Applied Research and Technology (ART) has entered the arena with the transformerless Tube MP.
Much of the new tube gear adopted a 1950's
retro look. The Tube MP ($149) takes a different approach. It's
very 1990s and quite chic in its own way. But more importantly,
this box is portable, easy to use and sounds good. ART also offers
two other MP models as rack mounts-a stereo version called the
Dual MP ($329) and its topoftheline Pro MPA
($599).
Features
This compact singlechannel mic and instrument
preamp measures in at about 5" x 5" x 1.5". With
portability in mind, this box is ideal for the musician or engineer
who's on the go.
At the heart of the Tube MP is a combined 12AX7A
tube/solid state design that is visible from the top panel. The
topmounted input and output level controls are rotary pots.
There are pushbutton controls for +48 Phantom power, phase
reverse and +20 dB gain. The input control handles levels between
+6 dB and +40 dB. With the gain button pushed in, the overall
level is increased by +20 dB. And with the output control set
to max, an additional 10 dB can boost total gain to +70 dB.
Also on the top panel is a dualcolor LED. Green
indicates power, while red means clipping. Unfortunately, the
Tube MP doesn't have an on and off switch. Which brings us to
the power supply.
On the back side of the metal box is a jack
for the 9 V AC adapter. Yes, it connects to yet another "wall
wart." Also on the side are active balanced XLR and standard
TS 1/4" inputs and outputs. The XLR inputs utilize a hybrid
multiplepaired transistor/opamp design. The high impedance
of the input prevents loading of any device connected to it. The
two 1/4" connectors are unbalanced. The company states that
the Tube MP should only be used with one input signal.
In use
The box can comfortably double as a mic preamp
or an instrument direct box. As desired, the signal then can be
routed into a console, signal processor, tape recorder or amp.
I tried the Tube MP on several instruments
and with voice. Overall, the sound was warm and balanced. Acoustic
instruments displayed fine detail. The high end was not quite
as smooth as with more expensive preamps, but what do you want
for under $150? Sound was still pretty good. I found the +20 dB
control a nice addition. This button allows you to determine your
gain settings in relation to available head room. And the Tube
MP was very quiet. Input noise is rated at 129 dBu for XLR connectors
and 105 dBu for 1/4".
Summary
With its good performance, compact size and
versatility-and under $150 retail-how can you say no?
Contact: ART at 7164362720;