ART Digital MPA Solid Gold Microphone Preamplifier

Applied Research and Technology introduces the Digital MPA Tube Microphone Preamplifier - the first member of the forthcoming Digital Innovations Series. The Digital MPA is one of the finest microphone pre-amps with digital capability available. The new enhanced discrete front end maintains every nuance, revealing incredible dynamic range. Their unique tube circuitry using 2 x 12AX7A tubes render unsurpassed detail and clarity with the broadest range of microphones.

Take advantage of this world class processing via the analog and digital outputs. AES/EBU, S/PDIF. TOSLINK, and ADAT interfaces allow connection to the broadest range equipment. The Digital MPA provides 24-bit or it can adapt to 16-bit applications with the push of a button. The A/D is front panel adjustable from 44.1 to 96K or syncs to ADAT or external word clock (32KHZ to 100KHz).

The Digital MPA circuitry is a hybrid design utilizing the strengths of all available technologies. The active balanced triple-differential transistor design with local feedback provides excellent CMRR and lower noise than the typical transformer/tube front end. The 12AX7A tube section running on a regulated supply provides gain while maintaining the incredible dynamic range of the previous stage and controlled overload characteristics. Insert jacks between the analog and digital section allow patching in additional signal processing before entering the digital realm. Separate balanced analog outputs and multiple digital outputs possess individual level controls allowing simultaneous use. While the new Digital MPA accepts full line levels, an additional high-Z 1/4 in. input makes the Digital MPA the perfect DI in studio and live applications.

The digital output section can be patched into directly via 1/4 in. insert jacks between the analog and digital sections. This allows additional signal processing before entering the digital realm or use as a standalone high quality A/D converter. Professional and consumer output formats are selectable as well as choice of optical format. You can even patch into any ADAT stream and select which pair (or ALL) of channels the Pro MPA w/ DIO transmits.

The first of the Digital Innovations Series, the Digital MPA was conceived, designed and manufactured to the highest standards to provide years of quiet, reliable performance. Professional features and spectacular tone are what make the Digital MPA a world-class microphone preamplifier. The Digital MPA is ADAT licensed.

Features:
Variable Input Impedance for flexible microphone voicing (150 Ohms to 2400 Ohms).

Selectable plate voltage

Large VU meters

Front accessible meter trim

Selectable between output level and tube warmth

Improved discrete class A input microphone preamplifier

Lower noise at low gains

Lower THD

Wider frequency response

Front accessible Instrument Input Jack

Very high input impedance

Automatically switches to the instrument input when you plug in

24-204KHz External sample rate

44.1K, 48K, 88.2K, 96K, 176.4K, 192K Internal sample rates

24/16-bit switchable dithering

Wide dynamic range A/D

Rotary Encoder for quick selection of sample rate and output format

Separate analog and digital output level controls

Digital Level LED meters

ADAT optical I/O

Sync to incoming ADAT data rate

Switch selectable optical output (S/PDIF or ADAT)

Selectable Pro/consumer output format

AES/EBU output on cannon connector

2 wordclock jacks allowing loop through

Technical Info

CMRR: >90dB (typical @ 1kHz)

Controls: Input, Impedance, Output level, Digital Level, High Pass Filter, and Sample Rate

Dimensions: 6.5 in. D x 19.0 in. W x 3.5 in. H

Dynamic Range: >100dB, 20Hz to 20kHz

Equivalent Input Noise: - 134dB (XLR to XLR 'A' weighted)

Frequency Response: 15Hz to 80kHz (+0, -1dB)

Input Impedance: 150-3K ohms (XLR), 840k ohms (1/4 in.)

Analog Connections: Balanced XLR (pin 2 hot) inputs and outputs, A/D inserts (TRS) and Unbalanced ¼ in. outputs (TS) inputs

Digital Connections: AES/EBU (XLR), S/PDIF (RCA), ADAT Optical In, ADAT/TOSLINK Out, Wordclock In, and Word clock Thru (BNC)

Switches: +20dB gain, Phase Reversal, Plate Voltage, Meter Source, Phantom Power w/ LED, Dither, Optical Format and Power

Maximum Gain: XLR to XLR 75dB

Maximum Input Level: +18dBu (XLR), +16dBu (1/4 in.)

Maximum Output Level: +28dBu (XLR)

Output Impedance: 47 ohms (XLR)

Power Requirements: 100 - 125 VAC, 25W Export units configured for country of destination

Total Harmonic Distortion: >0.005% (typical)

Vacuum Tube: Hand-selects 12AX7A

Weight: 12 lbs.

A 2-channel tube preamp with digital outputs? Yes! The Digital MPA gives you 2 mic pres with variable impedance and selectable plate voltage for flexible pairing with mics, plus analog and up-to 24-bit, 192kHz digital outputs. XLR and 1/4" analog I/O. AES/EBU and S/PDIF inputs; ADAT I/O.