Vanguard Audio Labs V1+LOLLI Stereo Multi-Capsule Pencil Condenser Kit

The Vanguard V1S+LOLLI is a multi-capsule pencil condenser microphone system. Lovingly crafted by experts over several years, it is designed to be a versatile, reliable, professional tool for any recording engineer, studio, producer, or artist. Ten total custom-voiced capsules – in both small- and large-diaphragm formats, and with multiple pickup patterns – allow for a cornucopia of tonal variations for virtually any sound source or recording situation. With a “straight-wire” circuit design, premium cryogenically-treated FET componentry, an unparalleled selection of capsules, and a true heavy-duty shockmount,the V1S+LOLLI will be your new “go-to” microphone pair for stereo recording.

WHAT’S INSIDE

Two Vanguard V1 Microphones – packed with high-end componentry including an ultra-quality precision-biased JFET, a custom-wound transformer, premium capacitors, and cryogenic treatment throughout. A “straight-wire” design philosophy means there’s only four components between the capsule and the output.

Eight 22mm Capsules – these interchangeable capsules give you unmatched flexibility – two each of cardioid, wide cardioid, hypercardioid, and omnidirectional patterns. Ultra-sensitive 4-micron diaphragms, an anti-comb-filtering front design, and precision-machined backplates give wide consistency across each capsule.

Two V34C “LOLLI” Removable Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Capsule Heads – our patent-pending interchangeable large-diaphragm multi-pattern head. Our custom-voiced 34mm edge-terminated 3-micron diaphragm dual-capsule assembly housed in a precision-machined aircraft-grade aluminum body. Switchable between omni and cardioid…and aesthetically gorgeous to boot.

Two VSSM Shockmounts – the best pencil shockmount in the ‘verse. Heavy-duty cast zinc partners with high-impact ABS to create a shockmount that stays where it’s supposed to. Aerospace-grade suspension rings keep the rumble out (no hair scrunchies here!), and a windowed design allows you to easily access switches without changing the your mic placement.

Stereo Microphone Bar – Easily set up X/Y, ORTF, or other stereo mic’ing configurations.

Pinewood Storage Case – because your microphones should stay safe in luxury. We’ve carved individual capsule pockets into a block of solid pine, and custom-cut foam for your mics to stay cozy and secure…whether they’re on the road or in your studio.

PERFORMANCE

We designed the V1S+LOLLI with the character and versatility of iconic pencil condensers in mind, while also utilizing modern technology & design to meet the demands of today’s recording professionals.

The V1S+LOLLI kit was created to be the most flexible and adaptable microphone kit in your locker. Eight small capsules (2 of each pattern) allow tonal variety on any number of sources, but we found them to be exceptionally well-suited for close-to-medium-range mic’ing of acoustic guitar, percussion, piano, and stringed instruments. (The wide cardioid capsule in particular deserves special mention here as our favorite, but each capsule has sources and situations in which it excels.)

A pair of (PATENT-PENDING) V34C “LOLLI” capsules add another level to your toolkit by coupling the smooth, lush sound of our custom-voiced V13 capsule with the precision and detail of the V1 microphone. The LOLLI excels in almost any recording situation, with vocals being of particular note.

After hundreds of hours of listening and testing exhaustive design variations with world-class engineers, we can confidently say that this microphone will exceed the performance of other pencil condenser microphones in its price range, and rival or exceed the performance of microphones costing several times more.

DESIGN

The VANGUARD V1S+LOLLI 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 taking place here in Southern California. We spent more than three years designing, developing and refining the V1S+LOLLI.

Our small-diaphragm capsules begin with a 16mm 4µm gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragm, carefully positioned in front of a precision-machined, custom-voiced backplate. We engineered the housing to bring the diaphragm as close as possible to the front of the capsule housing, preventing comb filtering.

The V34C “LOLLI” Capsule houses an extra-large 34mm edge-terminated, gold-sputtered 3µm Mylar dual-capsule assembly which is custom-voiced with a proprietary hand-tuning process. It is placed in a shockmount saddle nestled in a retro-aesthetic chassis CNC-machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminum billets. Open-weave mesh, a carefully radiused interior, and precision-machined venting prevent standing reflections and allow for an “open-air” voicing. We engineered the V34C LOLLI head to spin 360 degrees while mounted on the V1, allowing for quick Y-axis positioning adjustments with no futzing around with mic stands.

The capsule is coupled to a transformer-balanced solid-state circuit that matches the unique musical properties of our capsules and is loaded with premium-grade, over-spec components sourced from manufacturers all over the world. We cryogenically treat critical components in the signal & power paths, including an ultra-high-grade hand-biased JFET. The circuit is designed with an “In = Out” philosophy, with only four components present in the signal path.

Aesthetically speaking, we think a microphone should look at least half as good as it sounds. The precision-machined brass body is coated with our signature Pinot Noir hue, finished with a deep, lustrous gloss, and accented by polished nickel trim and a precision-cast Vanguard badge. Your microphone’s serial number is laser-engraved on the lower rear of the microphone.

The V1S+LOLLI was designed by a team of experts with more than 65 years of experience and vetted by award-winning engineers and producers.

QUALITY

The V1S+LOLLI was designed in the USA, and undergoes final assembly in sunny Southern California. We perform 100% quality control – every single piece of your V1S+LOLLI kit undergoes a series of stringent audio and visual tests here in Southern California before being hand-packed. We precision-bias each high-grade JFET by hand on a calibrated analog oscilloscope (a Tektronix 465B).

Every part of the V1S+LOLLI was designed to be robust and reliable. Wherever possible, the circuitry is over-spec’ed. Deep-cycle cryogenic treatment improves the lifespan and performance of critical electronic components. Brass, steel, aircraft-grade aluminum and zinc are part of the heavy-duty construction.

You want your recording tools to be reliable, durable, and rugged, and so do we! Every Vanguard microphone is backed by our FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY.

ACCESSORIES

We’ve already mentioned the ten capsules, but let’s list them again here:

• 22mm Cardioid – matched pair
• 22mm Hypercardioid – matched pair
• 22mm Omnidirectional – matched pair
• 22mm Wide Cardioid – matched pair
• V34C “LOLLI” 34mm Large Capsule – Omnidirectional and Cardioid (switchable) – matched pair
  When you buy a V1S+LOLLI kit, you also get a pair of VSSM Heavy-Duty Shockmounts. We wanted to improve on the standard “tube” design that was popularized by our chief designer in the late 2000s.

First, we created a windowed design for the shockmount. This allows you to access switches on your microphone without affecting your carefully-placed positioning.

Second, we source aerospace-grade suspension bands that won’t break, sag, crack, or stretch over time. The bands can be positioned either vertically/horizontally or diagonally, to tightly hold microphones of varying diameter. The V1 microphone has slight insets machined into the body, so the suspension bands “lock in” easily to the microphone for a more secure hold.

The main body and knob are precision-cast from a high-grade zinc alloy and finished with a durable powdercoat. The pivot is injection-molded from high-impact ABS to keep your mic placement locked in place. The pivot is also inset with both 5/8″-24 and 3/8″-16 threads to be compatible with any microphone stand.

This shockmount was designed to fit any microphone with a diameter below 30mm, so it can be used with several brands of microphone, including almost any pencil microphone – and even ribbon microphones.

Also included: a 300mm (11.8″) stereo microphone bar for easily setting up ORTF and XY configurations.

When not in use, your V1S+LOLLI should be stored in its padded pinewood storage case.

We offer a four different V1 systems to suit your needs. Check the links below for mono kits, as well packages that include the V34C Removable Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Capsule Head (but we just call her “LOLLI”).

• V1+LOLLI – A mono version of the V1S+LOLLI kit.
• V1 – A mono version of the V1S+LOLLI kit, without the V34C “LOLLI” capsules.
• V1S – A stereo version of the V1S+LOLLI kit, without the V34C “LOLLI” capsules.