ART Tube MP Microphone Preamp (Model 127)

No longer available at zZounds
Dial in up to 70 dB of tube gain for microphones, instrument or line-level sources. This compact preamp boasts phantom power, phase reverse, and XLR/TRS I/O.

For microphones, acoustic guitar, warming up a direct input to a mixer from a bass guitar, keyboard, etc., there is no sweeter sound than a tube preamp. In response to increasing demand for affordable tube mic preamplification, ART offers the Tube MP with the features that make it as powerful as units that cost 5 to 10 times more. Features include a 12AX7 tube, +48v phantom power, a phase reversal switch, 1/4" & XLR input/output, input control with two ranges of gain (+26dB to +60dB and +6dB to +40dB), and a +20dB gain boost for mics (or use it as a pad for line level signals). A peak LED allows you to precisely monitor clipping and an output control is included for trimming back to unity gain.

The ART Tube MP is the world's most popular external tube microphone preamp. Whether you're working with a four-track, hard-disk, or digital multitrack recorder, the Tube MP's TEC award nominated design will allow you to obtain professional recording studio results at a fraction of the cost of comparable equipment. The hybrid design of the Tube MP allows it to add warmth and fatness to a signal while maintaining exceptionally low-noise and high quality. While its primary application is to be used with a microphone, the Tube MP is an exceptional direct box - impedance matching, amplifying and improving the sound of any instrument plugged into it.

The usage of external mic/ line preamps has become increasingly popular over the past several years. The Tube MP offers superior performance read more and sound quality to the on-board preamps found in today's low-cost mixers and multi-trackers. It's sound has been consistently favored over other products costing upwards to ten-times its price. Professional quality sound combined with professional features like: a 12AX7a Tube, phantom power and Phase Reverse, are what have made the Tube MP a staple in thousands of studios worldwide. For a minimal investment, a Tube MP can provide the single largest improvement to the sound of your studio.

Features:

- Hand-selected 12AX7a tube
- Provides over 70 dB of gain
- Smooth, warm and fat sound quality
- Variable input and output gain controls
- Excellent as a tube DI
- XLR and 1/4" inputs and outputs
- +48V phantom power
- Phase reversal switch
- TEC Award-nominated design
- Designed and manufactured in the USA
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Dimensions (D x W x H): 5.0 x 5.5 x 2.0 in.

Weight: 1.5 lbs.

Dynamic Range: >100dB (20Hz to 20kHz)

Frequency Response: 10Hz to 20kHz (+0,-1dB)

THD: <0.1% (typical)

CMMR: >75dB (typ @1kHz)

EIN: -129dBu (weighted XLR to XLR)

Maximum Gain:
70dB (XLR to XLR typical)
60dB (1/4 in. to XLR typical)

Maximum Input Level: +14dBu (XLR), +22dBu (1/4 in.)

Maximum Output Level: +28dBu (XLR), +22dBu (1/4 in.)

Input Impedance: 2k ohms (XLR), 840K ohms (1/4 in.)

Output Impedance: 600 ohms (XLR), 300 ohms (1/4 in.)

Power Requirements: 9 VAC @ 700ma (typ)

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 716-297-2920
Web: https://www.artproaudio.com/support/

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (83 ratings)
Submitted May 21, 2013 by Haniel M in Orlando, FL

"The Tube Mkes a Huge Difference"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
If you doubt that the tube in this makes any difference, try swapping the cheap, noisy Chinese tube in this with a Tung Sol of an Electro-harmonix 12AX7, and you will hear a monstrous difference. I use the versions with the meter on it, and I installed latched Tung Sol tubes in two of them, and what a huge difference. Sweet tone, low noise, and low microphonics. These preamps are great with great tubes in them. I own 4 of them, and I have tried several tubes in each, and they all made a huge difference in the performance of each of the pre amps. So, I highly recommend these pre amps, because they are a great price, very sturdy and can take a beating, and they sound great with a good tube. So, my suggestion is to keep at least one of these under $50 pre amps on hand, and make sure that you change the tube. I know from my own experience and my own use that if you change the tube in this to a higher quality, lower microphonic tube, you will have a great little pre amp.

Sound
Sound quality relies heavily on the type of tube in it. Highly recommend Tung Sol or EH tubes

Features
The one with the Meter on it is more useful, but this one is fine. I use the MP to add a tad bit more gain in the front of my chain on one of my amps. I took away one star on this model because this one doesn't have the meter on it.

Ease of Use
just turn the dials up or down

Quality read more
never had any issues with it. I have 4 and they are all working great

Value
Less than $50? Worth it

Manufacturer Support
if you have questions, they take care of you

The Wow Factor
To be honest, I have been recording with these preamps as the pre amps for my condenser mics, and I really like them. I am actually blown away at how good they sound with the replacement tubes.

Musical Background:
16 year vet, Bluntface recording artist, guitarist

Musical Style:
Experimental death metal
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