Hand-made in small batches in the US, Vanguard Audio Labs’ V24 is being billed as ‘the definitive modern tube stereo microphone’.
The V24 features a pair of matched coincident BeesNeez CK12 capsules offering nine polar patterns per capsule, allowing the mic be used in X/Y, Mid-Side, Blumlein and other less conventional stereo miking configuration – with a single microphone. The design employs Vanguard’s detented heavy-duty rotation mechanism, premium cryogenically-treated tube circuitry, Neutrik connectors, audiophile-grade resistors, twin Cinemag transformers, and a VLSM shockmount.
The V24 uses a ‘modernised’ external power supply that uses extra filtering stages and has integrated polar pattern switching
Its extended low frequency response is a result of a better transformer design and component value changes, and is accompanied by reduced crosstalk between the two capsule circuits that was inherent to the original design, giving better stereo imaging.
The modern components used include US-made audiophile-grade low-noise resistors, high-end capacitors, dual Cinemag transformers, sealed microphone switches, and deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of the majority of the componentry.
Switchable low-pass filtering per channel is offered for ‘ AKG C12’ or ‘Telefunken ELA M 251’ style high end performance. The design als features Vanguard’s ‘tank turret’ V44S capsule-rotating metalwork that the company reckons to be ‘the most durable rotating stereo microphone design conceived’, using punched stainless steel and ball bearings for stage-friendly recallable set-up.
