Art Tube MP Project

The Art Tube MP Project is a single channel tube based preamplifier.  It is an analog unit that has XLR connections and is powered by the power supply that comes with it.  It isn't in rack form and stands on its own in a box a little less than half the length of a rack space.


UTILIZATION

The Art Tube MP Project is fairly simple to use and even those with no real recording experience shouldn't have too many problems with it.  The unit has knobs for gain and output levels and then has a series of buttons including ones for +20db gain, low/hi impedance, a filter, phantom power, a limiter, and a phase switch.  The preamp also has a meter that will show you the level of your signal and will also show you when your signal is clipping.  The set up of it is quite basic and unless you really have no experience whatsoever with preamps the manual isn't necessary.


SOUND QUALITY

The sound quality of the Art Tube MP Project preamp is actually not bad at all.  While it does have a tube sound, it isn't anything like the high end tube gear, but will stand on its own as a pretty good mic pre.  Like the name states, it is really designed for project studios rather than professionals and this is where it should stay as the sound quality isn't up to par for professionals.  This preamp won't really color your sound, but it does have a certain quality to it that is somewhat unique to itself.  I have used the pre on everything from vocals to electric guitars to drums with good results, but you must keep in mind that it does have its own sound and will really only work best in certain situations. 


OVERALL OPINION

For the money, the Art Tube MP Project is a great deal.  If you are a home studio looking to expand your palette in terms of preamps, the Art Tube MP Project can definitely help you do that without spending too much money at all.  However, don't expect to get an immaculate tube sound just because this is a tube powered pre.  It has a good sound but the ceiling is only so high for this unit and I wouldn't ever recommend it to anyone other than a home studio owner looking for a cheap outboard pre.  Overall, this is a great deal for the price, but don't expect the world from it.

see below

UTILIZATION

see below

SOUND QUALITY

hey, this is my opinion that is involved.
I have several art tube mp which are cheaper and really I do not see what this one brings more.The limiter is really of the stew, the filter is completely ineffective and that's all he holds most the mp.
then, is what can be the one I bought but the sound is not loud enough and there must be a large diaphragm microphone to December 20 in addition, the volume to the three quarter and a gain for the nearly full enough volume. I thought it had to be from the lamp that was dead and I made another and ditto. In it were a Sovtek is correct I tried with dd tescla and the sound was really much better, more breath. I also tried with eh and it is the same as sovteck, a little breath and a less defined.

OVERALL OPINION

I have several preamps, TubePre of which are fine, the ULTRAGAIN pro behringer in which I find very well because secondhand touched sometimes for next to nothing and they both entered which is not bad, I also 100 and 200 mic, really the lowest of all and one I find really good value for money is the art tube mp, so his little brother.
advice rather buy the mp, it is better and saves you money to buy something else.

-It is a tube preamp (1).
-Alim. phamtome (48v) if not base what.
XLR and jack-6.35 come in and out.
-No rack.

UTILIZATION

"It is very easy even for beginners to test it sufit.
-Idem.
-Not read, but it's my age a lot.

SOUND QUALITY

-The sound is not bad but I think it must chamger the lamp so he could speak,
can of breath if it is used.

OVERALL OPINION

I used depuit about six months.
-Cheap but nice.
-This is my first tube preamp.
-...
-Maybe j'ésseillerais verssion the usb but I like it my little preamp.

Preamp Tube (Lamp Sovtek) - Half-rack aluminum
- Input High or Low Impedance (XLR or phone)
- Button 20 db
- Low Cut Filter (40Hz) (For what I do is only 9, "40" is a bit low)
- Alima phantom
- Limit
- Phase Switch

UTILIZATION

Very easy to use!
Manual in English, but who cares a lot, everyone knows to use a preamp!

SOUND QUALITY

Sound quality really good!
I confess that I really tried on a bass, but I have to use it soon with microphones so I would update my opinion.

I did a quick comparison between a decision made with DI and the other with the MP:
- With the MP it sounds hot, the sound more body and is really accurate!

No breath. We can saturate the tube if you want to or stay in a beach more "musical".

Edit the February 23, 2008:

I made ​​a face on a micro B2 Sax and voice:

- On the sax sound gains in fishing, the light softened the sometimes slightly metallic micro.

- Of the voice, I found the sound dirtier (depending on the setting and sound that is sought), without gaining more heat in the grave. Overall not bad, the dynamics is not too bad, but against, some strong voices on some does to push the output level and output gain to add the breath, but I must check that it does not come from the compressor put behind the preamp.

As for the limiter, I do not use the voice as low as it changes the sound too.

OVERALL OPINION

I just receive it, but I use it very thoroughly in three days to record a disc.

I've had tube preamps like the T1953 or the Behringer Mic 2200, but there is no picture on ART is more professional and above all the sound is really nickel. No, I do not spit on as certain Behringer, are things not too bad, especially this brand has allowed me to start without ruin me, now I can spend a little more pro, sound wins!

My only complaint at this time is the limiter. I think it should be suitable for all. Anyway it on a low food the whole dynamic.
A if the second complaint: the filter at 40 Hz is a bit low, I would have liked ... 80 Hz

On the manufacturing front is solid!
Value / unbeatable price: 85 euros for it is very very good!

Unlike some who claim preamp "tube" so that hybrids where one dose the percentage of heat you want, this preamp is a true "tube", while the sound goes into it.

I used ART effects there are more than 15 years, I am glad to find this brand I've always enjoyed the quality of design and manufacturing!

With experience I think for the same budget I would buy exactly the same! If I had a little more money I still turn to a more high-end stereo ART MPA GOLD like, but I would keep my little MP as a tube DI.

Edit the February 23, 2008:

I prefer well as DI tube preamp, but for the price you can only gain in the end to spend in your garden than go directly into the preamp of your mixer or your sound card.