Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $544
High-end/Boutique
$100
$501+
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Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "ART Digital MPA II". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Elevate your studio's recording quality with the ART Digital MPA-II, a 2-channel tube microphone preamplifier that combines the warmth of analog with the precision of digital technology. This versatile preamp is engineered for both the seasoned professional and the home studio enthusiast, offering an impressive range of features that cater to a wide array of recording needs. With its variable input impedance and selectable plate voltage, the Digital MPA-II allows for extensive tonal shaping, enabling you to extract the best possible performance from any microphone, be it dynamic, condenser, or ribbon.
The ART Digital MPA-II stands out with its dual mono or stereo operation flexibility, including support for mid/side miking, making it an invaluable tool for capturing complex soundscapes with clarity and detail. Its integrated high-quality A/D converter ensures that your analog sounds are flawlessly translated into digital format, allowing for seamless integration into any digital recording setup. Whether you're tracking vocals, instruments, or full ensembles, the ART Digital MPA-II offers the control and quality you need to achieve professional-grade recordings.
Key Features:
- Variable Input Impedance for flexible microphone voicing (150 Ohms to 2400 Ohms)
- Selectable Plate Voltage for optimal preamp tone and performance
- Large VU Meters and backlit function switches for easy visual monitoring
- Discrete Class-A Input Microphone Preamplifier design ensures pristine audio quality
- Low Noise at lower gain settings, ideal for capturing detailed performances without unwanted hiss
- Extremely Low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) for accurate sound reproduction
- Wide Frequency Response to capture the full spectrum of sound from any source
- Front-mounted Instrument Input Jack for easy access when recording instruments directly
- Supports Mid/Side Miking Technique for advanced stereo recording setups
- Selectable Stereo/Dual-mono Operation of Output Controls for flexible routing options
- Automatic Instrument Input Selection for hassle-free connections
- Wide dynamic range A/D converter with selectable sample rates (44.1K to 192K) and bit depth (16/24 bit)
- Digital and Analog Output Level Controls for precise level matching
- Digital Level LED meters (Average and Peak) for accurate monitoring
- ADAT optical I/O, AES/EBU, and S/PDIF outputs for versatile digital connectivity
- Two word clock jacks allowing loop through for syncing with external digital gear
Owner's manual
ART Digital MPA II User ManualVideos
Consordini
Art Pro MPA II 2 Channel Tube Preamp Review - Professional Review
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional value for a tube preamp, offering a rich tube sound
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Dual channel capability increases recording versatility
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Features like dual plate voltage and variable impedance for mic inputs enhance sound quality
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High-quality A/D conversion, especially notable at its price point
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Provides noticeable improvement in sound quality for condenser mics
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User-friendly with a helpful manual for easy operation
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Sturdy build quality and rackmount design suitable for home studios
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Clean, wide sound that enhances recordings
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Effective in reducing dynamic peaks, aiding in smoother recordings
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Provides musical warmth to recordings, particularly beneficial for instruments like saxophones
CONS
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Stock tubes are of mediocre quality; upgrading them significantly improves sound
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Digital features are somewhat limited, with ADAT output not supporting over 48KHz
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Power supply may be a weak link; using a power conditioner is recommended
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Insert loops functionality limited to digital out mode
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Some users report slight contamination to nearby preamps, requiring physical separation
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Converter quality could be improved, on par with mid to low-range audio interfaces
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Generates noticeable heat, necessitating empty rack space above for ventilation
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ART Digital MPA II.
Features and functionality
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The built-in MS (Mid-Side) decoder is an uncommon feature at the ART MPA II's price range, though its practical utility is debated among users.
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Mods and upgrades
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Upgrading the MPA II with NOS Telefunken valves improves sound quality, particularly for male vocals and bass guitar, offering a lush and smooth tone.
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Owners suggest replacing stock Chinese preamp tubes with Sovtek tubes to improve sound quality; it's a cost-effective upgrade for enhanced audio performance.
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Penta Laboratories 12AX7 tubes might be rebranded Chinese tubes, but they're considered a solid upgrade over cheaper stock tubes.
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Consider NOS GE JAN 12AX7 or 5751 tubes for a cost-effective sound improvement, offering distinct tonal changes compared to stock tubes.
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Gold Lion 12AX7 tubes significantly enhance sound quality, providing a rich and versatile tone, especially when paired with an electric bass.
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Black plate tubes, such as RCA or GE, offer a unique sonic profile, and are recommended for those seeking vintage tones; they are abundant and long-lasting due to their military origins.
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Comparisons
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In a blind test, the ART Digital MPA II outperformed more expensive preamps, suggesting its strong value and performance despite its lower price.
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The ART MPA II is noted to significantly improve recording quality when paired with a TASCAM US-1800, suggesting a beneficial enhancement over TASCAM's built-in preamps.
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Use cases and applications
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The MPA II is particularly praised for its performance on male vocals and bass guitar when upgraded with specific valves, making it a choice piece for those applications.
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The ART Digital MPA II is praised for warming up digital instruments, such as Nord keyboards, providing a richer sound.
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A combination of Gold Lion 12AX7 and JAN GE Blackplate 5751 tubes offers diverse sound profiles, ideal for pairing with darker microphones like the SM7b.
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User experience
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Some owners believe that changing the tubes may not significantly alter distortion characteristics, implying solid-state components might clip before reaching the tube stage.
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Users advise closely monitoring input levels to prevent distortion, emphasizing its sensitivity during recording sessions.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ART Digital MPA II, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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