I came to listen to the sound of this preamp but after you started playing the piano I completely forgot why I was here and I just enjoyed the music. Anyway it seems to sound gorgeous.
Honestly, this is far and away the best demo I've ever heard. My ears are very sensitive to distortion and I didn't hear even a whisper of any with all of those layered tracks. I also didn't hear any digital hash in the high frequencies, and I hear a lot of that even on high definition studio masters, listening on my Neumann KH80s. Five full stars to the artist, engineer and Neumann.
Came for the review, stayed for this beautiful song. Wow! Btw 1:02 that is not a power button, it switches the headphones from mono mix to stereo between the two channels :)
I come back to this video often for the song. I am a huge audio gear nerd because I am an artist myself. Sometimes I let the geek and engineering nerd side get the best of me and give up on songs because I couldn't mix them. This song is a solid reminder that a great mix starts at the arrangement. No EQ, no compression and no effects, somehow this song sounds 'mixed' than a lot of amateur mixes I've done. Thank you for this piece of art Alec. Truly.
The best kit demo I've ever seen/heard in 30 years in A/V kit sales and installation. Neumann should be sponsoring this - but then it would lose the unbiased aspect. You are extremely talented.
Alec, thanks for the video, I've been very curious about this preamp and this review/demo was phenomenal! Great song arrangement which really highlighted the quality and pairing of microphone and preamp. I'll admit that when I heard the first few seconds of the drum machine DI, I thought "here we go again" thinking of other reviews I've seen of high end analog gear with songs that could totally be done in the box IMO, but once the piano, bass, and guitars kick in I was blown away by the clarity and balanced sound of the instruments, nothing shrill, extremely clean and pleasing to the ear. I've heard many negative reviews of the KM184 but it sounded beautiful on piano and I'm assuming it was used on acoustic guitars. Looks like you have a killer studio setup, I'll be checking out your other videos, subscribed!
Thank you so much! I was blown away by how it evened out the harshness in the KM184’s. I used to have a pair that I sold because I could not get on with them, but after using them with the V402, and how smooth the U87i sounded I will definitely be getting one of the V402’s for use with condensers across the board.
Hey Alec, I just needed to let you know that you videos are among the most intriguing and it is very refreshing to hear you actually make music with the kit instead of throwing figures around! Please keep them coming!
Love the review...Honestly I’ve been waiting for a review like this, you allowed me to make my mind up about this equipment that I’m going to purchase, thank you, you got another subscriber. 💯
ok man, i didn't wach this video of yours... that's the sound, the sound i want to have... that piano is sweeeeeeet, everything... amazing dude! obviously your talent is on top. Just the sound you deserve, congrats
Man Alac, your videos are so refreshing from all the other crappy TH-cam videos demoing my pres and etc. Plus your studio sounds AMAZING. Could you do a video showing how you hook your mic pres to your console and get the nice warm sound? Thanks for sharing man.
Thanks so much!! I’ll be doing a studio setup video soon hopefully. I’ll also be doing a recording video and a mixing workflow. Both in the box and out the box workflows.
Best demo to date. Great song too! I've had mine for 6 months now. I love it. I also agree with having a version minus the headphone pre's. Maybe more U87 gray too instead of the bronze look. Fingers x'd :)
I could ask! :) very different approaches. But I will do a review on the core I. The future, so you will then be able to check out how the two reviews sound, in the event I can’t get both. :)
@@alecbrits im thinking to buy this preamp but wich pair mics do u think i should buy with the preamp 102 tlm or km184,wich r more versatile and usable on more instruments(with this preamp)...sorry to bother u but i think i need ur advice...or maybe u want to suggest some other mics...
Hey Drake, depends on what you are needing from them. If you are looking for more harmonic saturation, then the neves do that really well. If you are looking for accurate representation then the Neumann will deliver it perfectly.
very nice review ! calm and peacefull (that's a change for youtube review). You make me almost regreat my big studio improvement of last summer as .... i now would love to have this big baby at home !
I just wish there were some kind of comparison to put the sound of the preamp in context. Maybe hear it next to a Neve, API, or Millenia preamp. Otherwise, nice video and nice music as usual.
Wonderful stuff. I have a neve and wonderful tube pre and looking for an additional flavor… would you mind sharing your your thoughts about when you might reach for one of these vs a neve or vice versa? It’s hard to say- but it seems these might be a softer midrange, perhaps more open sound? Appreciate the work, been loving the creative approach to gear reviews.
Hey Nick! :) thank you so much. It really depends on the production that I’m working on. What I love about the Neumann is the lack of noise, the soft midrange and the effortless nature of stacking loads of elements without a signature tone getting in the way. :) the surprise for me with the Neumann mic pre was how well it works with Ribbon Mics.
Hey Alec apologies if this has already been asked - I'm looking at the ASP4816 but can't find a way of 'homing' it. I notice you've managed it with a decent looking studio desk. Is it a bought desk or custom made? Thank you.
Hi Hughy! I used Chunky Studio furniture here in the UK. Guy Mitson is an incredible human who was extremely patient with my requests. Highly recommend checking out his stuff.
I auditioned one a while ago and here's my take: It sounds great. It's transparent without feeling sterile og clinical as you say. However I do feel, that given the brand name and the price tag it underperforms. I have a bunch of ISA pre-amps in my studio which are comparable, because their primary feature is also clean, transparent gain. The thing is that an ISA Two costs slightly under half of what you pay for the Neumann. Now, I have payed more for a distinct "colour" of pre-amp in the past, even when technical performance was only on par with more affordable options, because that particular "colour" was desirable. But here you get no colour - this unit is not, to my ears, distinct in it's sound. I'd go for another four ISA's any day and pocket the change for something else, if it was clean gain I was looking for. Anyway, just my two cents. Still a great review and a wonderful track. I just discovered your channel and I'm enjoying it very much. Thanks for the hard work you have no doubt put into this and other videos. Cheers from Denmark.
Lovely song, great writing playing and arranging. Recorded and mixed excellent too! Love the soundscape. Can you review/record with an Neve Portico II Channel and a BAE1073MP. That is the gear I would buy against this Neumann. I would like to hear a Royer 122V through both of the preamps, as well as a tube mic like a Brauner VMX or Valvet X. Make a song with one and make the same song with the other and A/B them together. Thanks for uploading, this was great. Take care.
Thanks! I highly recommend them. I miss them here daily really. :) I opened it myself, most uprights have the ability to loose all the front facing panels.
Nice demo! Would love see what you think of the undertone audio mpdi-4. Seems like a really versatile mic pre with a lot of options. I know Greg wells uses the eq version on all his vocalists now. Thanks. Great videos 🔥
Cool! Could you do a little demo for the highergain - stuff? It would be lovely to know how it sounds, exceeding it´s comfort zones! Thanks in advance!
Hi Andre! Thanks for commenting. Sadly the unit has gone back to studiocare. I did try to drive the unit a couple times, it does not do the thicker kind of graceful drive tone like a transformer balanced pre might do. It’s more of a ‘select how much gain you want’ kind of pre.
Thank you for your great content! I love both the music and the insights. I would like to ask you if you could share your opinion on the Neumann ndh20 headphones, as I noticed you have a pair. How do you use them, what are your impressions, etc. Thank you! Looking forward for more content!
Thank you so much!! I’m a big fan of the Neumann NDH20’s. The cable does transmit a little noise when moving around due to the fact that it’s an armoured cable, and the head band is not as comfy as the Beyerdynamic DT770’s. Sonically they absolutely smoke anything else I have. I’m never surprised when I listen on monitors after tracking. They have made mixing the work I track on headphones A LOT faster and more creative. :)
Neumann always screws something up...a more than 3000 dollar unit and Neumann was too cheap to spend a few extra bucks to include an unbalanced insert so you could add some reverb or something in your headphones...not a very useful box
@@alecbrits Even the $350 Fredenstein V.A.S has an FX insert. Neumann really is a cheap company, they always find a way to do something ridiculous like this. It's a dumb enough move to make the monitoring on this >$3000 Neumann useless. And this Neumann isn't as good as stuff costing thousands less. I.e. the Fredenstein HD Reference is much higher specifications and has better sound quality than this Neumann and costs 1/3rd the price. HD Reference goes up to 900 kHz of bandwidth with only -3 dB attenuation at 900 kHz, it's one of the most detailed mic pres existing.
Sounds great. Came here after your recommendation. Hope they make the tranformer version too since i like color and use the original german haufe tranformers like in the past
It’s been a big learning curve for me making these videos, it’s definitely changed how I produce overall. The level of punch and clarity that can be achieved by not EQing and compressing is a bit of a revelation to me! :)
@@alecbrits If you've got great instruments in the hands of master musicians in front of very natural sounding microphones feeding gear that doesn't get in the way, what more is needed. :)
@@alecbrits usually its hard for hear differences in preamps, maybe my ear isn't developed or maybe its youtube compression. But this particular pre has a distinct sound (in good way) for sure.
Hey Maxim, it’s a review unit. So it comes and goes when ever I am doing Neumann reviews. The Neve DPA is a very different sounding beast, you can get beautiful saturation and a variety of tones with it. The Neumann is clean and detailed without being harsh. Depends on what you are recording and looking for. Hope that helps!
@@maximboe It was in the rack at the time, it spends around 4-5 months a year here for the Neumann reviews. One of my favourite uses for it is actually ribbon microphones strangely. Rather incredible. I miss it when it’s not here!
What kind of a setup do you have there together with this preamp (or any other mic preamp in general)? What's between the pre-amp and computer and how have you connected them? Thanks for the reply! :) P.S. Amazing song!
Thank you! I think it depends on the genre/song. I have been missing it almost daily here in the studio, specially for condenser mic duties. I would not mind one along with my Neve 1073 DPX.
I’m not too sure really, I’ve done a little digging but there are no images. When I had the unit, I tried to open it up and have a look, but it was bolted shut! :) either way, it will last a long long time. If any of my Neumann pieces are anything to go by.
@@alecbrits Oh forgot to say, I found some online. Def SMC. Which is fine, I mean it doesnt bother me too much, its just when I spend big money on gear, I just prefer TH because its easier to fix and maintain, thats basically why. But so many companies are going this route. Even my $5000 Rupert Neve Designs Buss Comp is SMC, and I wasnt surprised. Dont care though as long as it sounds beautiful , which it does! The Neumann ounds nice too!
Thanks for clearing that up! Totally agree with regards to the Maintinence side of things. Luckily any time I have had an issue with SMD stuff, the manufacturers have been able to repair/modify all the gear quickly and without too much of an added cost. I can’t wait to get my hands on a few RND pieces. Really like their approach and attention to detail. As a side note, the new green faceplates are absolutely stunning!!
@@alecbrits For sure. Awesome. I also look forward to more RND gear. Definitely keep hearing great things about most all of it! And my MBP will be with me for life hopefully!
Hey Alex, lovely demo. Did you find this preamp to be an upgrade from older (more well known) preamps? Oddly enough, I've lately preferred the transparent sound of my Apollo X mic preamps, over my chandler tg2 and 1073 (especially for vocals). I get the impression that this preamp has a modern transparency not heard in your traditional transformer or tube preamps.
Thanks Sepand! It’s hard to call something an upgrade when it’s a different school of thought. Sometimes my 1073’s are the perfect thing, other times my audient is the right call. The Neumann is a STUNNING transparent, open sounding pre. I would not sell my 1073 to fund a Neumann V402, but I would definitely have both.
Thank you so much Frank. I’ll be working on an album later in the year. All the tracks from these videos will likely be included once they are finished off. The V402 would be an amazing pre for voice over. Paired with a solid clean compressor like the Dave Hills Titan, I can’t see a better chain.
@@alecbrits HAHA! It's ok~ I would like to know more about how to choose a mic preamp for kms105, and how to control the distance. It sounds too much bass when keeping close. When the distance far, it sounds not clear.
I think a pre with a variable high pass might be a solid solution. (Neve 1073 DPX) or any pre that allows you to cut some of the low frequencies that are disturbing your process. You can also experiment in your DAW with Low Cuts and see if that’s a better result. A mic pre won’t fix a microphones proximity effect, but you can tailor the bottom end with a high pass filter. Hope that helps!
No transformers, no AD/ to convention this is anemic with features and they have the arrogance to ask almost 3000k for this thing? don’t get me wrong it looks gorgeous and sounds pretty good but I’ll pass (this thing is overpriced) They need to come down on the price or loaded it up with more features.
It’s a harder sell for sure. I’m very curious as to what is in the box. Like I said in the video, a simpler version without a headphone port would be a big win, or a four channel version in one box to bring down the per channel value. I’m a massive fan of how this unit sounds though, I really miss having it in the studio when it’s not here. :)
You have an amazing recording skill and a quiet, well-treated room. And that accounts much more important than the preamp. No doubt it's very clean. I will love to know your finding with it vs Neve preamp which you tested. If you have to pick one, which one you will? :D
Thanks! :) The room plays a very big part no doubt about that. They are extremely different, I’m in a position where I don’t need to have a higher channel count, but rather pick some great flavours to add to my current setup. Currently I would go for the Neumann. But if I did not have a console, I would go for the Neve!
@@alecbrits You should do a video about your room and your room treatment. The recording sounds stunning in this video. The neumann preamp is probably really, realy good, but I bet you can make any pre sound good. Good stuff!
Please please please please release this song.
I came to listen to the sound of this preamp but after you started playing the piano I completely forgot why I was here and I just enjoyed the music. Anyway it seems to sound gorgeous.
Thanks Francesco!
I did the same thing! 😅
Honestly, this is far and away the best demo I've ever heard. My ears are very sensitive to distortion and I didn't hear even a whisper of any with all of those layered tracks. I also didn't hear any digital hash in the high frequencies, and I hear a lot of that even on high definition studio masters, listening on my Neumann KH80s. Five full stars to the artist, engineer and Neumann.
Thank you! @neumann did a great job.
@@alecbrits I forgot to mention I love to song too. You're an amazing talent, Alec.
Came for the review, stayed for this beautiful song. Wow! Btw 1:02 that is not a power button, it switches the headphones from mono mix to stereo between the two channels :)
Thank you! :) it is indeed, I’ve learnt that since!
I come back to this video often for the song. I am a huge audio gear nerd because I am an artist myself. Sometimes I let the geek and engineering nerd side get the best of me and give up on songs because I couldn't mix them. This song is a solid reminder that a great mix starts at the arrangement. No EQ, no compression and no effects, somehow this song sounds 'mixed' than a lot of amateur mixes I've done.
Thank you for this piece of art Alec. Truly.
Thank you so much!
One of the best demos of a piece of gear I've seen in a very long time.
Thank you!! :)
The best kit demo I've ever seen/heard in 30 years in A/V kit sales and installation. Neumann should be sponsoring this - but then it would lose the unbiased aspect. You are extremely talented.
Thank you so much David! :)
@@alecbrits No really - I hate the video as I now want to buy one! 🤣 Note - I said want not need...
Working my way through your videos in no particular order. The reviews are good. The sounds are good. The songs are killer.
Thank you so much Hermiel! :)
Do you have a soundcloud or spotify? because that song was just beautiful
Thank you so much! Not yet, but these songs are the start of finishing up a record to put out. :)
Alec, thanks for the video, I've been very curious about this preamp and this review/demo was phenomenal! Great song arrangement which really highlighted the quality and pairing of microphone and preamp.
I'll admit that when I heard the first few seconds of the drum machine DI, I thought "here we go again" thinking of other reviews I've seen of high end analog gear with songs that could totally be done in the box IMO, but once the piano, bass, and guitars kick in I was blown away by the clarity and balanced sound of the instruments, nothing shrill, extremely clean and pleasing to the ear. I've heard many negative reviews of the KM184 but it sounded beautiful on piano and I'm assuming it was used on acoustic guitars.
Looks like you have a killer studio setup, I'll be checking out your other videos, subscribed!
Thank you so much! I was blown away by how it evened out the harshness in the KM184’s. I used to have a pair that I sold because I could not get on with them, but after using them with the V402, and how smooth the U87i sounded I will definitely be getting one of the V402’s for use with condensers across the board.
Hey Alec,
I just needed to let you know that you videos are among the most intriguing and it is very refreshing to hear you actually make music with the kit instead of throwing figures around! Please keep them coming!
Thanks so much Christian. :) hoping to finish another this week.
@@alecbrits Lovely! I'd also love to see a video portraying The Cabin and some info on your video setup!
I’ll work on that soon!
Love the review...Honestly I’ve been waiting for a review like this, you allowed me to make my mind up about this equipment that I’m going to purchase, thank you, you got another subscriber. 💯
Thank you so much Solomon!
@@alecbrits welcome, thank you 🙏🏽 ... I sent you a Facebook message
The way you review gear and multi-track a song reminds me of Alex Ball’s vintage synth channel. Both of you are incredible artists 🖤
Thank you so much Mark! :D
Bravo. Stunning recording! I agree the HD output is unnecessary for some. Thanks for the demo. I have one on order for myself.
You are amazing musician technician
Reviewer
Your channel is 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Please let us know when your release your music on Spotify
Thank you! Will do!
That song was Gorgous! Sounded so great!
Thank you so much!!! :D
very nice production
Thank you Thomas!!
Thank you very much!
Would you say, the v402 matches well with neumann m149 for vocal recordings?
I’ve not tried the M149 yet, so I can’t really give you an honest opinion on that. :)
Newbie question. is the signal coming out affected by the level knobs on the right or is the right section just for monitoring. Thanks
The right section is just for monitoring. :)
Dude, this was awesome.
Thank you so much Jared!! :)
At that point i'm not here for the review, but the awesome "demo" song that you put it each time!
Thank you so much! :)
ok man, i didn't wach this video of yours... that's the sound, the sound i want to have... that piano is sweeeeeeet, everything... amazing dude! obviously your talent is on top. Just the sound you deserve, congrats
Thank you so much!!
Nice, good song. Thanks.Rewinded the song.
Thanks so much! :)
Man Alac, your videos are so refreshing from all the other crappy TH-cam videos demoing my pres and etc.
Plus your studio sounds AMAZING. Could you do a video showing how you hook your mic pres to your console and get the nice warm sound?
Thanks for sharing man.
Thanks so much!! I’ll be doing a studio setup video soon hopefully. I’ll also be doing a recording video and a mixing workflow. Both in the box and out the box workflows.
What's the name of the song where can we find it?
It’s not released yet. :)
Best demo to date. Great song too! I've had mine for 6 months now. I love it. I also agree with having a version minus the headphone pre's. Maybe more U87 gray too instead of the bronze look. Fingers x'd :)
Thank you so much! :) ooo, the U87 grey would be incredible.
best recording best sound !!
It’s a great unit! :D
would you make a comparisson between the Neumann v402 and the Manley Core?
I could ask! :) very different approaches. But I will do a review on the core I. The future, so you will then be able to check out how the two reviews sound, in the event I can’t get both. :)
@@alecbrits thank you! :)
Life is Strange soundtrack contender right there
Thanks!! :)
This is just too clean
Thanks for that point of view. :)
Very nice review Alex. What do you think about reviewing the Focusrite Isa 828?
Thank you! Always wanted to try one of the 828’s out. So I will try to see if that’s possible. :)
u make great music,deep shit,fuck the preamps and the gear,make music man
Thanks man!
@@alecbrits im thinking to buy this preamp but wich pair mics do u think i should buy with the preamp 102 tlm or km184,wich r more versatile and usable on more instruments(with this preamp)...sorry to bother u but i think i need ur advice...or maybe u want to suggest some other mics...
Would the neve or this sound better
Hey Drake, depends on what you are needing from them. If you are looking for more harmonic saturation, then the neves do that really well. If you are looking for accurate representation then the Neumann will deliver it perfectly.
damn. im kinda late watching this video, but i gotta say that your demos sound amazing!
soothing...
Thank you so much!!
I have literally never heard just preamps sound that good. Came out sounding like a finished record. Unreal.
They are really special. :) I miss them here daily.
Have you considered doing a review of the Rode NT-SF1 Ambisonic Microphone?
I have not considered it, but I’m curious about them. What kind of stuff would you like to see recorded with them?
@@alecbrits 3 acoustic guitars in a sweet natural acoustic. Actually, any combination of acoustic strings of any sort. :)
@@socialite1283 I shall keep this in mind. Thank you.
Cuff the pre amp that song was fire
Thank you so much! :D
please review the tlm 103
Will do my best. :)
That song for the demo🥹
That’s one of my own. :)
I watch this only for the performance now, as my mind is set on acquiring this v 402 💛 please release this song
Thanks so much Justice. :)
That’s one heck of a song. You’ve got some talent. Also you’re right, there’s no reason it should have a headphone section, just why?
Thank you so much! :) it’s useful for some people, but it’s not needed for the vast majority.
Fantastic Video
Wow you did an amazing job on that video you should be very proud of your work you are so talented😊
Thank you so much! :D
very nice review ! calm and peacefull (that's a change for youtube review). You make me almost regreat my big studio improvement of last summer as .... i now would love to have this big baby at home !
Thank you so much! Don’t regret it, just get it later on! :)
I so love your zound
Thanks so much Kevin. :)
Gordon Model 5 is probably a better value.
That looks interesting! I’ve never seen one before.
@@alecbrits Also check out the Pueblo Audio JR2 series.
I just wish there were some kind of comparison to put the sound of the preamp in context. Maybe hear it next to a Neve, API, or Millenia preamp. Otherwise, nice video and nice music as usual.
Will work on a shootout between the Neumann and the Neve 1073 and API. :)
Wonderful stuff. I have a neve and wonderful tube pre and looking for an additional flavor… would you mind sharing your your thoughts about when you might reach for one of these vs a neve or vice versa? It’s hard to say- but it seems these might be a softer midrange, perhaps more open sound? Appreciate the work, been loving the creative approach to gear reviews.
Hey Nick! :) thank you so much.
It really depends on the production that I’m working on. What I love about the Neumann is the lack of noise, the soft midrange and the effortless nature of stacking loads of elements without a signature tone getting in the way. :) the surprise for me with the Neumann mic pre was how well it works with Ribbon Mics.
Nice videos, but I think you have to do a mention what converter are you using, because the sound depends of that too. Regards
Thanks Alexander! Sure thing. It’s an Apollo. All gear used is in the description bellow. :)
Hey Alec apologies if this has already been asked - I'm looking at the ASP4816 but can't find a way of 'homing' it. I notice you've managed it with a decent looking studio desk. Is it a bought desk or custom made? Thank you.
Hi Hughy!
I used Chunky Studio furniture here in the UK. Guy Mitson is an incredible human who was extremely patient with my requests. Highly recommend checking out his stuff.
I auditioned one a while ago and here's my take:
It sounds great. It's transparent without feeling sterile og clinical as you say. However I do feel, that given the brand name and the price tag it underperforms. I have a bunch of ISA pre-amps in my studio which are comparable, because their primary feature is also clean, transparent gain. The thing is that an ISA Two costs slightly under half of what you pay for the Neumann.
Now, I have payed more for a distinct "colour" of pre-amp in the past, even when technical performance was only on par with more affordable options, because that particular "colour" was desirable. But here you get no colour - this unit is not, to my ears, distinct in it's sound. I'd go for another four ISA's any day and pocket the change for something else, if it was clean gain I was looking for.
Anyway, just my two cents. Still a great review and a wonderful track. I just discovered your channel and I'm enjoying it very much. Thanks for the hard work you have no doubt put into this and other videos.
Cheers from Denmark.
I think I agree really, though I do miss having it around. :) was really surprised how well it played with ribbon microphones. Was lovely.
Incredible on every level. That was really helpful!!
Thanks so much!! :D
Your song is absolutely incredible, for real the chords bring tears inside my eyes. Please make an album man
Thanks so much!
Lovely song, great writing playing and arranging. Recorded and mixed excellent too! Love the soundscape. Can you review/record with an Neve Portico II Channel and a BAE1073MP. That is the gear I would buy against this Neumann. I would like to hear a Royer 122V through both of the preamps, as well as a tube mic like a Brauner VMX or Valvet X. Make a song with one and make the same song with the other and A/B them together. Thanks for uploading, this was great. Take care.
Thanks! :) looking into doing a video with some Rupert Neve bits. I don’t think I’ll be doing any BAE bits for the time being.
You're definitely talented Man, so pleasant sound an music! What ad/da converters do you use with this preamp?
Thank you! Universal Audio X16’s :)
I love the demo and the song. Check out Giles Corey if you haven't already. I can't wait to get my hands on this preamp.
Thanks very much! I’ll have a look at Giles Corey this evening. :) I can’t wait to buy one too, I’ve missed it every day it has not been here.
Nice demo and vid, I’m definitely sold on this preamp. Did you open the piano like that yourself or did you purchase it like that??
Thanks! I highly recommend them. I miss them here daily really. :)
I opened it myself, most uprights have the ability to loose all the front facing panels.
Nice demo! Would love see what you think of the undertone audio mpdi-4. Seems like a really versatile mic pre with a lot of options. I know Greg wells uses the eq version on all his vocalists now. Thanks. Great videos 🔥
Thank you! :) I am also really curious about the Undertone MPDI-4. I’ll see what I can do to get one in to review.
Woo, the demo song sounds awesome, love the arrangment! And... the premap sounds good as well. haha
Thank you so much Peter! :)
That was one awesome demo... awesome music production
Thank you so much!
Every demo I hear makes me think... I want 4 of them, aka 2 units cause god it just sounds fantastic.
Honestly! I’ve missed having it here every day it’s been gone.
Hey brother! How do I get in touch with you? Your music is beautiful!
Thank you Modern! Check the description, or follow me on instagram. :)
I just subscribe to the channel. Keep up the good work. 👍🏾
Thank you! :)
Cool! Could you do a little demo for the highergain - stuff? It would be lovely to know how it sounds, exceeding it´s comfort zones! Thanks in advance!
Hi Andre! Thanks for commenting. Sadly the unit has gone back to studiocare. I did try to drive the unit a couple times, it does not do the thicker kind of graceful drive tone like a transformer balanced pre might do. It’s more of a ‘select how much gain you want’ kind of pre.
great video for showcasing the neumann, love the track, too!
Thanks so much Kenn! :)
First off...your performance was great. Second a question: is your Piano tuned 1/2 step down, or did you do detune the recording during the mix stage?
Thank you! :D
The old piano was a half step down. Absolute nightmare! :)
@@alecbrits Lol understood! Well it sounded great!
Thank you for your great content! I love both the music and the insights. I would like to ask you if you could share your opinion on the Neumann ndh20 headphones, as I noticed you have a pair. How do you use them, what are your impressions, etc. Thank you! Looking forward for more content!
Thank you so much!! I’m a big fan of the Neumann NDH20’s. The cable does transmit a little noise when moving around due to the fact that it’s an armoured cable, and the head band is not as comfy as the Beyerdynamic DT770’s. Sonically they absolutely smoke anything else I have. I’m never surprised when I listen on monitors after tracking. They have made mixing the work I track on headphones A LOT faster and more creative. :)
@@alecbrits thank you for the fast reply! It is really helpful! I’m looking forward for your next videos :)
Neumann always screws something up...a more than 3000 dollar unit and Neumann was too cheap to spend a few extra bucks to include an unbalanced insert so you could add some reverb or something in your headphones...not a very useful box
Luckily there are a lot of awesome options that fit your workflow better. :)
@@alecbrits Even the $350 Fredenstein V.A.S has an FX insert. Neumann really is a cheap company, they always find a way to do something ridiculous like this. It's a dumb enough move to make the monitoring on this >$3000 Neumann useless. And this Neumann isn't as good as stuff costing thousands less. I.e. the Fredenstein HD Reference is much higher specifications and has better sound quality than this Neumann and costs 1/3rd the price. HD Reference goes up to 900 kHz of bandwidth with only -3 dB attenuation at 900 kHz, it's one of the most detailed mic pres existing.
A really great song, and the audio is extremely clean. Bravo!
Thank you so much!!
Sounds great. Came here after your recommendation. Hope they make the tranformer version too since i like color and use the original german haufe tranformers like in the past
Oooooffff, that would be incredible. Specially if the transformers could be switched in and out. 👌🏽
@@alecbrits haufe is still in business. You should recommend it to them
Cool product
Nice great review with good music combo
Thanks so much!! :)
Really love the sound when almost everything is uncompressed and unprocessed.
It’s been a big learning curve for me making these videos, it’s definitely changed how I produce overall. The level of punch and clarity that can be achieved by not EQing and compressing is a bit of a revelation to me! :)
@@alecbrits If you've got great instruments in the hands of master musicians in front of very natural sounding microphones feeding gear that doesn't get in the way, what more is needed. :)
This pre sounds awesome, ur right, absolutely smooth without any sibliance
It’s a beast! :) thanks for watching.
@@alecbrits usually its hard for hear differences in preamps, maybe my ear isn't developed or maybe its youtube compression. But this particular pre has a distinct sound (in good way) for sure.
Man cmon put that damn song on Spotify
Working on it!! :)
This preamp sounds amazing. I bet it would sound great with a tlm 49
How’s this one holding up for you? Can’t decide between the Neve DPA and the V402. @alecbrits
Hey Maxim, it’s a review unit. So it comes and goes when ever I am doing Neumann reviews. The Neve DPA is a very different sounding beast, you can get beautiful saturation and a variety of tones with it. The Neumann is clean and detailed without being harsh. Depends on what you are recording and looking for. Hope that helps!
@@alecbrits Ah, so you're not recording with it? Saw it in your Cabin Tour.
@@maximboe It was in the rack at the time, it spends around 4-5 months a year here for the Neumann reviews. One of my favourite uses for it is actually ribbon microphones strangely. Rather incredible. I miss it when it’s not here!
man you got all the hot joints!
Thank you!!! :D
What kind of a setup do you have there together with this preamp (or any other mic preamp in general)? What's between the pre-amp and computer and how have you connected them? Thanks for the reply! :) P.S. Amazing song!
Thanks Miikka! :)
I use a Universal Apollo X16. :) no plugins, just straight into the patchbay and then then into the interface.
Who cares about the Pre Amp - THE SONG IS AMAZING !!!!
Thanks so much!! :)
Easily the best review I've seen in a while. Keep up the amazing work!
Nice song !!
Thanks so much! :)
Excellent Job! Sounded Great. Can't wait to hear the finished product. P.S would love to collaborate!
Thanks Lashon!
Excellent review! I can't believe there was no EQ / Comp going on! Would you prefer this over Neve pre's in combination with the Neumann U87?
Thank you! I think it depends on the genre/song. I have been missing it almost daily here in the studio, specially for condenser mic duties. I would not mind one along with my Neve 1073 DPX.
Do you kow if they are using all SMC, or is it Through hole?
I’m not too sure really, I’ve done a little digging but there are no images. When I had the unit, I tried to open it up and have a look, but it was bolted shut! :) either way, it will last a long long time. If any of my Neumann pieces are anything to go by.
@@alecbrits Oh forgot to say, I found some online. Def SMC. Which is fine, I mean it doesnt bother me too much, its just when I spend big money on gear, I just prefer TH because its easier to fix and maintain, thats basically why. But so many companies are going this route. Even my $5000 Rupert Neve Designs Buss Comp is SMC, and I wasnt surprised. Dont care though as long as it sounds beautiful , which it does! The Neumann ounds nice too!
Thanks for clearing that up! Totally agree with regards to the Maintinence side of things. Luckily any time I have had an issue with SMD stuff, the manufacturers have been able to repair/modify all the gear quickly and without too much of an added cost.
I can’t wait to get my hands on a few RND pieces. Really like their approach and attention to detail. As a side note, the new green faceplates are absolutely stunning!!
@@alecbrits For sure. Awesome. I also look forward to more RND gear. Definitely keep hearing great things about most all of it! And my MBP will be with me for life hopefully!
Sounds stunning.
Thank you!
Great video! What microphone you used when you was talking?
It’s a Sennheiser MK416 :)
Sounds great and I love your music!
Thank you so much! :)
Hey Alex, lovely demo. Did you find this preamp to be an upgrade from older (more well known) preamps? Oddly enough, I've lately preferred the transparent sound of my Apollo X mic preamps, over my chandler tg2 and 1073 (especially for vocals). I get the impression that this preamp has a modern transparency not heard in your traditional transformer or tube preamps.
Thanks Sepand! It’s hard to call something an upgrade when it’s a different school of thought. Sometimes my 1073’s are the perfect thing, other times my audient is the right call. The Neumann is a STUNNING transparent, open sounding pre. I would not sell my 1073 to fund a Neumann V402, but I would definitely have both.
@@alecbrits I see. Great to know! looking forward to your future videos.
Alec. It and your song sound amazing. Where can I get your song? Also would like your thoughts on the pre for voice over. Keep blessing lives. Frank
Thank you so much Frank. I’ll be working on an album later in the year. All the tracks from these videos will likely be included once they are finished off. The V402 would be an amazing pre for voice over. Paired with a solid clean compressor like the Dave Hills Titan, I can’t see a better chain.
@@alecbrits Thanks a ton Alec. By the way, what's the best way for me to get notified of albums release?
I’ll make a video about it I’m sure! :)
Phenomenal review, love the demo content tracked without EQ or effects.
Thank you so much!! :)
Could you record a solo vocal with kms105 and v402? THX！
Sadly the V402 is gone now! But I can always try do a KMS105 video.
@@alecbrits HAHA! It's ok~ I would like to know more about how to choose a mic preamp for kms105, and how to control the distance. It sounds too much bass when keeping close. When the distance far, it sounds not clear.
I think a pre with a variable high pass might be a solid solution. (Neve 1073 DPX) or any pre that allows you to cut some of the low frequencies that are disturbing your process. You can also experiment in your DAW with Low Cuts and see if that’s a better result. A mic pre won’t fix a microphones proximity effect, but you can tailor the bottom end with a high pass filter. Hope that helps!
No transformers, no AD/ to convention this is anemic with features and they have the arrogance to ask almost 3000k for this thing? don’t get me wrong it looks gorgeous and sounds pretty good but I’ll pass (this thing is overpriced) They need to come down on the price or loaded it up with more features.
It’s a harder sell for sure. I’m very curious as to what is in the box. Like I said in the video, a simpler version without a headphone port would be a big win, or a four channel version in one box to bring down the per channel value.
I’m a massive fan of how this unit sounds though, I really miss having it in the studio when it’s not here. :)
Another great review!
Thank you! :)
You have an amazing recording skill and a quiet, well-treated room. And that accounts much more important than the preamp.
No doubt it's very clean. I will love to know your finding with it vs Neve preamp which you tested. If you have to pick one, which one you will? :D
Thanks! :)
The room plays a very big part no doubt about that.
They are extremely different, I’m in a position where I don’t need to have a higher channel count, but rather pick some great flavours to add to my current setup.
Currently I would go for the Neumann. But if I did not have a console, I would go for the Neve!
@@alecbrits You should do a video about your room and your room treatment. The recording sounds stunning in this video. The neumann preamp is probably really, realy good, but I bet you can make any pre sound good. Good stuff!
no vaseline?
Not sure what you mean there Dave. :)
@@alecbrits th-cam.com/video/85A1Dqehl5o/w-d-xo.html - can't take you seriously without the vaseline.