VanGuard Audio V4 gen2 FET Condenser Microphone

The Vanguard Audio V4 gen2 is a large-diaphragm, multi-pattern condenser microphone that puts a single 34mm dual-capsule assembly behind three switchable polar patterns, built for engineers who need one FET condenser microphone to move between vocal, instrument, and room duties without swapping hardware. It suits close-mic'd lead vocals as readily as acoustic guitar or a spot mic on a horn section.

The capsule measures 34mm across, with a 26.4mm, 3-micron gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragm in an edge-terminated arrangement that Vanguard hand-tunes before final assembly. Cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 patterns are available at the flick of a switch, alongside a selectable -10/-20dB pad for handling louder sources. The gen2 update keeps the same solid-state, electronically balanced topology as the original but swaps in US-made low-noise resistors and a cryogenically treated, high-grade FET, aimed at tightening up the self-noise figure.

Output runs through a gold-plated Neutrik 3-pin XLR connector at 200 ohms impedance. In the box, Vanguard includes the VLSM heavy-duty shockmount — an open-front design with aerospace-grade suspension rings and M22x1 threading that also accepts shockmounts from other manufacturers — plus a padded pinewood storage box and a locking aluminum carrying case for transport.