Neumann has introduced the V 402, a new microphone preamplifier with integrated headphone monitoring that’s also the company’s first-ever stand-alone mic preamp.
It’s a dual-channel unit designed to maintain the sonic integrity of the original signal. Its transformerless circuitry is intended to amplify the microphone signal without unwanted coloration or sonic artifacts, such as noise and distortion.
“All Neumann microphones, classics as well as current models, have highly unique sound characteristics,” states 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.”
Housed in a 2U 19-inch rack enclosure, the V 402 is equipped with a studio headphone amplifier, while independent volume controls for each channel allow dialing in a latency-free monitoring mix without affecting the recorded signal. A switchable high-pass is designed to remove rumble and pops without signal degradation. A 20-dB pad is stated to allow the unit to be used with high-level sources up to 28 dBu without distortion.
“It took an elaborate development process with extensive series of measurements and critical listening tests to create a preamplifier worthy of the Neumann name,” notes product 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.”
Delivery begins in July 2020; MSRP is $2,899 USD. Go here for additional specific information of the new V 402.
