A benzaldehyde dehydrogenase able to act on substrates with 3- and 4-hydroxy and methoxy substitutions; converts vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) to vanillic acid in vitro (PubMed:26658822). The physiological substrate is unknown (PubMed:26658822). benzaldehyde + H2O + NAD(+) = benzoate + 2 H(+) + NADH H2O + NAD(+) + vanillin = 2 H(+) + NADH + vanillate Optimum pH is 7.0. Optimum temperature is 37-40 degrees Celsius. Transcriptionally regulated by SigD; part of the yfmT/yfmS operon. Loss of conversion of vanillin to vanillic acid (PubMed:26658822). Belongs to the aldehyde dehydrogenase family.