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ART MPA Gold Microphone Preamplifier

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. Learn More...

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Overall User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10

Individual User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
good set of features including a built in HPF, which i believe it acts more like a notch filter instead of a straight up band pass filter. This is nice because it preserves sound fidelity, the increased plate voltage is also a nice feature adding extra clarity to your vocal tracks.

Quality:
I bought mine "blemished" which turned out to be slightly more than cosmetic, although i don't think it affects the sound quality. The metal bracers behind the knobs are thin and tend to warp if the tubes are left to heat up. This problem I assume is only apparent if you leave the unit on for extended amounts of time. Only the left channel knob was warped and the right channel has not degraded at all through my usage.

Value:
For the price this unit sounds amazing, better than alot of Mackie board preamps i have used in the past which would cost you double. very clean sound, the tube warmth is nice though I could use a little more head room before they start running hot, but as I said for the price it's great.

Desirability:
it's nice, it's fairly big, haven;t had an issue with it after 2 months of solid use. If you're looking for a cheaper mic preamp for a home studio and don't require more than a two channel setup, this is sweet.

Sound:
For the price it gives exceptional sound with very low noise ratio. The tube impedance knob is great to add or subtract warmth from your sound, although the tubes tend to run a bit hotter than i'd like.

Ease of Use:
it's as easy as any other mic preamp though i wished it had a channel mute switch.

Support:
haven't needed it, but Zzounds delivered promptly. i was very satisfied.

Overall:
it's great I definitely recommend.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10

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.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
I like the way you can choose the distorsion level. It gives lot of possibilities where most competitors just have one setting.

Quality:
Very good quality, except for the valves that are low cost chinese ones. But for this price, it sound great.

Value:
I can't find a better value for the sound and possibilities.

Desirability:
Of course it cannot beat a Manley, but If I got the money I would have bought one. With my budget, this gear is perfect.

Sound:
Even if this product is made in china, its works as expected. The valves can be changed easily and if you buy more expensive ones, you'll get the sound of +1000 USD gears. For my home studio it was perfect.

Ease of Use:
Well nothing else to say. You don't have to read the doc if you know what it is for.

Support:
I haven't the need to contact them

Overall:
I don't plan to change ever. It is a simple gear, and the only thing that need to be changed are the valves.

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