Product Description

The original Tube MP made pro-caliber tube preamping available to ordinary musicians and home studios. The MP Studio goes a step further by adding a VU meter for better level control and ART's OPL (Output Protection Limiter), which controls and maintains the output peak signal to protect hard-disk recording systems and soundcards. The VU meter reflects the impact of the OPL circuitry when it is activated, which allows more effective fine tuning of the audio signal. It is a valuable tool for recording in project and home studios and can also function as a DI box with impedance matching and preamplification for line-level sources. Includes a 3-year warranty.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #129 in Musical Instruments
• Brand: ART
• Model: TUBEMP STUDIO
• Dimensions: 2.30 pounds

Features

• Provides Superior Preamplification for: Microphones, Instruments and Line Level Sources
• Analog VU Meter
• OPL Output Protection Limiter
• Hand-Selected 12AX7A Vacuum Tube
• Variable Input and Output Gain Controls

From the Manufacturer
Tube MP – Studio Overview The original ART Tube MP put professional-caliber tube preamplification into the hands of thousands of musicians and recordists who wanted great tube tone.

The new ART Tube MP Studio features ART's "OPL" Output Protection Limiter, which precisely and accurately controls and maintains the output peak signal.

The OPL circuitry is crucial in protecting the next link in a signal chain - such as a hard-disk recording system or a sound card.

The Tube MP Studio goes even further, with the inclusion of a VU meter for observation and measurement of the unit's output level, which enables the user to keep his signal consistent with desired levels.

The meter also reflects the impact of the OPL circuitry on the signal. For example, if the signal is "in the red" on the meter, the meter will reflect the attenuation of the signal when the OPL is activated, and the signal is brought out of the "red".

The Tube MP Studio is the only Mic Pre in it's class with sophisticated metering and OPL functionality. These features alone can add hundreds of dollars to the price of a processor

The Tube MP Studio can be used in a wide variety of applications including recording, project and home studios, where it's metering functionality and OPL circuit really shines. It also functions as a direct box, with impedance matching and preamplification for line-level sources.

The ART Tube MP Studio's performance exceeds that of units costing many times its price... and it's unique combination of features and flexibility will make it a must-have in any audio toolkit.

Tube MP – Studio Features:

• Provides Superior Preamplification for: Microphones, Instruments and Line Level Sources
• Analog VU Meter
• OPL™ Output Protection Limiter
• Hand-Selected 12AX7A Vacuum Tube
• Variable Input and Output Gain Controls
• Provides over 60 dB of Gain
• +48 Phantom Power Switch
• Phase Reversal Switch
• XLR and 1/4" Inputs and Outputs
• Portable, All-Steel Construction
• Excellent as Tube DI

Customer Reviews

Bought becasue of price, kept because of features
I'll confess - I needed a mic pre-amp and didn't have a big budget. This seemed like I couldn't go wrong so I bought it.

So far I'm impressed with the sound quality, features, build, and value of this low end tube preamp.

First, it has both 1/4" and XLR inputs and outputs, with no switches needed (both work all the time). The VU meter is backlit and features an overdrive LED as well as a limiter circuit as well as input gain and output level controls.

This unit has performed well so far - I ran it constantly for the first 48 hours to weed out any early problems and none appeared. The box gets a little warm in constant usage, but not objectionably so. Some is from the meter light and some from the tube heater.

If I ran into the need to go from mic --> line level again I'd buy this amp again. It's nice to be surprised with the quality and features instead of disappointed with snap together plastic stuff that eats 9V batteries every day.

This was definitely a case of the wallet talking and making the right decision.

you get... what you pay for
i know 'you get what you pay for' sounds negative, but that's not why i'm writing this review. i purchased this unit with the intention of modifying it. before i started to do that, i gave it a very good listen. the pots (volume knobs) seemed to adjust a couple different humming noises. only in certain positions on the dial did the noise subside to a low level. and mind you, that low level is anything but acceptable to anyone doing semi-pro work. basically, i was restricted to only one position on the gain knobs to work in, because the two different noise sources seemed to phase out there. i might as well have hot glued them in place, but for the resulting sound, it wouldnt even be worth the effort.

if you are looking for a strictly entry level phantom power preamp, and dont care about noisy gear, this is a must buy. otherwise, dont waste your time.

Can't be beat for the price!
I use this for podcasting and other home recording. Adds much needed warmth to that cold digital sound. I'm thinking of buying another for my second recording station. Haven't recorded guitar with it but I hear that sounds great as well...