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ART MPA Gold Microphone Preamplifier
Selectable tube plate voltage. Large VU meters. Tube Warmth LED meter.
Our 30-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee applies on this item. Buy it, and if it isn't just right for you, return it!
Description
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From Our Catalog
A professional tube microphone preamplifier is defined by warmth, presence and clarity - core elements which make a performance truly come alive. Sister to the ART Digital MPA, the MPA Gold performs to incredibly high standards, and that it's tone, functionality and performance will satisfy even the most discerning user.
Like the Digital MPA, the MPA Gold features Variable Input Impedance. Variable Input Impedance is intended to optimize the MPA Gold for the widest range of microphones. Variation of the input impedance of a microphone preamplifier changes the load against which the microphone has to push. This variation dramatically alters the performance of a microphone, and creates numerous sonic possibilities for microphone performance. The variable impedance control of the MPA Gold is infinitely variable, as opposed to steps. This allows users much finer control over the tuning of the impedance.
Features:
Variable Input Impedance For Flexible Microphone Voicing (150 Ohms to 3000 Ohms)
Selectable Tube Plate Voltage
Large VU Meters with Range Switch
Tube Warmth LED Meter
Improved Discrete Class A Input Microphone Preamplifier
Lower Noise At Low Gains, Wider Frequency Response and Lower THD Than our Pro MPA
Front Accessible Instrument Input Jack With Very High Input Impedance
Automatically Switches To Instrument Input When You Plug In
The selectable Tube Plate Voltage function delivers a wide variety of tones. The tube circuit is differential, and provides the equivalent of a 300V power supply on the high voltage setting. Not to mention it has very low distortion and noise. Our normal setting maintains ART's classic tube sound (warm with smooth overload characteristics).
The MPA Gold's unique tube circuitry utilizes two 12AX7A vacuum tubes and renders unsurpassed sonic detail and clarity with the broadest range of microphones. The 12AX7A tube preamplification section provides gain while maintaining the incredible dynamic range of the previous stage and controlled overload characteristics.
Condenser microphones, ribbon microphones, dynamic microphones - new and vintage - all become more versatile and deliver their maximum performance when they interact with the MPA Gold's Variable Input Impedance. You'll discover that your microphones will sound better than ever.
In addition to the VU meters, the MPA Gold has Tube Warmth LED Metering which measures the left and right audio channel levels. The meters act like a normal histogram for the average signal level and the display holds the highest LED on alone for one second. While the average level function attack and release are measured in milliseconds, the peak function has a 20 microsecond attack time. Additionally, the analog meter range is switchable between -10dB and +4dBU. The MPA Gold's High Pass Filter is continuously variable from 15Hz to 150Hz. Many other preamps have a fixed switch. This makes our MPA Gold more flexible audio processor.
The MPA Gold is truly a modern, world-class tube microphone preamplifier, and its audio performance will surely exceed your expectations.
Controls: Input Gain, Impedance, Output level, and High Pass Filter SWITCHES: +20dB gain, Phase Reversal, Plate Voltage, Meter, Sensitivity, Phantom Power with LED switches
Dimensions: 6.5in D x 19in W x 3.5in
Dynamic Range: >100dB (20Hz to 20kHz)
Equivalent Input Noise: -133dBu (XLR to XLR 'A' weighted)
Frequency Response: 15Hz to 120kHz (+0, -1dB)
Input Impedance: 150-3K ohms (XLR), 840k ohms (1/4 in.)
Analog Connections: Bal. XLR (pin2 hot) inputs/outputs and bal. 1/4 in. outputs (TRS), unbal. inst. inputs
Maximum Gain: XLR to XLR 75dB
Maximum Input Level: +20dBu (XLR), +17dBu (1/4 in.)
Maximum Output Level: +28dBu (XLR)
Output Impedance: 47 ohms (XLR)
Power Requirements: 100-125VAC, 25W Export units configured for country of destination
Total Harmonic Distortion: >0.005% (typical)
Weight: 12 lbs.
Like the Digital MPA, the MPA Gold features Variable Input Impedance. Variable Input Impedance is intended to optimize the MPA Gold for the widest range of microphones. Variation of the input impedance of a microphone preamplifier changes the load against which the microphone has to push. This variation dramatically alters the performance of a microphone, and creates numerous sonic possibilities for microphone performance. The variable impedance control of the MPA Gold is infinitely variable, as opposed to steps. This allows users much finer control over the tuning of the impedance.
Features:
Variable Input Impedance For Flexible Microphone Voicing (150 Ohms to 3000 Ohms)
Selectable Tube Plate Voltage
Large VU Meters with Range Switch
Tube Warmth LED Meter
Improved Discrete Class A Input Microphone Preamplifier
Lower Noise At Low Gains, Wider Frequency Response and Lower THD Than our Pro MPA
Front Accessible Instrument Input Jack With Very High Input Impedance
Automatically Switches To Instrument Input When You Plug In
The selectable Tube Plate Voltage function delivers a wide variety of tones. The tube circuit is differential, and provides the equivalent of a 300V power supply on the high voltage setting. Not to mention it has very low distortion and noise. Our normal setting maintains ART's classic tube sound (warm with smooth overload characteristics).
The MPA Gold's unique tube circuitry utilizes two 12AX7A vacuum tubes and renders unsurpassed sonic detail and clarity with the broadest range of microphones. The 12AX7A tube preamplification section provides gain while maintaining the incredible dynamic range of the previous stage and controlled overload characteristics.
Condenser microphones, ribbon microphones, dynamic microphones - new and vintage - all become more versatile and deliver their maximum performance when they interact with the MPA Gold's Variable Input Impedance. You'll discover that your microphones will sound better than ever.
In addition to the VU meters, the MPA Gold has Tube Warmth LED Metering which measures the left and right audio channel levels. The meters act like a normal histogram for the average signal level and the display holds the highest LED on alone for one second. While the average level function attack and release are measured in milliseconds, the peak function has a 20 microsecond attack time. Additionally, the analog meter range is switchable between -10dB and +4dBU. The MPA Gold's High Pass Filter is continuously variable from 15Hz to 150Hz. Many other preamps have a fixed switch. This makes our MPA Gold more flexible audio processor.
The MPA Gold is truly a modern, world-class tube microphone preamplifier, and its audio performance will surely exceed your expectations.
Technical Info
CMRR: >90dB (typical @ 1kHz)Controls: Input Gain, Impedance, Output level, and High Pass Filter SWITCHES: +20dB gain, Phase Reversal, Plate Voltage, Meter, Sensitivity, Phantom Power with LED switches
Dimensions: 6.5in D x 19in W x 3.5in
Dynamic Range: >100dB (20Hz to 20kHz)
Equivalent Input Noise: -133dBu (XLR to XLR 'A' weighted)
Frequency Response: 15Hz to 120kHz (+0, -1dB)
Input Impedance: 150-3K ohms (XLR), 840k ohms (1/4 in.)
Analog Connections: Bal. XLR (pin2 hot) inputs/outputs and bal. 1/4 in. outputs (TRS), unbal. inst. inputs
Maximum Gain: XLR to XLR 75dB
Maximum Input Level: +20dBu (XLR), +17dBu (1/4 in.)
Maximum Output Level: +28dBu (XLR)
Output Impedance: 47 ohms (XLR)
Power Requirements: 100-125VAC, 25W Export units configured for country of destination
Total Harmonic Distortion: >0.005% (typical)
Weight: 12 lbs.
Get the most from your mics with this tube preamp! The MPA Gold gives you 2 mic channels with infinitely variable impedance and selectable plate voltage to match with your mic specs. High pass filter is continuously variable from 15 Hz to 150 Hz. Includes XLR I/O, plus unbalanced Instrument input.
What Our Customers Say About zZounds
"Super fast shipping. My son is thrilled!" - customer on November 14, 2009
ART MPA Gold Microphone Preamplifier Reviews
9 out of 10
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"Great Value"
Feature:
I like the fact that you can add gain either through the tubes or through the solid state circuitry.
Quality:
Everything seems solid, and the knobs have a great feel, and are very sensitive.
Value:
I'm thinking that to get any significant improvement in sound quality, I'd have to spend something more like $500 per channel. Two channels here for $289 is pretty good. Spend the extra money on good mics.
Desirability:
I Love GOOOOOOLD.
Sound:
mostly recording acoustic guitar, and the change since adding this pre-amp is well worth the price. No audible noise, and great warm sound (This is of course after changing the tubes. The tubes that come in this unit are cheap crappy ones. Put in some decent tubes and you're in business).
Ease of Use:
If I can figure it out anyone can
Support:
Don't know, haven't had to use it.
Overall:
I may upgrade some day, but for now, I'm very pleased with this unit.
I like the fact that you can add gain either through the tubes or through the solid state circuitry.
Quality:
Everything seems solid, and the knobs have a great feel, and are very sensitive.
Value:
I'm thinking that to get any significant improvement in sound quality, I'd have to spend something more like $500 per channel. Two channels here for $289 is pretty good. Spend the extra money on good mics.
Desirability:
I Love GOOOOOOLD.
Sound:
mostly recording acoustic guitar, and the change since adding this pre-amp is well worth the price. No audible noise, and great warm sound (This is of course after changing the tubes. The tubes that come in this unit are cheap crappy ones. Put in some decent tubes and you're in business).
Ease of Use:
If I can figure it out anyone can
Support:
Don't know, haven't had to use it.
Overall:
I may upgrade some day, but for now, I'm very pleased with this unit.
Submitted: 03/27/2008
Style of Music: alt, pop, folk
10 out of 10
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"A Great Sounding Pre Loaded With Pro Features!!"
Feature:
I can't believe how many features there are on this thing. You can really sculpt the sound of the source material in many ways. Variable input impedance for mics, selectable plate voltage, xlr inputs/outputs and 1/4" TRS outs and so much more. Incredible for the money.
Quality:
It's made very well. The knobs are heavy duty and rock solid. Seems to me with proper care and handling this pre will provide many years of trouble free service. I do studio work only so it won't be going out on the road.
Value:
The best "bang for the buck pre" out there IMHO.
Desirability:
Like I said it looks and feels great. Most importantly the sound is what a pre is all about though.
Sound:
The sound of this pre is awesome. Of course you'll need to change the chinese tubes that come stock with the unit to take it to another level but fresh out of the box this pre will amaze you. I ordered a matched pair of Tung-Sol tubes for it.
Ease of Use:
Very easy. Just plug and play. It does what a pre should do. deliver exceptional tone and sound. It looks great too.
Support:
I gave this category a 5 as I've never had to deal with support. I own a few ART products and never had any problems with anything.
Overall:
I will be satisfied for many years and would definitely replace it if something were to happen to it. It's a must have item if you're looking for a pro sound. I have a Great River ME-1NV which is also an incredible mic pre but there's a huge difference in the price. The GR is no better than this pre. They both have a sound of their own and all usable.
I can't believe how many features there are on this thing. You can really sculpt the sound of the source material in many ways. Variable input impedance for mics, selectable plate voltage, xlr inputs/outputs and 1/4" TRS outs and so much more. Incredible for the money.
Quality:
It's made very well. The knobs are heavy duty and rock solid. Seems to me with proper care and handling this pre will provide many years of trouble free service. I do studio work only so it won't be going out on the road.
Value:
The best "bang for the buck pre" out there IMHO.
Desirability:
Like I said it looks and feels great. Most importantly the sound is what a pre is all about though.
Sound:
The sound of this pre is awesome. Of course you'll need to change the chinese tubes that come stock with the unit to take it to another level but fresh out of the box this pre will amaze you. I ordered a matched pair of Tung-Sol tubes for it.
Ease of Use:
Very easy. Just plug and play. It does what a pre should do. deliver exceptional tone and sound. It looks great too.
Support:
I gave this category a 5 as I've never had to deal with support. I own a few ART products and never had any problems with anything.
Overall:
I will be satisfied for many years and would definitely replace it if something were to happen to it. It's a must have item if you're looking for a pro sound. I have a Great River ME-1NV which is also an incredible mic pre but there's a huge difference in the price. The GR is no better than this pre. They both have a sound of their own and all usable.
Submitted: 05/04/2009
Style of Music: Country, soft rock and folk
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