ART Pro Audio ART Tube MP

^# 18

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$45.00 to $129.99

4.0 (19)

3 Reviews

Find out who is using ART Tube MP

1 community setup

1 wishlisted

49 saved

Page last updated Jun 12, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated June 12, 2026.

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Price

3.5 (6)

$129.99

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4.3 (234)

$109.24 Used

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5.0 (16)

$99.62 8 available New

$49.72 17 available Used

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4.0 (33)

$129.99

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3.8 (6)

$114.99

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$45.00

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Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "ART Tube MP". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Immerse yourself in the world of music creation with the ART Tube MP. This preamp is a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology with a vintage twist, offering an impressive, high-quality sound output. It hosts a 12AX7-based mic preamp, delivering exceptional gain while maintaining a low noise floor, ideal for digital recording.

An impressive array of features meticulously designed for the modern musician ensures this device stands out from the crowd. With its 1/4" balanced and XLR balanced inputs, the ART Tube MP provides versatile connectivity options. It also boasts 1/4" TRS and XLR balanced outputs, enabling seamless integration with your existing studio gear.

To ensure you have control over your sound, the preamp features input and output level controls. The phantom power switch is a handy addition for those using condenser microphones. For added convenience, the 'soft' power up and down allows for gradual power transitions, eliminating abrupt changes that can harm your equipment.

Key Features:

12AX7-based mic preamp ensuring high-quality sound
70dB of gain with a low noise floor for digital recording
1/4" balanced and XLR balanced inputs for versatile connectivity
1/4" TRS and XLR balanced outputs for integration with other studio gear
Input and output level controls for sound management
Phantom power switch for condenser microphones
'Soft' power up and down for gradual power transitions.

Owner's manual

ART Tube MP User Manual

Product specs

Brand	ART
Model	Tube MP Tube Microphone Preamp
Finish	Black
Year	2008 - 2025
Made In	China
Categories	Microphone Preamps
Electronics	Analog, Tube

FAQs

What is the primary function of the ART Tube MP?: The ART Tube MP is designed as a tube microphone preamp that enhances the warmth and presence of your audio signal, making it ideal for both studio and live applications.
Does the ART Tube MP work well with dynamic and condenser microphones?: Yes, the ART Tube MP is compatible with both dynamic and condenser microphones, offering a versatile preamp solution for various recording needs.
What type of power supply does the ART Tube MP require?: The ART Tube MP requires a standard 9V AC power supply, which is included with the unit for convenient setup and operation.
How does the tube in the ART Tube MP affect the sound quality?: The tube in the ART Tube MP adds warmth and richness to the audio signal, providing a more natural and musical sound compared to solid-state preamps.
Is the ART Tube MP suitable for home studio recording?: Yes, the ART Tube MP is an excellent choice for home studios, offering professional-quality sound enhancement with a compact and affordable design.

Videos

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WorkingManStudios

ART Tube MP Preamp Vocal Review

WorkingManStudios

ART TUBE MP PREAMP Full Review (By tune4media)

tune4media

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TyTheProdigy

Art Tube MP Budget Preamp Review / Test

Podcastage

ART Tube MP - Cheap Mic Preamp for Acoustic Guitar Recording

Pine Hill Sound Studio

ART Tube MP - That Fat Sound You've Been Looking For!

ART Pro Audio

Reviews

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PROS

Excels at smoothing out electric guitar clean channel input, preventing digital clipping
Naturally limits signals without compressing, providing warm and transparent sound
Rock solid all-metal construction with smooth dials and precise buttons
Affordable, providing great value for the price
Easy tube replacement with simple access
Supports both XLR and 1/4" inputs and outputs, offering flexibility
Adds warmth and tone to solid-state amps
Effective as a DI box for piezo pickups, eliminating impedance mismatch issues
Provides phantom power and phase reverse functions
Suitable for entry-level recording, offering good sound quality

CONS

Inconsistent build quality; some units reportedly produce noise and muddy sound
Not a true tube preamp; tube sits between solid-state opamps
Gain control may lead to poor sound quality due to 'starved plate' design
Lacks EQ capabilities, relying on external sound shaping
Controls placement unsuitable for stacking in studio setups

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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ART Tube MP preamp enhances dynamic mic clarity and detail, especially for vocals, even with minimal room treatment.
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The ART Tube MP studio V3 includes multiple EQ presets, offering a diverse range of tonal options and saturation when driven hard.
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User experience

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Users report electrical noise issues with the ART Tube MP, though it provides significant tone improvement for bass and guitar DIs.
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Some owners find the ART Tube MP to be a reliable alternative to investing in a high-end interface with better preamps.
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Owners report variability in sound quality; multiple units of the ART Tube MP can sound different from one another.
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Some users describe the distortion as "fizzy" rather than the desired warm tube saturation, typical of the starved plate design.
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Comparisons

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ART Tube MP offers a cost-effective improvement over Focusrite Solo preamps, particularly for enhancing high frequencies in SM57 microphone recordings.
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Described as a solid-state preamp with a tube stage that adds distinct crunchiness, differentiating it from more expensive high-voltage tube circuits.
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In blind tests, the ART Tube MP has been favorably compared to higher-end preamps, like the Great River 1073, in terms of user preference.
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Use cases and applications

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The ART Tube MP adds a slight tonal boost to bass and guitar when using software amp simulations, providing a unique sound color.
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Ideal for shouty vocals, bass, and crunchy drum room channels, but may not be suitable for podcasting due to its higher noise floor.
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Best used with line-level output instead of mic-level input to minimize noise and leverage its full potential.
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While noisy for vocals, it can be effective for adding a "trashy" distortion to electronic drums or drum room mics.
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Software and compatibility

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Users with the Shure MV7 highlight the importance of having a compatible audio interface for converting analog to digital when using XLR.
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Mods and upgrades

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Swapping the stock tube for a TungSol or a 12AY7 is recommended for noticeable tonal improvement and increased headroom.
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 19 Ratings

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milan_hun

130

almost 11 years ago

Acoustic DI

I use it as a DI box for acoustic equipped with K&K Pure Mini pickup. Compared to the K&K's own Pure Preamp, it has more brilliant high end, cleaner sound and many more options (ground lift, jack and XLR ins and outs, phantom power, can be used with mic), and much cheaper too! It's quiet and fun to use on stage. It needs no or very little EQ-ing on the mixer. Amazing!