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Description
The ART Tube MP Studio Mic Preamp is a game-changer for musicians and audio engineers seeking to elevate their sound. Designed with hand-selected vacuum tubes, this preamp delivers a smooth, warm, and rich tone that breathes life into your recordings and performances. The inclusion of a super-precise VU meter and ART's Output Protection Limiter (OPL) ensures you have precise control over your output levels, safeguarding your equipment while maintaining optimal sound quality.
This versatile preamp is perfect for both studio and live settings. It offers superior preamplification for microphones, instruments, and line-level sources, making it an indispensable tool for home studios and professional environments alike. With over 70dB of gain and variable input and output gain controls, you have the flexibility to dial in just the right sound. Whether you're recording vocals, guitars, or other instruments, the Tube MP Studio excels as a tube DI, providing excellent sonic performance that often surpasses on-board preamps.
Equipped with XLR and 1/4" inputs and outputs, +48 volts phantom power, and a phase reversal switch, this preamp is engineered for seamless integration into any audio setup. Its TEC-Award nominated design highlights its quality and innovation, making it a reliable choice for audio enthusiasts.
Key Features:
- Hand-selected vacuum tubes
- Over 70dB of gain
- Variable input and output gain controls
- Super-precise VU meter
- Output Protection Limiter (OPL)
- XLR and 1/4" inputs and outputs
- +48 volts phantom power
- Phase reversal switch
- Functions as a tube DI
- TEC-Award nominated design
Product specs
| Brand | ART |
| Model | Tube MP Studio Tube Microphone Preamp |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2009 - 2025 |
| Made In | China |
| Categories | Microphone Preamps |
| Electronics | Analog, Tube |
FAQs
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What kind of tubes does the ART Tube MP Studio Mic Preamp use?
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The ART Tube MP Studio Mic Preamp is equipped with a hand-selected 12AX7A vacuum tube, which contributes to its warm, analog sound character.
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Does the ART Tube MP Studio Mic Preamp provide phantom power?
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Yes, the ART Tube MP Studio Mic Preamp includes a +48V phantom power switch, making it suitable for use with condenser microphones.
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Can the ART Tube MP Studio Mic Preamp be used as a DI box?
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Yes, the ART Tube MP Studio Mic Preamp functions excellently as a tube DI, providing superior preamplification for instruments and line level sources.
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What are the input and output options on the ART Tube MP Studio Mic Preamp?
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The ART Tube MP Studio Mic Preamp features both XLR and 1/4" inputs and outputs, offering flexible connectivity for various audio equipment.
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How much gain does the ART Tube MP Studio Mic Preamp provide?
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The ART Tube MP Studio Mic Preamp offers over 70 dB of gain, making it capable of amplifying even low-output microphones effectively.
Videos
FrostByte
ART Tube MP Studio Mic PreAmp | (Bass Guitar)
ART Tube MP Studio Mic PreAmp | (Bass Guitar)
FrostByte
ART Tube MP Studio Pre-Amp Testing and Re-Tube
DeadKoby
ART Tube MP Studio Microphone Preamp Review
Benjie Moreno
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ART Tube MP Studio Mic Preamp.
Features and functionality
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Users find the ART Tube MP Studio Preamp adds a slight tone boost to bass and guitar DIs, enhancing sound when paired with software amp sims.
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The ART Tube MP Studio V3 includes built-in EQ presets, providing versatility in tone with the ability to add saturation when driven hard.
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The ART Tube MP is noted for its starved plate design, which affects how it saturates, resulting in a fizzy sound rather than the typical tube saturation.
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User experience
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Owners frequently experience electrical noise with the ART Tube MP, acknowledging its reliability issues but appreciating its impact on vocal clarity.
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Owners mention that the unit adds a unique "crunchiness" to shouty vocals and drum room channels, making it fun for experimental uses.
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Owners mention significant noise, describing it as potentially the noisiest piece of audio gear they've used, especially noticeable in vocal recordings.
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Comparisons
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The ART Tube Preamp is preferred over Focusrite Solo's preamps for enhancing SM57 mic high frequencies, previously described as rolled down by several decibels.
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The ART Tube MP Studio V3 is noted to be noisier than high-end preamps but is favored for adding character to shouty vocals and bass lines.
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In a blind A/B test against a Great River 1073, the ART Tube MP surprisingly received more favorable votes, highlighting its potential despite its price range.
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Use cases and applications
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Utilizing the SM57 with the ART Tube Preamp allows recording at closer distances (3-5 inches) while maintaining vocal detail with minimal room noise.
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Ideal for voiceovers or podcasts, the ART Tube MP Studio V3 is capable but may not meet high production quality standards due to its noise floor.
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The ART Tube MP is praised for use as a bass DI, enhancing the signal before amp simulation with natural compression and high-frequency flattening.
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Other
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A user reported a power supply issue due to voltage mismatch when purchased second-hand, requiring an additional investment in a compatible power supply.
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Critic Reviews
3.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 13 Ratings
1787
Replace Tube
As soon as you get it. I threw a Rube 12AX7 in mine. Yes, OK, I know, Ruby isn't the most popular choice. But for the voicing I wanted, it was what I needed.
You replace the tube, this little preamp is about as solid as they come. I've had mine near on a decade, and it's never once let me down. Ever. Just remember, it converts your signal to LINE LEVEL, even if you go XLR IN, you're going to be going a guitar cable OUT.
Save yourself hours of headache trying to figure out where all that hum is coming from, and just run LINE OUT.
Genre Usage
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