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Rating And Reviews: ART Pro MPAII Mic Preamp

Selectable 48v phantom power, features variable input impedance for radical variations of any microphone.

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Sound
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"Best in class --but swap out the tubes" submitted May 31, 2011

By a customer from gmail.com
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Musical Background: lifelong amateur
Music Style: jazz
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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? Overall: If lost, I would replace it. Many other tube preamps I would not replace...
17 of 17 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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"Great Preamp for Stereo recording" submitted September 7, 2012

By Tim C in Smithsburg, MD
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Musical Background: Producer, Engineer, Professional Studio Owner, Musician
Music Style: Punk, Reggae, Hip-Hop, Country, Metal, Jazz
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Sound: I use this mostly for stereo micing on acoustic guitar and drum overheads. I use a Universal Audio 710 for vocal recordings. I have usaed the ART for vocals but it doesn't quite do the job I want it to. But on acoustic guitar with 2 mics, it's amazing! There are lots of options for shaping a great sound. In stereo mode, the right channel output knob becomes a pan pot which I think is pretty cool. The mod-side matrix is also a great feature. I changed my tubes in this for a pair of EH 12AX7's and that really really helped too. I recommend anyone buying this to do the same. Feature: Lots of features for a preamp this cheap. I had to play around with them for a little while to really grasp it. But a lot can be achieved with this product. Quality: Great quality. Solid build. Value: For under $300 this thing is a steal! The Wow Factor: This has a really sleek look on my rack. Looks very pro. Overall: This unit gets a ton of use in my studio. I have used and own high-end equipment and I still use this preamp a lot. If it breaks, I will buy another one. But I must say that this has given me not one single problem at all. Really great product and value.
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"Decent value for the money" submitted May 2, 2011

By a customer from andrew.cmu.edu
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Musical Background: Recording Engineer
Music Style: Electronic/Jazz
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Sound: The sound overall is what you'd expect from an entry level mic pre. Right channel is quieter than the left. I don't know why, but the left has a slight hum. It is not that noticeable if you pay attention to your S/N ratios when recording. Sound is nice and warm and you can really focus on your mic's sound by using the low cut and impedance controls. Need to use the +20 gain a lot with dynamic mics, but with condensers you can get a quiet yet punchy signal without it. Feature: no accessories Ease of Use: What you see is what you get in terms of the interface. The manual needs to be rewritten for the current version of the unit. It refers to switches by the meters that do not exist on the current unit. Quality: it is in a project studio now, no idea of its roadworthiness. Seems to be reasonably solid construction. Value: excellent value for money. If you are using mixer preamps for your vocals you will notice an instant improvement in intelligibility and clarity. If, however, you are using a high end mic pre, you will be able to tolerate the MPA sound, but you will likely not be impressed. Manufacturer Support: haven't needed any support. The Wow Factor: ART makes decent looking gear. Overall: If it were lost or stolen, I'd probably take another step up the ladder of mic preamps and purchase something better. That said, it is a good utility pre that is nice to have around for vocals, voiceovers, or acoustic recordings.
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"Serious gear..." submitted September 6, 2009

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Sound: I bought this preamp to be a secondary stereo channel. I work mostly with Summit audio gear (with sounds great). But, the ART preamp ended up being the best sounding preamp I've ever worked with. It has a very big and open sound when used with good world class mics. It's super smooth. Very surprising. Feature: It has everything. Ease of Use: You need to find your sound. But, with good ears you can get a great setup.
21 of 22 people (95.45%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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"WOW" submitted February 1, 2012

By Robert Rutherford in Waco, TX
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Musical Background: Internet broadcasting since 2003 at events all over the country
Music Style: Rock, Hard Rock and Metal
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Overall: I run a internet radio station, this preamp took live events to a amazing level. Mics never sounded better, no noise and very clear broadcasting in front of the stage. Going to Add one more to my rack very soon!In the studio this preamp also shines Have not needed to contact support
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ART Pro MPAII Mic Preamp Customer Review submitted September 19, 2011

By a customer from yahoo.com
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Quality
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Musical Background: Manager
Music Style: Blues
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Sound: I am a proud owner and I love this amp and I ill spread the word as well as continue to order fromzZounds, again and again. Ease of Use: Very easy.
2 of 4 people (50%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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