RSR534 - Derek Bargaehr - The Nerdy Mic Episode You Didn't Know You Needed!

Learn why polar patterns matter more than EQ as Derek Bargaehr of Vanguard Audio Labs breaks down capsules, circuits, self-noise, phase tricks, stereo techniques, and practical mic placement you can use on your next session.
Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: MixMasterBundle.com (recording-studio-rockstars-academy.thinkific.c…)
My guest today is Derek Bargaehr. A lifelong tinkerer, he started out burning himself with a soldering iron and modding guitar pedals at 15, eventually working as Director of Operations for a successful microphone company. A freelancing engineer, producer, gear tech, and bassist, Derek earned a BA in Commercial Music – Audio Engineering & Music Business from Azusa Pacific University. Today, he runs Vanguard Audio Labs as the Chief Everything Officer, designing microphones and restoring priceless vintage AKG, Neumann, and Gefell mics.
He was previously a guest on RSR249, and I'm excited to have him back to talk about his new line of microphones, including the V14 Variable-Voltage Tube Condenser, the V24 Stereo Tube Condenser, and the V1 Gen2 FET Pencil Condenser!
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
UltimateMixingMasterclass.com (ultimatemixingmasterclass.com)
usa.sae.edu/campuses/nashville The next program starts May 11, 2026
izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!
native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!
adam-audio.com (shop.adam-audio.com)
spectra1964.com
pickrmusic.com
RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy (recordingstudiorockstars.com/Academy)
thetoyboxstudio.com
Listen to the podcast theme song "Skadoosh!" solo.to/lijshawmusic
If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: RSRockstars.com/Review (rsrockstars.com/Review)

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: RSRockstars.com/534