User Review
ART Tube MP Studio Tube Microphone Preamplifier
By Daniel Bemis
The ART Tube MP (studio edition) is a small tube preamplifier intended for use with microphones. It has an old-style analog VU meter, adjustable input and output levels, phantom power for mics that need it, and some assorted switchable options including OPL. OPL is Output Protection Limiting, so it's basically a mic preamp direct box with a built in VU meter and limiter. I've been playing with it for a few months now, and in my personal opinion, it does have some possibilities that may make it of interest for some budget conscious stations.
What do you get with it?
It comes with the usual "wall wart" power supply and an ART gear sticker.
Is it well built?
This is an inexpensive piece of gear that is NOT built like an inexpensive piece of gear. Metal cabinet,
knobs that are small but feel nice, 1/4 inch jacks are metal and secured to the metal case with nuts and washers, and although the unit is small it
has a nice solid heavy feel to it. It is inexpensive, but does not feel "cheap". Rounded corners on the case are a nice touch.
Now we'll have a peek under the hood. The unit is easy to open, just four screws. Solder is neat and bright, components are reasonably good grade. The ribbon cables connecting the two circuit boards are thicker/stiffer than what you'd find in a computer. Note that the pots are sealed, which is nice, because that means we won't get dust in them that will need cleaned out. I can dispel a rumour that I've seen repeated in some customer reviews about the tube/valve being just for looks and some people even claiming it is lit with an LED instead of actually having the filament working. The tube filament does heat up, there is no LED under it, and changing the tube does affect sound and tonal qualities. It's definitely not just for looks. I'm pleased with the quality and workmanship I'm seeing.
How hard was it to set up and use?
Very easy. Since it has 1/4 inch and XLR connectors for input as well as output, it will
hook up easily to most mixers and other gear, whether they are "pro" or "semi-pro"/home budget. I found nothing hard about using this unit, and I'd
say that while it certainly would be of use to a "pro" for some applications, a completely green beginner could use it, so long as they skimmed the
short manual and maybe asked a few questions.
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