Updated Tube MP Project Series Preamp from ART
July 8, 2005
Applied Research and Technology (ART) has annouced the new Tube MP Project Series, a preamp that lets you connect microphone, instrument, and line level signals to a mixer or other audio input. ART updated every aspect of the design, inside and out, from the new all-aluminum stackable chassis to the precision LED level metering circuitry.
The new ultra low noise discrete microphone preamp front end has a flat and wide frequency response and handles a wide range of input signal levels with a minimum of coloration according to the company. The high impedance 1/4" instrument input bypasses the microphone preamp circuitry to maintain a clean signal path. A 12AX7A tube is used inside to add warmth to musical dynamics and the power supply is external to keep AC line noise and hum back at the wall.
The input Gain control and switch help you to maximize your input dynamic range as well as control how hard you are driving the tube. Input impedance is switch selectable to optimize your microphone's response right on the front end. These two features are a must when trying to get the most out of a vintage ribbon or studio grade microphone. The switch selectable high-pass filter removes very low frequency rumble and wind noise before it has a chance to overload your inputs. The Bessel filter design is set at a low 40Hz to preserve bass tonality and time domain response and it is very effective when tracking or interfacing to your computer based audio workstation. Phantom power is available for the XLR input and is a clean +48volts DC from a low noise internal supply that is current limited to prevent damage to your sensitive microphones.
A FET Limiter with fast attack and musical release times limits the maximum audio output level to prevent overloading succeeding equipment while still maintaining a clear uncompressed sound. This allows you to maximize the dynamic range of your signal before converting to digital. A Phase Invert switch allows you to switch signal polarity right at the source. This feature is especially handy when you are mixing the signal output with other channels in a mix. The Output control comes after the Tube and Limiter and is used to match the output level to a wide variety of systems. Following it is a new output section that provides high output signal drive capability to both outputs.
Tube MP Project Series Features Include:
- Low noise discrete front end
- Up to 70dB of clean, "musical" gain
- High output signal drive capability
- Fast FET limiter to prevent overload
- Switch selectable input impedance
- Precision LED metering
- Built-in low noise, +48V phantom power supply
- XLR and 1/4" inputs and outputs
- Phase invert switch
- High cut filter switch
- Variable input and output controls
- Compact, stackable all aluminum chassis
The MSRP on The Tube MP Project Series is $79.00 and will be available at music specialty stores Worldwide in September 2005.
For more information, visit their web site at www.artproaudio.com. | 
