The ART Tube MP/C Preamp is a multi-purpose tube preamp and optical compressor suitable for both studio and live use. This hard-wearing and competitively priced tabletop unit contains both a tube-based analogue preamp and a VCA-less compressor with optical gain reduction control.
Used as a mic/line preamp or as a DI (direct) box, the Tube MP/C is designed to work seamlessly with any recording, sound-reinforcement, or electronic instrument setup. A R T's Tube MP/C circuitry is a hybrid design utilizing the latest, most advanced, solid-state and tube technology.
The Tube MP/C maintains exceptional signal integrity and extremely low noise. A tube based opto-compressor circuit follows the tube preamp. While the preamp is always active, the compressor may be bypassed. The preamplifier's active balanced solid-state input provides extremely low noise and excellent CMRR. The 1/4" input has a high impedance, which prevents the loading of any device connected to it and makes the Tube MP/C perfect for DI or line level applications, and a transformer isolated XLR output allows for both the XLR and ¼" outputs to be used at once. The compression circuit features a VCA-less design and utilizes optical electronics (Vactrol) coupled with a 12AX7a vacuum tube gain stage for superior musical performance.
The compressor is soft knee by design. Although it is capable of providing a thoroughly "squashed" signal in "Limit" mode, it was designed to excel in areas where transparent and musical dynamics control is desired. The beauty of the optical/tube design is its ability to apply heavy amounts of compression without pumping and breathing like VCA-based compressors.
The main features of the ART Tube MP/C Preamp include:
With the right settings, the compressor can fatten vocals in a very musical way. Limiter function is also great for screaming (metal) vocals, ensuring you wont clip. Drive can be very wam but will produce harsh effects if overused. Not suitable for aggressive drive effects. But overall, a very good preamp especially for the price/features ratio.
This preamp has exceeded expectations from it's build quality to sound, and performance. My particular use may be somewhat different to the typical user of such equipment, as it's currently being used as a studio microphone preamp on an Amateur / Ham radio transceiver.
The preamp has easy to use and straight forward control's which can be mastered in minutes. The rich warm sound from the double triode valve/tube in the preamp stage is unparalleled in design.
I would highly recommend this device to anyone who requires gain and compression features to their existing microphone setup. Regardless of which application they intend to use it for.