ART Tube Pac Microphone Preamp and Compressor (Model 131)

The Tube PAC from ART is a combination of the world's most popular tube mic/line preamplifier and optical tube compressor. ART engineers took the Tube MP and Tube Compressor and combined them into a single convenient aircraft-quality, extruded aluminum chassis. This new table-top design allows for easy placement in the studio or on the stage, with immediate access to all the controls, features, and metering. In addition to being a tremendous vocal and instrument preamplifier and compressor package, this may well be the ultimate in tube direct boxes.

The mic/line preamplifier stage is that of the TEC nominated Tube MP-a time (and studio) proven design. It provides over 70dB of gain, +48v phantom power, phase reversal, and is capable of warming up any instrument or microphone. LED level indicators are provided to monitor the output of a 12AX7a tube for harmonic content. The input level controls allows you to dial in the desired amount of tube warmth and then independently set the output level from the compressor circuitry.

The tube compressor is a VCA-less, optical design-similar to that of the classic tube compressors. Its ultra-musical sound is ideal for voice and instrument applications. Threshold, compression/limiting ratios, adjustable release times, bypass, gain reduction metering, and output gain controls are provided.

The Tube PAC is another impressive package from the world-wide leaders in tube dynamics signal-processing gear.

Features
Combination Tube Mic/Line preamplifier and tube compressor

Two hand-selected 12AX7a vacuum tubes

World-famous A R T sound

Two world-class designs in one chassis: TEC Nominated Tube MP and Optical Tube Compressor

The Ultimate Tube DI Box for instruments

Fat and warm gain with Musical Dynamics Control

Precision detented potentiometers

+48v phantom power

Bypassable compressor circuitry

Balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4 in. inputs and outputs

Internal transformer

Aircraft-quality extruded aluminum chassis

Designed and manufactured in the USA

One year warranty

Applications
Home, project, and professional recording studios

DI Box for instruments

FOH Sound Systems

Guitar, bass, and keyboard rigs

Digital Audio Workstations and Computer Recording

MIDI recording and samplers

Voice-Over, Broadcast, and Edit Suites

Technical Info

Dimensions (D x W x H): 5.25 x 8.5 x 1.65 in.

Weight: 6.0 lbs.

Maximum Gain: XLR to XLR 70dB; 1/4 in. to 1/4 in. 67dB

Phantom Power: +48v DC (switchable)

Compression Ratio: 2.3:1 (comp)/ 6:1 (lim)

Attack Time: 6.5ms

Release Time: 200ms (fast), 70ms-1sec (auto)

Equivalent Input Noise: -129dBu (XLR to XLR, weighted)

Dynamic Range: >90dB (no weighting)

Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz

Input Impedance: 1.67k ohms (XLR), 1M ohm (1/4 in.)

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

Maximum Input Level: +15dBu (XLR), +21dBu (1/4 in.)

Maximum Output Level: +27dBu (XLR), +22dBu (1/4 in.)
CMRR 90dB (typical)

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.1% (typical)

Tubes: 2 Hand-Selected 12AX7a

Power Requirements: 100-125 VAC, 16W

Note: Export units configured for country of destination.

Put a tube mic preamp and an optical/tube compressor into a single half-rack box and you get warm, fat sounds galore! Preamp has up to 70 dB of gain, phantom power, and phase reverse. Compressor has threshold, slope, and speed controls. XLR and TRS I/O.