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 "gray", 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. The DI inputs, too, are designed for sonic purity and will capture the sound of electric guitars and bass guitars as well as other instruments without coloration or loss of detail. Sophisticated circuitry and a very high input impedance ensure a brilliant sound with no audible noise. A switchable 20 dB pad allows the V 402 to be used with high-level sources up to 28 dBu without distortion. The high-pass function is carefully designed to remove pops and rumble without signal degradation. For easy monitoring, the V 402 is equipped with a studio-grade headphone amplifier ensuring superb monitoring quality at the recording stage. Independent volume controls for each channel allow you to dial in a monitoring mix without affecting the recorded signal.