ART Tube MP Project Series Microphone Preamp

Get huge tube sound from a small box! This mic preamp gives you 70 dB of tube gain, phantom power, high/low impedance, 40 Hz low-cut, FET limiting and more.

The Tube MP Project Series is a professional quality audio interface that lets you connect microphone, instrument, and line level signals to a mixer or other audio input. They took the legendary Tube MP series and updated every aspect of the design, inside and out, while still maintaining a compact, reliable, and cost effective product. From the all-aluminum stackable chassis to the precision LED level metering circuitry, they have improved virtually every aspect of the already successful Tube MP series. With up to 70dB of clean musical gain and high output signal drive capability the cold digital world will melt with your mixes. Charge up your creativity with the Tube MP Project Series.

Features:

- Extremely low noise discrete front end
- Up to 70dB of clean, 'musical' gain
- High output signal drive capability
- Fast FET limiter to prevent overload
- Switch selectable input impedance
- Precision LED metering
- Built-in low noise phantom power supply
- Compact, stackable all aluminum chassis
- XLR and 1/4-inch inputs and outputs
- Phase invert switch
- High cut filter switch
- Variable input and output controls

- Frequency Response: 10Hz - 40KHz, +/-1 dB (typical)
- Dynamic Range: >100dB (20Hz to 20KHz)
- THD: <0.05% (typical)
- CMRR: >60dB (typical)
- EIN: <-130dB (XLR to XLR A-weighted)
- Maximum Input Level: +17dBu (1/4 in.), +16dBu (XLR)
- Maximum Output Level: +20dBu (1/4 in.), +26dBu (XLR)
- Input Connections: 1/4 in. TRS unbalanced (1meg Ohm)
- XLR female balanced
- Output Connection: 1/4 in. TRS unbalanced (600 Ohm)
- XLR male balanced, (<300 Ohm)
- Maximum Gain: 70dB (XLR - XLR), +50dB (1/4 in.- XLR)
- Input Gain Pad: Switchable, 20dB
- XLR Input Impedance: Switchable, 4.7k Ohms / 600 Ohms
- Low Cut Filter: Switchable, -3dB @ 40Hz
- Output Phase: Switchable, Normal/Invert
- Output Limiter Type: Switchable, Fast & Musical FET limiter, >20dB limit range
- Phantom Power: Switchable, +48V DC, filtered, current limited
- Signal Metering: Precise LED array with a fast attack and moderate release
- Tube Type: 12AX7A hand selected
- Chassis Type: Aluminum Anodized with integral/stackable rubber sides
- Power Requirements: 10Volts AC @ 700mA (typical)
- Dimensions: 1.75 in. H x 5.9 in. W x 6.5 in. D (44.5mm x 150mm x 165mm)
- Weight: 2.5 lbs. (1.14 kg)
Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item
Shipping Weight: 3 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 3 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): TUBEMPPS

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. (67 ratings)
Submitted March 28, 2011 by a customer from gmail.com

"Good value for the money, but change the tube to make it better"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Best value for the money. You have to spend 2x the price to get to the next level, which is not really that much better anyhow. But, if you are looking for two channels, and have a bit more money, do check out the Art MPA II, which is really a whole lot better --a different league.

Sound
Over the past year, I have bought pretty much one of every make of cheap tube preamp out there, including this one. How does it rate? Swap out the tube and it is a solid third place, behind two much more expensive units, the Art MPA II, and the Studio Projects VTB1. (Both of those need their tubes changed too!) I like this little preamp and for the money it is the best sounding unit I know of.

Features
What you need and then some.

Ease of Use
Easy, though it would be nice if the LED meter had a few more lights.

Quality
For the price, this is very reasonable quality. I have opened it up and it has pretty good components. Swap out the tube, though, and it will sound better. I experimented with a few and settled on a Tung-Sol, which fills out the sound making it richer. The distortion is now quite good, esp compared to the crackly distortion that the stock Chinese tube provided. (I know, this is a preamp, not a distortion box, but a little distortion can be a good thing too.)

Value
Factor in a new tube (recommend Tung-Sol), and this is the best read more deal out there for the price. I should add that the power supplies on these Art units are not that great and can readily pick up ground loops and 60 hz hum. If possible, use a power conditioner.

Manufacturer Support
no experience

The Wow Factor
I like its looks, though it is low impact.

Musical Background:
lifelong amateur musician

Musical Style:
jazz
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