Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,198

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Vanguard V13". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience the artistry of sound with the Vanguard V13, a tube condenser microphone that blends the warmth of vintage audio with the precision of modern engineering. Crafted for musicians who demand exceptional clarity and depth, the V13 is the result of meticulous research and development, making it a standout choice in the realm of studio recording gear.

The V13 features a hand-tuned dual-capsule condenser, designed to capture every nuance of your performance. This edge-terminated assembly is precision-tuned to ensure rich, full-bodied sound with detailed mids and smooth highs. Its open-weave headbasket minimizes internal reflections, delivering transparent audio perfect for any recording scenario.

Built with premium components, the V13 boasts low-noise resistors and cryogenically treated tubes, coupled with a custom-wound humbucking transformer for a linear signal path. Its Neutrik connectors, a staple in high-quality audio, ensure a seamless connection from microphone to power supply.

For ultimate versatility, the V13 offers a multi-pattern design, allowing you to adapt to any recording situation with ease. A -10dB pad manages high SPLs when close-micing loud sources, while a low-cut filter eliminates unwanted low-frequency rumble. The remote pattern select switch on the power supply further enhances its adaptability, making it ideal for vocals, acoustic instruments, drums, and amps alike.

Crafted to endure, the Vanguard V13’s stainless steel body is precision-machined for durability, complemented by a luxurious finish. It’s not just a microphone; it’s a long-term investment in your sonic journey.

Key Features:

  • Tube condenser microphone with vintage warmth and modern clarity
  • Hand-tuned dual-capsule condenser for rich, detailed audio
  • Premium audiophile-grade components for low-noise performance
  • Multi-pattern design for versatile recording applications
  • -10dB pad and low-cut filter for managing SPLs and low-frequency noise
  • Precision-machined stainless steel body with a luxurious finish

Product specs

Brand Vanguard Audio Labs
Model V13 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Tube Condenser Microphone
Year 2010s
Categories Microphones
Electronics Analog, Tube
Microphone Type Large-Diaphragm Condenser
Polar Pattern Multipattern
Wired/Wireless Wired

FAQs

What polar patterns are available on the Vanguard V13 microphone?

The Vanguard V13 offers multipattern functionality, allowing you to switch between different polar patterns to suit various recording environments and applications.

What type of electronics does the Vanguard V13 use?

The Vanguard V13 is an analog tube microphone, providing a warm and rich sound characteristic of tube electronics.

How does the Vanguard V13 handle high sound pressure levels?

The Vanguard V13 can handle up to 134 dB SPL, making it suitable for recording loud sound sources without distortion.

Is the Vanguard V13 microphone suitable for long cable runs?

Yes, with an output impedance of 200 ohms, the Vanguard V13 is designed to maintain audio quality over long cable runs.

What materials are used in the construction of the Vanguard V13?

The Vanguard V13 features a robust construction with stainless steel, brass, aluminum, and zinc alloys, ensuring durability and longevity.

Wayne.wav

Wayne.wav

You Don't Need an Expensive Microphone | Vanguard Audio V13| Vlog 1

Video thumbnail for You Don't Need an Expensive Microphone | Vanguard Audio V13| Vlog 1 by Wayne.wav

You Don't Need an Expensive Microphone | Vanguard Audio V13| Vlog 1

Wayne.wav

Wayne.wav

Video thumbnail for Vanguard Audio Labs V13 : Microphone review and demo (Vocals) by PC

Vanguard Audio Labs V13 : Microphone review and demo (Vocals)

PC

PC

Video thumbnail for SHOULD YOU BUY THE VANGUARD V13 TUBE MIC? by Dark Corner Studios

SHOULD YOU BUY THE VANGUARD V13 TUBE MIC?

Dark Corner Studios

Dark Corner Studios

Video thumbnail for What is the Tube Microphone Sound? [Demo ft. Vanguard V13 Gen2] by Patrick Breen

What is the Tube Microphone Sound? [Demo ft. Vanguard V13 Gen2]

Patrick Breen

Patrick Breen

Video thumbnail for Can The Vanguard V13 Beat $60,000 Worth of Vintage Tube Mics? by Better Mixes

Can The Vanguard V13 Beat $60,000 Worth of Vintage Tube Mics?

Better Mixes

Better Mixes

Video thumbnail for Vanguard V13 9-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone by Derek B

Vanguard V13 9-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

Derek B

Derek B

Video thumbnail for New And Improved Vanguard Audio V13 Gen 2 Tube Microphone - Perfect For Vocals! by Czar

New And Improved Vanguard Audio V13 Gen 2 Tube Microphone - Perfect For Vocals!

Czar

Czar

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional value for the price, rivals mics costing over $5000

  • Versatile performance with vocals, background vocals, and acoustic guitar

  • Compares favorably with high-end mics like VM1, AKG414, U87, 251s, U47 & U67s

  • Delivers a warm, pleasing, and unique sound quality

  • Excellent fit and finish, indicating high-quality craftsmanship

  • Offers great pricing without compromising on performance

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vanguard V13.

Comparisons

  • The Vanguard V13 Gen 2 upgrades its components from the original V13, improving noise floor and overall sound quality.

    Source
  • The Vanguard V13 was suggested alongside the Chandler TG mic and Neumann TLM 103 for those seeking under-$2k options for crisp hip hop vocals.

    Source
  • The Vanguard V13 is compared to high-end mics like the U47 and 251, with some users preferring its balance of 47 body and 251 top end.

    Source
  • In blind tests, the Vanguard V13 consistently ranks higher than similarly priced microphones, with users noting it sounds "10x more expensive" than its actual cost.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note the tube in the Vanguard V13 Gen 2 addresses issues they had with the original V4 model, enhancing vocal clarity.

    Source
  • Owners report the Vanguard V13 sounds significantly more expensive than its price, often outperforming more costly mics in blind shootouts.

    Source
  • Vocalists frequently react positively to the Vanguard V13, often stopping to praise its sound quality after a few lines, highlighting its impressive first impression.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Vanguard V13 is recommended for its suitability in capturing clean, crisp vocals, especially for fast rap styles requiring clear pronunciation.

    Source
  • The Vanguard V13 is highlighted for its versatility, performing well across various vocal styles and on different voices, making it a preferred choice in diverse recording sessions.

    Source
  • The Vanguard V13 excels in blind audio test kitchen shootouts, often outperforming pricier competitors and is praised as a "secret weapon" for studio recordings.

    Source
  • The Vanguard V13 is noted for being neither harsh nor dull, with a warm, balanced tonality that suits a wide range of vocal and instrumental recordings.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A user upgraded from a Slate VMS to the Vanguard V13 and noted a substantial improvement, indicating a significant step up in quality.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Vanguard V13 is praised for delivering high-end sound quality at a mid-range price, often being the choice over much more expensive alternatives.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Users appreciate the Vanguard V13's variable polar patterns and describe the shock mount as the best they've encountered, enhancing its versatility and mounting ease.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Vanguard Audio Labs: V13 Large-Diaphragm Tube Mic | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Vanguard V13 large-diaphragm tube mic is a standout with its smooth, natural sound and impressive build quality, rivaling pricier models. While it excels in clarity and warmth, especially on vocals and brass, some midrange congestion can occur when stacking tracks. Its unique open headbasket design enhances resonance-free highs, though a good pop filter is recommended due to its exposed grille. The mic's versatility shines, performing well in various settings, but tube-swapping enthusiasts should tread carefully to maintain sound quality. Overall, the V13 offers exceptional value, perfect for those seeking professional quality without breaking the bank.

positive

Vanguard V13 Valve Condenser Microphone Review

musictech.com

The Vanguard V13 is a striking valve condenser microphone that delivers a bold, character-rich sound, particularly excelling in mid-range clarity for vocals and guitars. It’s versatile, offering nine polar patterns and a sleek design that enhances studio aesthetics. However, its pronounced tonal signature may not suit every application, leading to potential bleed issues during recording. While it simplifies EQing, some users might find themselves reaching for a different mic when the V13's character doesn't align with their needs. Given its competitive price, it's a solid option for project studio owners looking to elevate their sound, but it’s best to consider how its unique voice fits into your setup.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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vanguardaudiolabs

Pretty great mic

We think it's pretty great, but we make it, so we might be biased.

These people think it's pretty great too: https://www.vanguardaudiolabs.com/our-family/

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Wide Cardioid - the magic setting for vocals, particularly female vocals.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jack Conte uses Vanguard V13

Jack Conte

Guitarist, Music Producer

Pomplamoose

...
Verified via Photo

Jack and Nataly used the Vanguard V13, V44S, V4, and V1 in their recordings of "Someone You Loved", "It's Your Birthday", and "Don't Start Now".

https://youtu.be/Rr-GzSas1f4 https://youtu.be/pkgUDGD6vkY https://youtu.be/iJ65wvqcK1M https://www.vanguardaudiolabs.com/family/pomplamoose/

See how Josh Turner uses Vanguard V13

Josh Turner

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Josh can be seen using the Vanguard V13 in many of his videos. It was also used as his main vocal mic on his first two studio albums, As Good a Place as Any and Public Life.

See how 6LACK uses Vanguard V13

6LACK

Singer, Rapper

Spillage Village

...
Verified via Photo

On the "East Atlanta Love Letter" album cover, 6lack is seen using a Vanguard V13 in his kitchen.

See how David Palmer uses Vanguard V13

David Palmer

Drummer

Steely Dan

...
Verified via Photo

“Feeling extremely grateful to now own these incredible instruments – a pair of V13 Tube Condenser mics and the V44S Stereo FET Condenser microphones…They sound absolutely impeccable, so much clarity and detail!” -David Palmer https://www.vanguardaudiolabs.com/family/david-palmer/

David Palmer is the currently touring drummer for Rod Stewart.

He also uses the Vanguard V44S Stereo FET Condenser microphone.

See how J Balvin uses Vanguard V13

J Balvin

Singer, Rapper

...
Verified via Photo

Per this screenshot of an Instagram post, dated Feb 20, 2021, J Balvin used the V13 in his track "In Da Getto" with Skrillex. It was recorded at Evergroove Studios, where the V13 won a three-way shootout with two highly-prized mics.

See how Maria Taylor uses Vanguard V13

Maria Taylor

Singer, Composer

Bright Eyes

...
Verified via Vanguardaudiolabs

"“I’m LOVING LOVING IT!! Can’t wait to share the new Azure Ray record with you. I think our vocals have never sounded better using this mic!!!”

See how Nataly Dawn uses Vanguard V13

Nataly Dawn

Singer

Pomplamoose

...
Verified via Photo

Nataly recorded vocals on the Vanguard V13 (in "wide cardioid" setting) on "Don't Start Now", "It's Your Birthday", and "Somebody You Loved".

https://www.vanguardaudiolabs.com/family/pomplamoose/ https://youtu.be/iJ65wvqcK1M https://youtu.be/pkgUDGD6vkY https://youtu.be/Rr-GzSas1f4

The Vanguard V44S, V4, and V1S+LOLLI were also used in the recording process for those songs. Engineered by Tim Sonnefeld.

K

Kelly Keagy

Drummer

Night Ranger

...
Verified via Photo

"“Man is this mic a killer, dude…need not look any further!” -Kelly Keagy https://www.vanguardaudiolabs.com/family/kelly-keagy/

I

Irwin Sparkes

Guitarist

The Hoosiers

...
Verified via Photo

Irwin Sparkes uses the V13. He also did a video about his recording process and the V13: https://youtu.be/s3hQxQrJIXo

See how Natalie Stovall uses Vanguard V13

Natalie Stovall

Singer, Guitarist

Runaway June

...
Verified via Vanguardaudiolabs

“We mastered the Natalie Stovall EP yesterday…best vocal sound of 6 songs is the one we did on the V13.” –Ray Kennedy, engineer & producer, Room & Board Studios

https://www.vanguardaudiolabs.com/family/natalie-stovall-the-drive/

See how Joshua Radin uses Vanguard V13

Joshua Radin

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Joshua Radin has two Vanguard V13s which he acquired during the pandemic. He uses them for his Zoom concerts. https://www.vanguardaudiolabs.com/family/joshua-radin/

C

Crystal Lewis

Singer

...
Verified via Photo

“I loved the sound we got! Great balance between ‘live’ and ‘studio’ sound. I hadn’t used one before and was very pleasantly surprised. Also, they’re BEAUTIFUL mics!” -Crystal Lewis https://www.vanguardaudiolabs.com/family/crystal-lewis/

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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