NEW PRODUCT: Neumann V 402 PREAMP
Neumann, the German microphone and loudspeaker specialist has announced their first foray into the world of stand-alone microphone preamplification with the all-new V 402.
The Neumann V 402 is a state-of-the-art 2-channel microphone preamplifier and DI with integrated studio-grade headphone monitoring.
Neumann has in past created several generations of preamp modules for its mixing consoles, such as the now legendary V 476 B of the 1980s. Like its predecessors, the V402 preamplifier is conceived as the perfect complement to all Neumann and other high-class studio microphones, but this time in a stand-alone 2U rack mount format.
"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. Featuring a 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."
A studio grade headphone amplifier is included with the V402 to ensure uncompromised 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.
As a true Neumann product, the V 402 is characterized by exacting attention to every detail. For example, the DI input is also designed for sonic purity. Its novel high-impedance input stage captures the sound of electric guitars and basses as well as other instruments with no loss of detail and free from audible noise.
Its switchable high pass removes rumble and pops very effectively without signal degradation.
A 20-dB pad allows the V 402 to be used with high-level sources up to 28 dBu without distortion.
Neumann V402 Features
- Dual-channel state-of-the-art transformerless microphone preamp
- Two studio quality instrument inputs with very high impedance
- Switchable low cut removes rumble without signal degradation
- Exceptionally clean headphone amplifier
- Easy monitoring mix with volume control for each channel
- Handmade in Germany
Neumann V402 Review by Alec Brits
We gave Alec Brits of The Cabin Recording Studio in Liverpool, UK the Neumann V 402 for a couple of weeks to have a play and use it on some sessions.
Watch his demo and review video below.