ART TubeMP/C

The ART Tube MP/C is a high-performance Pre-Amplifier and also a multi-purpose-Compressor for audio engineering and recording. Two independent circuits featuring a tube-based analog preamplifier and a VCA-less compressor with optical gain reduction control are housed in one, convenient desk-top chassis.

Used as a mic/line preamp or as a DI (direct) box, the Tube MP/C is designed to work seamlessly with any recording, sound-reinforcement, or electronic instrument setup. The ART Tube MP/C Amplifier is a hybrid design utilizing the latest, most advanced, solid-state and tube technology.

The preamplifier's active balanced solid-state input provides extremely low noise and excellent common mode rejection. The ¼-inch high impedance input prevents loading of any connected device making the ART Tube MP/C Amplifier perfect for DI or line level applications. The preamplifier's second stage 12AX7a tube runs on a regulated DC voltage providing an additional 20dB of gain.

The compression circuit features a VCA-less design and utilizes optical electronics (Vactrol) coupled with a 12AX7a vacuum tube gain stage for superior musical performance.

Features

Tube-based mic/line preamplifier with up to 80 dB of gain

Hand selected 12AX7a tube

Optical (VCA-less) compressor circuitry = transparent dynamics control

¼ -inch unbalanced inputs and outputs

XLR balanced inputs and outputs

Transformer isolated XLR output

Selectable output range for Line/Instruments interface levels

LED meters for Tube Warmth, Gain Reduction and Output level

+ 48V phantom power

Phase reversal switch

Selectable release time settings

> 90dB dynamic range

Custom extruded aluminum chassis

Specifications

CMMR > 60 dB @ max gain

Equivalent Input Noise -128dBu typical ("A" wtd., Shorted XLR balanced input, gain @ max)

Frequency Response 30 Hz - 60 kHz +/- 1 dB balanced output, 20 Hz - 60 kHz +/- 1dB 1/4" output

Input Impedance 1M Ohms 1/4" input, 5K Ohms XLR input

Input/Output Connections Input: XLR balanced or 1/4" balanced. Output: 1/4" unbalanced

XLR balanced, transformer isolated

Maximum Gain +80 dB (balanced in-out, +64dB (unbalanced input, balanced output)

Maximum Input Level unbalanced (Inst): +15 dBu, balancd (mic): +10 dBu

Maximum Output Level +19 dBu (Line mode)

Output Impedance XLR:

<600 Ohms, 1/4": <300 Ohms

Low Cut Filter -3 dB @ 70 Hz, 6dB/Octave

Phantom Power Switch selectable, +48Volts DC, filtered, current limited

Power Requirements 9VAC @ 1000mA (external)

Attack Time

<1 ms (limit), 20 ms (comp.)

Release Time 150ms (fast), 20ms - 3s Program dependant (Auto)

Total Harmonic Distortion

<0.1% @ max gain

Tube Type Hand selected 12AX7a

Compressor Slope 2:1 (Comp.) / 11:1 (Limit)

Chassis Type All aluminum black anodized with integral rubber sides

Dimensions 1.75"H x 5.9" W x 6.5" D (44.5mm x 150mm x 165mm)

Weight 2.9 lbs (1.32 kg)