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Description

Step into the golden era of Motown with the Acme Audio MTP-66, a preamp that merges vintage authenticity with modern functionality. This single-channel, all-tube masterpiece takes inspiration from the iconic "Motown Input Box" used by the legendary Funk Brothers, delivering that signature sound that fueled countless hits. Equipped with a robust CineMag output transformer, the MTP-66 ensures your recordings are infused with lush, harmonically rich tones that stand out in any mix.

The MTP-66 isn't just a throwback; it's a forward-thinking piece of gear. It features a microphone preamp section based on an original Motown engineering design, complete with a fixed-gain pentode and an Acme Audio/Triad input transformer. The unit includes adjustable input and output controls, allowing you to dial in the perfect amount of drive and compression for your sound. While it doesn't offer phantom power—encouraging the use of dynamic and ribbon mics—the MTP-66 brings a unique character to your recordings, adding a tube sheen on the high end and a punchy presence that is both nostalgic and fresh.

Key Features:

  • 1-channel tube DI/mic preamp inspired by the Motown Input Box
  • Instrument-to-line-level tube preamp with a dedicated microphone amp section
  • Mic pre with fixed-gain pentode and Acme Audio/Triad input transformer
  • Designed from original Motown engineering schematics for true authenticity
  • Hand-selected tubes with a CineMag output transformer for rich sound
  • Rugged lunchbox chassis for durability and style

Product specs

Preamp Type Tube
Number of Channels Single channel
Pads -15dB
Tubes 1 x EF86, 2 x 12AT7, 1 x 6V6
Analog Inputs 1 x 1/4" (Hi-Z), 1 x XLR (mic)
Analog Outputs 1 x XLR (main out), 1 x 1/4" (instrument through)
Power Source Standard IEC AC cable
Height 7"
Depth 6"
Width 10.24"
Weight 11.5 lbs.

FAQs

What type of tubes does the Acme Audio MTP-66 use?

The Acme Audio MTP-66 uses one EF86 tube, two 12AT7 tubes, and one 6V6 tube, contributing to its warm, vintage sound character.

How many channels does the Acme Audio MTP-66 preamp have?

The Acme Audio MTP-66 is a single-channel tube preamp, ideal for recording individual microphone or instrument sources with high-quality sound.

What are the input and output options on the Acme Audio MTP-66?

The Acme Audio MTP-66 features a 1/4" Hi-Z input, an XLR mic input, an XLR main output, and a 1/4" instrument through output, providing versatile connectivity for recording setups.

Does the Acme Audio MTP-66 preamp have any attenuation options?

Yes, the Acme Audio MTP-66 includes a -15dB pad, allowing you to attenuate the input signal for better control over high-output sources.

What kind of power source does the Acme Audio MTP-66 require?

The Acme Audio MTP-66 utilizes a standard IEC AC cable for power, making it easy to integrate into most studio environments.

Acme Audio Mfg. Co.

Acme Audio Mfg. Co.

Tracking A Live Band With 8 Acme Audio Motown Tube Mic Pres

Video thumbnail for Tracking A Live Band With 8 Acme Audio Motown Tube Mic Pres by Acme Audio Mfg. Co.

Tracking A Live Band With 8 Acme Audio Motown Tube Mic Pres

Acme Audio Mfg. Co.

Acme Audio Mfg. Co.

Video thumbnail for Acme Audio MTP-66 Motown Tube Preamp | Winter NAMM 2019 | Vintage King by Vintage King

Acme Audio MTP-66 Motown Tube Preamp | Winter NAMM 2019 | Vintage King

Vintage King

Vintage King

Video thumbnail for ACME Audio MTP-66 MOTOWN Mic Pre quick test by Floating Point Audio

ACME Audio MTP-66 MOTOWN Mic Pre quick test

Floating Point Audio

Floating Point Audio

Video thumbnail for ACME MTP 66 Bass Guitar DEMO by Tyrone

ACME MTP 66 Bass Guitar DEMO

Tyrone

Tyrone

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Acme Audio MTP-66.

Mods and upgrades

  • The JHS Colour Box V2 is praised for its DI and mic preamp capabilities, adding warmth and color, making it versatile for Rhodes and vocals.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Acme Audio MTP-66 is noted for its tube-driven design, offering significant tonal coloration and warmth compared to other DIs; it's highly recommended for richer sound profiles.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The UA Solo 610 is highlighted as a tube preamp with DI functions, suitable for both instrument and vocal recordings, providing versatility for home studio setups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A Joyo American Sound pedal is effectively used as a DI for Rhodes, offering analog Fender amp simulations, demonstrating versatility for keyboard and guitar applications.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Golden Age Pre-73 is recommended as a budget-friendly preamp option, providing quality signal boost without high costs, suitable for home studio enthusiasts.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report long-term reliability and durability of Radial DI boxes, with some units functioning flawlessly for over 15 years, indicating robust build quality and longevity.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Acme Audio: MTP-66 Motown Tube Preamp | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Acme Audio MTP-66 Motown Tube Preamp is a sonic celebration of retro vibes, offering a rich, character-filled sound that breathes new life into your recordings. Its design and performance evoke the golden era of Motown, making it a standout for those who crave that vintage warmth. However, the absence of phantom power limits its versatility, compelling you to rely on ribbon and dynamic mics, which could frustrate some users. At nearly $2,000, it sits firmly in boutique territory, making it a considered purchase. For dedicated producers of soulful music, the MTP-66 might just be the transformative tool you've been searching for, though it may not cater to everyone’s recording needs.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Sam Kiszka uses Acme Audio MTP-66

Sam Kiszka

Bassist, Keyboardist

Greta Van Fleet

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used for the bass on Anthem of the Peaceful Army, as stated by mix engineer Al Sutton in this January 2019 Sound on Sound interview.

"All the guitar mics also went through the API desk, but I sent the bass through the Acme Audio MTP?66 pre and DI."

See how Josh Kiszka uses Acme Audio MTP-66

Josh Kiszka

Singer, Keyboardist

Greta Van Fleet

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used for vocals on Anthem of the Peaceful Army, as stated by mix engineer Al Sutton in this January 2019 Sound on Sound interview.

"As I mentioned earlier, I recorded lead vocals with the U67, but did not send that through the API. Like for the bass I instead used the Acme Audio MTP?66 pre, and then a Neve 33609 for some compression and an Original Motown EQ if EQ was needed. MTP stands for Motown Tube Direct Preamp, and the Acme is a unit that I built, and sell. Motown used to have a small, five-channel input box, called the Motown Five Channel Guitar Direct Amplifier, that's coveted by tons of people, and the Acme is a single-channel version of that, with a mic pre added. I got all the schematics from Mike McLean, who was the chief maintenance engineer at Motown during the 1960s, and who did a great job in designing it. You can hear it on all Motown stuff, particularly guitars and bass from 1966 on. The Acme MTP?66 is all-tube, and the preamp sounds really open, with a classic fixed-gain design on the mic pre and DI."

Album Usage

The Acme Audio MTP-66 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Acme Audio MTP-66, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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