Z&H Designs Launches V12 500 Series Mic Preamp

We’re back and proud to unveil the Z&H V12 500 series mic preamp inspired by the classic American sound of the 70s.

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 puncy 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.

See V12 500 Series Mic Preamp at our website: https://zhdesigns.audio/products/v12-500-series-preamp

Sound samples are available to download.

The retail price is USD 496.