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Description

Unleash the full potential of your studio recordings with the ART MPA Gold, a preamp that marries classic warmth with cutting-edge versatility. Designed to meet the needs of both budding artists and seasoned professionals, this preamp infuses your sound with a rich, vibrant quality that only tube technology can offer. The MPA Gold stands out with its Variable Input Impedance, allowing you to tailor its response across a wide range of microphones, opening up endless creative possibilities.

The heart of the MPA Gold is its unique dual-channel tube circuitry, featuring 2 - 12AX7A vacuum tubes. This powerhouse setup delivers exceptional detail and clarity while providing gain with controlled overload. The selectable Tube Plate Voltage feature offers you the flexibility to shift between classic tube warmth and modern high-voltage performance, ensuring your sound is always authentic and dynamic.

From its intuitive Tube Warmth LED metering to its large VU meters, the MPA Gold gives you precise control over your audio dynamics. The analog meter range, switchable between -10dB and +4dBU, combined with a continuously variable high-pass filter from 15Hz to 150Hz, ensures you're ready for any recording scenario. Whether you're capturing the subtle nuances of a vocal performance or the raw energy of a live band, the ART MPA Gold transforms your studio into a hub of sonic exploration.

Key Features:

  • Dual-channel tube circuitry with 2 - 12AX7A vacuum tubes
  • Variable Input Impedance for microphone optimization
  • Selectable Tube Plate Voltage for tonal variety
  • Large VU meters and Tube Warmth LED metering
  • Switchable analog meter range from -10dB to +4dBU
  • Continuously variable high-pass filter from 15Hz to 150Hz

Product specs

Brand ART
Model MPA Gold
Finish Silver
Year 2000s
Made In United States
Categories Microphone Preamps

FAQs

What is the benefit of the variable input impedance on the ART MPA Gold?

The variable input impedance (150 - 3000 ohms) allows you to match the preamp to different microphones, enhancing tonal flexibility and optimizing the sound quality for each mic's unique characteristics.

How does the selectable tube plate voltage affect the sound of the ART MPA Gold?

The selectable tube plate voltage lets you choose between a warmer, vintage sound or a cleaner, more modern tone, offering versatility for different recording styles.

Is the ART MPA Gold suitable for recording vocals?

Yes, the ART MPA Gold is well-suited for recording vocals, offering a warm, rich sound with its tube preamp design, and providing low noise and wide frequency response for clear, detailed vocal recordings.

What type of inputs does the ART MPA Gold offer?

The ART MPA Gold features a front-accessible high impedance input jack and automatic input switching, making it convenient for connecting different audio sources quickly.

How do the large VU meters on the ART MPA Gold assist in recording?

The large VU meters with range switch provide visual feedback on signal levels, helping you monitor and adjust gain settings to avoid distortion and ensure optimal recording levels.

gearwire

gearwire

ART MPA Gold: Before You Amplify, Preamplify

Video thumbnail for ART MPA Gold: Before You Amplify, Preamplify by gearwire

ART MPA Gold: Before You Amplify, Preamplify

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for Trying the ART MPA GOLD YEAH! Like this guitars rock! #beatit by Mary Keey

Trying the ART MPA GOLD YEAH! Like this guitars rock! #beatit

Mary Keey

Mary Keey

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ART MPA Gold.

Comparisons

  • Some users suggest considering Warm Audio preamps as an alternative, citing their excellent quality for beginner outboard gear at a similar price range.

    Source
  • Black Lion Audio Auteur and Golden Age Project preamps are mentioned as comparable alternatives, with used prices around $250 and $200 respectively.

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  • The ART Pro MPA II surprisingly outperformed many high-end preamps in a Soundonsound test, highlighting its impressive capabilities for its price.

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  • The ART MPA Gold is noted for a smoother tube sound compared to simpler interfaces, especially beneficial for vocal recordings.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A used ART MPA Gold 2 preamp is available for $180, offering a competitive price point compared to similar models.

    Source

User experience

  • Second-owner status doesn't deter potential buyers if the condition is verified, indicating confidence in the preamp's durability.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the ART MPA Gold for delivering a satisfactory tone even though it doesn't match the quality of higher-priced preamps.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Users report the ART MPA Gold acts like a limiter, smoothing vocal tracks, a feature often appreciated for its tone-enhancing capability.

    Source
  • The ART Pro MPA II is valued for its VU meters and tube inclusion, which fits well into studio racks and enhances the aesthetic and functionality.

    Source
  • The ART Pro Channel II combines a single-channel tube preamp with a compressor and parametric EQ, offering a versatile tool for studio setups.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the stock 12AX7 tube in the ART MPA Gold with a higher-quality tube is suggested to enhance its performance.

    Source

Other

  • The ART MPA Gold's circuit design, component quality, and power supply are key factors in its performance difference from higher-end models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The ART MPA Gold is used effectively for mic preamps and DI guitar input, appreciated for its versatility across different instruments.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users with Scarlett 18i8 interfaces report low gain issues with synths, suggesting the ART MPA Gold could help increase input levels.

    Source
  • Some users recommend swapping an audio interface for a UA Volt with vintage preamps and an analog compressor for better performance and features.

    Source

3.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dana James Presson uses ART MPA Gold

Dana James Presson

Composer

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram photo, composer Dana James Presson is using an ART MPA Gold preamp during recording.

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