Neumann introduces V 402 microphone preamp
Posted on: Tuesday 21st of July 2020
Neumann has introduced the V 402 – a state-of-the-art microphone preamplifier with integrated headphone monitoring. The V 402 is Neumann’s first-ever stand-alone microphone preamp – although the company has created several generations of top-quality preamp modules for its mixing consoles, such as the V 476 B of the 1980s.
“All Neumann microphones, classics as well as current models, have highly unique sound characteristics”, explains Ralf Oehl, the Berlin company’s new CEO. “Finding a preamplifier with the matching uncompromised sound fidelity wasn’t always easy – until now! The V 402 provides the ideal signal path for all Neumann microphones because it is free from any coloration whatsoever. No artificial additives could make the sound of a Neumann U 47 or U 87 more desirable than it already is. Perfection cannot be perfected!”
The V 402 is a dual channel microphone preamplifier carefully designed to maintain the sonic integrity of the original signal. Its unique transformerless circuitry amplifies the microphone signal without unwanted coloration or sonic artifacts, such as noise and distortion. While this is also often claimed for simple preamps such as those in audio interfaces, the V 402 is built to much higher standards.
“It took an elaborate development process with extensive series of measurements and critical listening tests to create a preamplifier worthy of the Neumann name,” comments portfolio manager Sebastian Schmitz. “And we’ve included the monitoring side, too. The V 402 establishes a fully transparent signal chain extending from the microphone all the way to the engineer’s ear. Finding the best microphone position has never been easier.”
The V 402 is equipped with a “studio grade” headphone amplifier ensuring monitoring quality at the recording stage. Independent volume controls for each channel allow to dial in a latency-free monitoring mix without affecting the recorded signal.
It features a switchable high pass and a 20-dB pad which allows the V 402 to be used with high-level sources up to a claimed 28 dBu without distortion. Mic inputs maximum gain is +60dB, 10 Hz to >100 kHz (-3 dB@ 40 dB Gain). The V 402 comes in a 2U 19” rack enclosure measuring 89mm x 483mm x 242mm.
Delivery starts in July 2020; the MSRP is € 2.749,00 EUR
