All user reviews of 4/5 for the Art Tube MP

Prampli / DI tube. Model extremely mobile, not rackable, presents himself as a DI Housing Case
Includes a mic between a line between Jack, an output line and an output line level XLR (but symmetrical). Paramptres: gain of, switch to amplification 20db signal, phantom power (not ngligeable if your console / interface is dpourvue) and an output level.

USE

Configuration parameters and easy to use, manual very clear.

Attention no switch, it takes prfrence connect the microphone (or source) before connecting the power supply.

SOUND QUALITY

Colore not very sound, but provides consquent and apprciable gain for microphones ncessitent it. Also very good DI, especially for this price! Signal / noise apprciable (actually a microphone very little breath).

NOTICE GLOBAL

I possde for 3 years and I am very happy for this award. This is the first Pramp I have in my possession and so far I've had no surprises.

Preamp / DI Tube. Highly mobile model not rack, looks like a DI box
Has a mic input, line-in jack, line output and a line level XLR (but balanced).
Parampètres: input gain switch for signal amplification of 20dB, phantom power (not negligible if your console / interface lacks), a phase inversion (also practice) and an output level.

UTILIZATION

Configuration settings and easy to use, very clear manual.

Be careful not to switch, it is preferable to connect the microphone (or source) before connecting the power supply.

SOUND QUALITY

Colors fairly sound, but provides a consistent and appreciable gain for microphones that need it. Also a very good DI, especially for this price! Signal / noise ratio significantly (in fact with a little micro breath).

OVERALL OPINION

I have 3 years and I am very satisfied for the price. This is the first preamp that I have in my possession and so far I have had no surprises.

Microphone or instrument lamp (1 12AX7) preamp.
Two inputs and two outputs, each with XLR and jack.
Level control input and output.
Phatom a diet.

UTILIZATION

Ultra simple to use, a manual is not necessary.

SOUND QUALITY

This pre-amp gives a slight additional heat while being transparent.
I found no coloration.

OVERALL OPINION

Given the price, I do not see any negative criticism to make.
This quality product, in the form of a case that inspires confidence in its strength, provides a quite satisfactory.
I use it to connect the microphone who gets a guitar amp or an acoustic guitar.
It allows, as a direct box classic, a direct connection to the instrument.
It does not generate breath and respects the sound of the instrument while "rounding" in-slightly-warming sound, in a good way.
If I want to quickly record an idea and do not waste time out microphones, amplifier and speaker, I plug a Les Paul directly and go! The result is quite sufficient and even satisfactory.
I have two for some time now and everything is fine.

For the money this tube does a pretty good job. I tell my students that want a tube preamp for their home studio www.comia.us that this is a great way to learn the art of tube pre amps. The sound is colored but in a pretty good way. Trust me I use top of the line pre amps all day but this unit for a desktop unit is very good. In the old days of recording we use to "ride the input" meaning controlling the signal as it is being recorded. This unit is great in that it sits on the desk and it so reasonable it really does the trick and it can take a hit. There are settings that are all over the internet that a lot of guys share or post but there is really not much to the unit. It has a simple design to it. I recommend this unit for my beginning students that are not aware of any uses for tube or that may over do it and not recognize the sound of a tube pre amp. Most younger guys have never use a tube at any time in their lives unless they play guitar and know the difference. Most can't even hear what tube can do for the sound. Sometimes I get a bit of a buzz from the stock tube but it goes away. It is not to noisy for the money but it does have a bit of noise. Always watch the way you use this tube pre amp. If you are slamming the tube you will hear everything including the noise but if you just use it in moderation it will bode well for you. Don't try to saturate the unit with really hot levels of inputs.

UTILIZATION

Very easy to use and not hard at all to get use to. Great sound for the money. I like it for simple vocal tracks and it is a good starting point for people that do not know how to use pre amps with tubes. It is extremely simple to set up and use. I do like the table top aspect of the unit. I like the fact that you can use it and ride your input stage right by your right hand. I ride the input all the time when recording vocalists and I wish more tube pre amps and or pre amps that other companies would make table top units. As engineers having the input gain right at your finger tips is a real plus when I record vocalists.

SOUND QUALITY

Colored sounding but not in a bad way very decent and the tube is fine. Don't waste money switching it out. The sound is somewhat like a gritty tone that is not real high quality but in no way does it sound bad. It is like the blue tube or the old blue tube presounus tube amp pre amps that you could get for about 150.00.

OVERALL OPINION

For the price I would really consider this unit. It gives you a tube sound for a very low price. You can't beat it. Again for the price what is out there that can even compare. I saw a review where they were saying the MPA II was ten times better but I have them and they are not 10 times better than this pre amp. I would say the main difference is the gain input stage and in some ways this unit is very much like the MPA.

Art's Tube MP is exactly that, a tube mic pre-amp. It features xlr and 1/4inch inputs and outputs, and it is a desktop model which makes swapping cables a little bit more convienient. Newer models also include a decent VU meter and a brickwall limiter.

UTILIZATION

With the Tube MP, what you see is what you get. And in this case, it's not so much. Connectivity is quite ample, gain staging is sufficient for nearly any input source, phantom power and phase reversal are nice, and the limiting is a nice option but not all that great.
The controls are absurdly simple, a novice could use the Tube MP with no problem.
Setup and functionality are very straightforward though the lack of a power switch is a bit of a pain.
The manual is clear enough for what it has to say, which isn't much.

SOUND QUALITY

Sound quality? Well transparent would be the last word I would use to describe the Tube MP, moderately colored would be my choice. However, don't take that wrongly, what we all want from a tube mic-pre is to beef up or in some other way improve our sound.
The Tube MP accomplishes this quite well when you balance the price point with the overall product. The Tube MP does indeed impart some warmth to the signal but in my opinion it's more noticeable quality is a small amount of extra "focus" to the sound. In my experience the Tube MP has really helped with tightening up the upper midrange and treble of the source, and is helpful with virtually any microphone for adding a bit of "life" to the sound.
One thing to consider, Many complain that the included tube is just not all that great. The factory tube (12ax7a) is often replaced by the end user. A groove tube or a j-tubes replacement are common choices. Also, the unit can opperate with other 12a... tubes, a 12at7 for example. So, you may consider just swapping it out for a few other types and choosing the one that sounds the most pleasing to you.
As far as the complaints over the factory tube, I'm in agreement. The packaging claims, "built-in hand-selected 12ax7a tube." Well, if they mean to imply that some one actually picked a tube out of a box and manually installed it then I would say, "Yes indeed!" However, the idea that someone actuall installed a tube and then said, "This one's not quite good enough, let's try another!", is very unbelievable for a product of this price.

OVERALL OPINION

What to admire most about the Tube MP is the price, quite obviously. What to dislike the most is that for a certain amount of extra money you could have purchased something far superior.
For the price, the Tube MP beats anything else available and it has a "best bang for the buck" factor as well. It sounds decent, it works, what do you expect for less than 50$?
Consider this, Art's Pro Channel sells for approx. 300$. Is it worth 10x as much as the Tube MP? Probably more like 8x. But all the added features and overall functionality are worth the extra money.
When choosing this piece of gear I urge you to consider, "What do I really want out of this product?"

I have the original and most basic model ART Tube MP. It is black with no VU meter. I have been recording music for many years but I am not a professional. In recent years I have taken great interest in tube related amplifiers and equipment and enjoy doing sound tests etc. I feel that I know a LOT about the Tube MP.

I bought it in the early 2000s but I don%27t remember where or for how much.

The most basic model Tube MP is a great value because it is so inexpensive, well made, and good sounding if used right.

The only thing I don%27t like about the unit is the information provided with it. It took me quite a while to learn how to get the most out of it. I documented my experiences and what I learned in the form of videos which you can find on YouTube if you search under the name 'ToneTaster'.

Amazing construction for $30.00!

The ART Tube MP is great for the money if you know how to use it. If you don%27t it can mess up your sound. I have not tried the other more expensive models but I tend to think that the simple one is all you need and its wiser to save your money for a great preamp rather than spend few hundred for a fancier one of these.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

A small simple product with a half-visible light, a gain of an output gain, a alim.phantom, a pad of gain and phase reverse. Connectors XLR and jack input and output.
The TubeMP not rackable but this simply raises the can o, c - d everywhere!

UTILIZATION

EST could not be more simple to use, two pots and three buttons!
No need to book. Thank you

SOUND QUALITY

The quality is honorable and trs lamp adds a little more sympathetic.

OVERALL OPINION

Trs used for the microphones, so. Trs cool but also for guitars and basses Lectra. recording, or as the direct Casing live on acoustic guitars for example.
Obviously, it would be nice in Stereo, but the price ...
Note that ART offers a small converter with SPDIF the same size in 24 bit / 96kHz, ideal for attacking a sound card.
It's simple, efficient, a little small, but cheap. Good deal. Srieusement.

Prampli lamp, used to record a microphone requires phantom power in a home studio config.
and a level of output level
phantom power
possibility to add 20 db
reverse
Two connection options, jack or XLR input and output.

UTILIZATION

Trs simple to use, no need to read the manual (which is English)

SOUND QUALITY

I first tried a Premire who constantly crunches, it seemed to hear a hard turn vinyl, totally innutilisable.
I changed it and since it works well, a little breath recess, but if we did not numrique can not have no breath
for her I find it useful and trs trs enjoyable, it's true that light can "warm sound", while dpend of tastes and colors this level ...

OVERALL OPINION

I for a week, I have not a long exprience on this hardware but the little I used seems to me all the same though.

12AX7. One channel, one lamp, one sound: we turn to the right and archauffe more, until a soft trs progressive saturation, typical of the "lights".

UTILIZATION

There's that hook!

SOUND QUALITY

The lack of potato has softened considerably the instrument. INTERESTED in some voices, guitars, basses.Il should try to change the lamp to see what a given (original lamps for most products range from lamps, the lamps are often low-end, economics oblige ...).

Live, his breath is not rdhibitoire, Gnant's studio ...

OVERALL OPINION

I test various signal recording (voice, etc.), but I mostly used on my bass live (for the electro jazz ambient). Not too dcevant for the price: color is sensitive, if you like the grain is perfect! The breath is the default one, and one of "CHARACTERISTICS" traditional hardware lamps ...

See data sheet or other notices.

UTILIZATION

It could not be more simple: gain, output, phantom power ... double connector jack + XLR ...

SOUND QUALITY

Not much to say. In my opinion, people who said c'tait not usable in the studio did not know how to use it. And is like a bad relationship quality price, you really have to know a turning knob.
The problem of this product is the lack of graduation "pro" (which I need), ie a scale in dB. It is not known o is 0 dB both in or out, which is trs prjudiciable, Obviously it's like driving a car without knowing when you brake or when you access Lérez but you have to use your two pedals at the same time. If your gain is -10 dB and put your output level 10 dB when you brake and you acclrez at the same time, except that you do not even know!
Feedback, a risk of blows comes as a signal / noise ratio can be optimized not really "eye".
Otherwise, if you put everything back is that sr has breath, but must see the level coming out too ...

OVERALL OPINION

I bought it was released, it cost 950 F or more than double its current price, and I do not regret my purchase. I rcemment used a cello, a coupled Audio-Technica ATM-33 (an electret, I think, can walk on battery or power supply) and frankly I got a nice sound without breath .
The absence of saw-Maître makes using a bit difficult, it is true, but hey, it's a far Exceeds prampli that you find out about his style machines Portastudio and Roland VS ... (I have a VS-1680) ... it's the use, right?

For low-volume sources such as acoustic guitar arpge, for example, I recommend a pramp quieter, but you pay bcp bcp more.
At the current price of about 60, is unbeatable. Probably much better than the Behringer ...

Pre-amp tube.
1 input and output XLR and jack in the same
Input gain and output volume adjustable.
48v power supply.
+ 20dB PAD.
Phase inverter.

UTILIZATION

Home studio to record bass, vocals, Fender Rhodes, and everything that is not amplified.

SOUND QUALITY

Very good quality for the price (I bought 39 €). We love it or hate it color the sound.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for two days and is remarkable value for money. I think this amp is not suitable for all instruments. I tried it on a Fender Jazz Bass, it sounds very good.
Be careful not to push too hard on the volume and gain.

See further notice and site of the brand.

The connection is sufficient and allows the rglages needed.

An input and an output jack and XLR with ... what's better?

WARNING! I should point out that the plug is EUROPEAN, no need to travel adapter as a trademark in other reviews!

UTILIZATION

So what could be simpler .... Me I use it as DI / preamp for my electro acoustic lamp on the PA system.

4-5/10 knob input, output max 7 / 10 and I have a good sound, good without crunch. Apart from the two knobs, you can switch 3 to have a phantom power supply etc, but there again, nothing complicated!

In résumé is simple ....

ps: only regret, an on / off does not have the luxury but good!

SOUND QUALITY

Simple, effective.

The sound of electro in my sound system is great, very hot as it should, without saturation breathless ... but happiness. Must know rgler (ouch, two knobs, it's too hard) and you're jou!

The lamp may not be top, I will test later but better sound is spot on!

OVERALL OPINION

I put a score of 8, which for me is a good note. It is probably not the best stuff and probably not the worst!

DI lamp with power supply 48V

UTILIZATION

-Convenient, Cheap.

SOUND QUALITY

-Respect the sound of instruments, can add a little gain but not browned.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 2 years in ID lamp on acoustic guitar / bass see a micro.Surtout to have a phantom power on a guitar amp.
Simple, the gain can grate easily, gives the heat on low (just the guitar), provides a phantom power anywhere.
I bought two, one a grid like the other two months still going strong.
When it is possible the ground is the tendency knobs turned easily (in addition to his full concert, I have understood a long time).
-I bought for the price and on the advice of a friend.
-What about a product that price.
-I would do this choice for an ID but it's not a real pramp.

Ahhh Art. Offering VERY inexpensive gear to anyone in a pinch or anyone looking to get started. Well, when someone asks for a cheap preamp at a music store, the Art Tube MP is usually what the salesman directs one toward. It is a very inexpensive single-channel tube preamplifier for those looking to give their sound just a bit of that notorious tube warmth directly in the signal chain.

The Tube MP is actually quite generous, giving you 1/4" and XLR connections for inputs AND outputs (not something you see often in budget gear). It has all of the obvious things that people don't seem to notice until they need them: phantom power, phase reverse and a strange button offering 20db of gain, which is just a convoluted way to add a 20db pad into the machine.

UTILIZATION

There's nothing particularly special about the Art Tube MP except for the fact that it allows you to adjust BOTH input and output. Once again, I must also mention the XLR outputs, which quite frankly, mean a bit more than most people realize.

SOUND QUALITY

This is of course where the opinion on the Tube MP splits. Yes, the Art Tube MP WILL impart a certain tube fullness to the signal chain. No, it will not do it terribly efficiently. The Tube MP suffers from an unfortunate but understandable "budget grit." I won't attempt to describe it; the Tube MP's low price and resultant popularity ensures sound samples galore for anyone to look up.

I won't say that it's bad though. If used in a busy mix, the Tube MP is a very cheap way to get a good fat sound in the chain, but I would personally never use it against a solid-state preamp like my trusty M-Audio DMP3 on a quieter recording.

OVERALL OPINION

The Tube MP is probably where people initially go when they want a dedicated preamp for the first time. It definitely manages its market well. clearly differentiating itself from the vanilla and sterile preamps that tend to come in most beginner interfaces that most people start off on.

For not a lot of money, and a clear idea of its limitations and what you want out of it, the Art Tube MP is a pretty darn steal. But make sure your purchase is educated, because very few people in the world who deal with this don't have a terrifyingly polar opinion about this brilliant little box.