Z&H DESIGNS V12 500

Z&H DESIGNS V12 500

Préamplifier 500 Op2520

The V12 is inspired by the classic American style mic preamp in the 70s. With Z&H's handmade DOA and transformers, it successfully captures rich transients, brings the sound to the front, and inherents a vintage-style frequency response.

Its expressive and solid mid-range is punchy and powerful. Therefore, it excels in the genre of rock, and is a go-to choice for drum recording.

• 1970s classic American style
• Z&H handmade 2520 DOA and 2503 transformer
• Linear gain control
• 6-step output trim
• Vintage VU meter
• Special edition available

• The New Generation 2520
• We rebuilt the classic 2520 opamp in 2025 from the ground up. After collecting every known version, studying original units, and running countless comparison tests, we created a new-generation 2520 that truly honours the original. There are plenty of DIY versions online — but if you compare them with a genuine vintage unit, you’ll realise just how far off they are.

Why it matters:

• Precise input:
  Ultra-matched transistors enhance noise performance, symmetry, and stereo accuracy, keeping details steady and imaging precise — far beyond typical DIY versions.
• Powerful output:
  The metal-can stage delivers stronger drive and cleaner dynamics, with sharper drum attacks and faster, more controlled bass.

What you’ll hear:

• Transients:
  sharper attack and cleaner release on drums and plucked strings — impact without harshness.
• Midrange density:
  richer “solid core” tone for vocals and guitars, full yet separated.
• Low-end control:
  tighter lows with natural decay and balance
• High-end air:
  extended and smooth, with polished edges and no grain.

Precision Gain Control

For recording and mixing engineers who demand precision. The V12 combines the speed and dynamics of a classic 2520 design with the reliability of modern components and thermal stability.

21-step gain control provides up to 69 dBu of precise, linear amplification, ensuring optimal performance with any microphone.

Stepped output attenuator in 4 dB increments enables accurate level management and tonal control when operating at higher gain settings.

Peak indicator illuminates at +18 dBu, offering a reliable visual reference for headroom, while the amplifier’s +31 dBu maximum output maintains ample margin before converter overload.

Handcrafted & verified by human, for human.

Before it gets shipped, 2 real mixing engineers will test it and sign their names, so will every craftsman who participated in the making. Boutique-grade craftsmanship makes no effort in producing many.