The V 402 is Neumann’s newest microphone preamp since the launch of the legendary V 476b in the 1980s, which is still widely used and highly regarded in many professional studios. As technology has since advanced, Neumann has continued the quest to create the top-performing preamp for Neumann and other high-quality studio microphones. Neumann microphones, current or vintage, have always been engineered for sonic perfection. The V 402 preamplifier is thus designed to preserve the integrity of the microphone’s sound image. At any gain setting, it neither adds nor detracts. Perfection cannot be perfected!
The Neumann V 402 is designed for the highest degree of linearity and sonic purity. It amplifies the microphone signal without unwanted coloration or sonic artifacts, such as noise and distortion. These days even inexpensive preamps claim to be “linear” and “neutral” but they often lack finesse and sonic detail; the output signal appears “dull” and “grey”, especially at higher gain settings. It took meticulous engineering, rigorous measurements, and elaborate listening tests to create a preamplifier that is worthy of the Neumann name. The V 402 retains the original signal in full detail, letting its true colors shine.
