noir finish

- Polished nickel trim

- Precision-cast Vanguard badge

- Laser-etched model and serial numbers

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. This shockmount was designed to fit any microphone with M22x1 threading, so you also can use it with a number of microphones from other manufacturers.

- The V44S also comes with the our utility splitter box, which allows you to break out the 5-pin microphone cable into conventional 3-pin XLR. The splitter box contains a transformer-isolated phase-inverted top capsule output in addition to the standard top-capsule output, allowing for mid-side operation in less-than-ideal recording conditions with no patching at the mixer. An additional two standard XLR inputs allow you to use other microphones, such as the Vanguard V13, in the same conditions.

- When not in use, your V44S should be stored in its padded pinewood box.

- The aluminum combo-lock carrying case keeps your V44S microphone, pinewood box, cable, and splitter box in one place.

Included Accessories

- VLSM Large Shockmount

- V44S Splitter Box

- 5-Pin Heavy-Duty Microphone Cable

- Padded Pinewood Microphone Storage Box

- Locking Aluminum Carrying Case

- Transducer Type: Condenser

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

- Diaphragm Size: 1.04″ / 26.4mm

- Capsule Diaphragms Thickness: 3µm

- Electronics Type: Solid-state, electronically-balanced output

- Output Impedance: 200Ω

- Max SPL: appx. 135dB (145dB w/ Pad)

- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20000Hz

- Equivalent Noise Level: ≤14dBA (A-weighted)

- S/N Ratio: ≥80dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)

- Sensitivity: TBA

- Output Connector: Neutrik® Male XLR 5-pin, gold-plated

- Finish: Polished nickel trim / High-gloss Pinot Noir

- Weight (microphone): 1.5 lbs / 0.68kg

- Weight (in case): 9.625 lbs / 4.37kg

- Dimensions (microphone): 10.63″ long, 2.05″ max diameter / 270mm long, 52mm max diameter

- Dimensions (case): 16.92″L x 12.60″W x 6.02″H / 430mmL x 320mmW x 153mm

- Voltage Requirement: Phantom Power (+48V ideal)

“I set it up, and before the first day was out, I was a confirmed fan…I was very taken with the V44S [as a drum overhead]: it produced
a seriously chunky sound with lots of midrange heft, and a low end that was weighty without being exaggerated.”

Sam Inglis

SoundOnSound

“We were really excited to find the Vanguard V44s gen2 for drum overheads on the Kelsea Ballerini HeartFirst Tour. The build quality is superb and the shockmount is an absolute tank. The V44s has really given us the stereo ‘whole kit image’ that we were looking for.  It’s very flexible with patterns for stereo mic’ing, and you can really tailor it to whatever your environment is. I’ve even used it out front for crowd mics at FOH and the Blumlein pattern is fantastic. People are always coming up and asking, ‘WHAT’S THAT MIC?’. It’s so nice to have studio quality, in a road friendly build!”

Chris Denier

Front of House Engineer

“The new extreme stereo widths now possible were a big request from gen1 owners, for ORTF recordings that are usually done at 110-degree angles. The V44S gen2 is the only single microphone capable of achieving this super-wide stereo pickup. The Vanguard Labs V44s gen2 is a good all around workhorse of a stereo condenser microphone that will see more use for new, original recordings/productions made for the Atmos-spacial-immersive formats.  This is a good mic to add to your collection!”

Barry Rudolph

"Mix Magazine" - September 2021 Issue