ART Pro MPA II Microphone Preamplifier

Get more out of your mics with this 2-channel tube preamp! Shape sounds with variable impedance, selectable plate voltage, 15-150 Hz high-pass, and more.

Boost your sound with the ART Pro MPA II microphone preamplifier. This high-performance, tube-based mic pre offers two channels for either dual mono or stereo miking, +48V phantom power, a handy mid/side miking switch, large VU meters so you always know where your levels stand, and much more. Conveniently, the Pro MPA II boasts variable input impedance, so you can custom tailor your tone to get the most out of any dynamic or ribbon microphone. With this mic preamp, you gain more than just gain -- you get the flexibility to apply tube warmth to your recordings, no matter what kind of microphone you're using, as well as the presence, clarity, and high-end hardware for which ART is known.

Watch our exclusive overview of the ART Pro MPA II Microphone Preamplifier:


2 Channels of Tube Tone

On each of the two microphone input circuits, you have selectable +48V phantom power plus variable input impedance, which can help you extract a wider range of tones out of a microphone -- try tweaking it on a ribbon mic! You can use any high-quality condenser, dynamic or ribbon microphone with the Pro MPA II.

For even wider variation of preamp tone and performance, operate the Pro MPA II at either a low or high plate voltage on the two integrated 12AX7 tubes.

Meant for Dual-Mono, Stereo, MS Recording -- You Name It

Since the Pro MPA II microphone preamp can be configured for either dual mono or stereo miking, you have the flexibility to match the unit to your recordings and get read more optimal sound every time. Want to record acoustic guitar or drum overheads? No problem! The Pro MPA II is up to the task.

Selectable mid/side mic support makes it easy to capture pianos, acoustic guitar, drum overheads, strings, and more. Just hit the Mid/Side Matrix switch when you're miking in a middle/side configuration.

Big VU Meters

Large back-lit analog VU output meters let you check input or output levels at a glance, and multi-colored LED arrays, with average or peak hold, provide a clear visual display of tube gain (warmth).

Built to Last

The professional Pro MPA II looks sharp in any studio, production facility, or live sound setup. Housed in a standard 2U rackmountable steel chassis, the durable mic pre features easy-to-read white screen-printed text against a CNC-routed black anodized aluminum face panel.

Features:

- 2-channel tube-based microphone preamplifier
- Variable input impedance for flexible microphone voicing (150 Ohms to 2,400 Ohms)
- Selectable plate voltage for tweaking your tone
- Selectable +48V phantom power
- Large VU meters display input and output levels
- Backlit function switches shine brightly so you know when they're in use
- Low noise at lower gain settings
- Extremely low total harmonic distortion (THD)
- Wide frequency response
- Additional front-mounted instrument input jack
- Operates at +4 dBm/-10 dBv output
- Selectable stereo/dual operation of output controls
- Automatic instrument input selection
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- Frequency Response 15Hz to 48 kHz (+0, -1dB) @ normal plate voltage 15Hz to 120 kHz (+0, -1dB) @ high plate voltage
- Dynamic range: >110dB ("A" weighted)
- CMRR: >90dB
- THD: <0.005% (typical)
- Equivalent Input Noise: -129dBu (XLR, "A" weighted)
- Maximum Input Level: +19dBu (cannon)
- Maximum Instrument Input: +17dBu
- Input Impedance: 150-3000 Ohms adjustable (XLR) >800K Ohms (Instrument)
- Maximum Output Level: +27dBu (XLR)
- Output Impedance:: < 47 Ohms (XLR)
- Maximum Gain: 75dB
- Meter Calibration: 0 VU = +4dBu output (+4dB mode) 0 VU = -10dBV output (-10dB mode)
- High Pass Filter: single pole, 10-200 Hz adjustable
- Power Requirements: USA - 105 to 125 VAC / 60 Hz Export units configured for country of destination
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 3.50 x 19.0 x 8.75 in.
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 88 x 482x 222 mm
- Weight: (lb/kg) 10.5 / 4.7
Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item
Shipping Weight: 12.5 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 22 x 11 x 6 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): PROMPAII

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

ART Pro MPA II Microphone Preamplifier

The ART Pro MPA II is the next generation in affordable high-performance microphone preamp technology. Each microphone input circuit, with selectable +48V phantom power, features variable input impedance which can radically vary the overall performance of any high quality dynamic or ribbon microphone. The Pro MPA II can be configured for dual mono or stereo operation with selectable mid/side mic support, summing the adjacent channel, to decode left/right signals.

Features:

- Variable input impedance for flexible microphone voicing (150 Ohms to 2400 Ohms)
- Selectable plate voltage
- Large VU meters
- Backlit function switches
- Discrete Class-A Input microphone preamplifier
- Low noise at lower gain settings
- Extremely low total harmonic distortion (THD)
- Wide frequency response
- Additional front mounted instrument input jack
- Operates at +4dbm/-10dbv output
- Selectable Stereo/Dual operation of output controls
- Automatic instrument input selection

The Pro MPA II can operate at either a low or high plate voltage on the two integrated hand-selected 12AX7 tubes for wider variation of preamp tone and performance. Large back-lit analog VU output meters display input or output levels while multi-colored LED arrays, with average or peak hold, show tube gain.

Housed in a standard 2u space rack-mountable steel chassis, with CNC routed black anodized aluminum face panel, the Pro MPA II is designed to deliver years of reliable operation in the studio, production facility, or on the road for live sound reinforcement.

Pro Dynamic Processors

A professional microphone preamplifier is defined by warmth, presence and clarity - core elements that make an audio processor desirable. They've designed a microphone preamplifier that captures all these elements, with an exceptionally affordable price. Introducing the Digital MPA by ART. With features like variable input impedance, selectable plate voltage, dual differential Class A inputs, digital outputs and sample rates up to 192kHz, it is truly a modern day classic.

The World's Most Popular External Tube Mic Preamp

Whether you're working with a computer, hard disk or digital multitrack recorder, the Tube MP's TEC award nominated design will allow you to obtain professional results at an affordable price. ART preamps offer warm tone, useful features, and are innovatively designed. ART's line of Tube MP products add presence, clarity and fullness to any signal, and is exceptionally low-noise. Their Tube MP Studio V3 features V3 Technology (Variable Valve Voicing), which provides optimized reference points to begin the recording process. V3 delivers a wide variety of settings designed for various microphones and DI inputs, including guitars, basses, keyboards, synths, electronic drums and much more. Don't settle for a copy-cat lookalike. Go with the real thing -- the Tube MP by ART.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (21 ratings)
Submitted May 31, 2011 by a customer from gmail.com

"Best in class --but swap out the tubes"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
If lost, I would replace it. Many other tube preamps I would not replace...
Sound
This product is the best in its class. I have tried pretty much all the cheaper tube-based preamps and this product is by far the best. That said, the stock Chinese tubes are not very good and I would highly recommend upgrading them, preferably with vintage "New Old Stock" tubes. (12AT7 tubes work well, as well as many others in the general family that includes 12AX7's that are the stock item. Don't be afraid to experiment! I found a number of nice choices.)
Quality
I have a slightly older Art MPA II digital unit and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the new MPA II has better front-end gain. Same model names, but I guess Art has been quietly improving them.
Value
Best in class. When comparing prices with cheaper low-voltage units, remember that many of them are mono, and that this unit has two channels. It is worth the few extra dollars --for sure. As I said above, replace the tubes --easy to do and makes a big difference, given a good vintage tube.
The Wow Factor
Basic design. Not "sexy" but functional. What more do you need?

Musical Background:

lifelong amateur

Musical Style:

jazz
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