George The Tech Reviews: Vanguard V4 Gen 2 large diaphragm multi-pattern FET condenser microphone
Channel: George The Tech
Date: 01/10/2021

Vanguard sent me this mic for a fair and honest review, and requested I send it back to them after I'm finished. 
Hear the mic compared to the Gen 1 model and get my thoughts.
Here's my review of the first Vanguard V4: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdx9KrJ_aq0&ab_channel=GeorgeTheTech

From their website:
The V4 was designed in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in sunny Southern California. We perform 100% quality control – every single piece of your microphone kit undergoes a series of stringent audio and visual tests here in Southern California before being hand-packed.

Every part of the V4 was designed to be robust and reliable. Wherever possible, components were over-spec’d. The deep-cycle cryogenic treatment improves the lifespan and performance of critical electronic components. Stainless steel, aluminum, and zinc are part of the heavy-duty construction. Every Vanguard microphone is backed by our FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY.

We run every one of our microphones through a series of tests to ensure that they meet our standards, and we strongly feel that any pair of V4s will match each other close enough for any critical recording applications.

Performance
We designed the V4 with certain characteristics of classic FET microphones in mind, while also utilizing modern technology & design to meet the demands of today’s recording professionals. Our ultra-thin 3µm edge-terminated capsule diaphragms are extraordinarily sensitive, ensuring that every nuance and detail of the performance is faithfully captured.

After hundreds of hours of listening with world-renowned engineers in environments ranging from fully-equipped major studios to bootstrapped home setups, we can confidently say that this microphone will vastly exceed the performance of other microphones in its price range, and rival the performance of microphones costing several times more.

Design
The VANGUARD V4 is very different from other microphones in its price range. It is designed and precision-built in limited quantities to “no-compromise” standards, with final assembly and 100% testing here in Southern California. We feel that the sensitive nature of microphones requires a high-standards, no-holds-barred test battery to ensure that we’d be proud to use EVERY microphone that leaves our shop on our own records.

We started with an extra-large 34mm edge-terminated, gold-sputtered 3µm Mylar dual-capsule assembly and custom-voiced it with a proprietary hand-tuning process. The capsule is mounted in an open-weave headbasket for a natural sound with low internal reflections.

We then designed 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, including Germany, Japan, and the USA. We deep-cycle cryogenically treat critical components in the signal & power paths, including an ultra-high-grade FET that is many times more expensive than the standard transistor you’ll find in most sub-$600 microphones. 

Features
Capsule & Electronics
Custom-voiced, edge-terminated 34mm dual-capsule assembly with 3µm gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragms
3 selectable polar patterns – Cardioid, Figure-8, Omnidirectional
Switchable-10/-20 dB Attenuator
Electronically-balanced solid-state circuitry loaded with American-made audiophile-grade components
Ultra-low-noise JFET design
Deep-cycle cryogenic treatment of critical signal & power path components
Neutrik® interconnects
Construction
Heavy-duty SUS304 stainless steel, aircraft-grade aluminum, and zinc construction
Open-weave headbasket for low internal reflections and “open-air” voicing
Each V4 comes with its own laser-engraved serial number
Over-spec componentry
Deep-gloss Pinot Noir finish
Polished nickel trim
Precision-cast Vanguard badge
Final Assembly & 100% Quality Control in California, USA
5-Year Warranty
Aesthetics
Exquisite deep-gloss Pinot Noir finish
Polished nickel trim
Precision-cast Vanguard badge
Laser-etched model and serial numbers
Specs
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: ≤12dBA (A-weighted)
Sensitivity:≥82dBA (A-weighted)
Output Connector: Neutrik® male XLR 3-pin, gold-plated
Attenuation/Pad Switch: -10dB/ -20dB (switchable)
Finish: Polished nickel trim / High-gloss Pinot Noir
Weight (microphone): 0.83 lbs / 0.38 kg
Weight (in case): 5.63 lbs / 2.56 kg
Dimensions (microphone): 8.2″ long, 2.05″ diameter / 208mm long, 52mm diameter
Dimensions (case): 12″L x 11″W x 5.75″H / 305mmL x 280mmW x 146mmH
Voltage Requirement: Phantom Power (+48V ideal)