ART Pro MPA II | Preamps @ ZenProAudio.com

ART Pro MPA II
Two channel tube mic preamp / DI, full featured for low dough

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Fake Price................................... $379.00

Real Price............... $269.00

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Status: Pre-Order, Arriving Soon

Availability: Estimated April 24 Arrival

Shure A15AS

ART Pro MPA II Stereo Tube Preamp Description

The new ART ProMPA II is the next generation in affordable high performance microphone preamp technology. Each microphone input circuit, with selectable 48v phantom power, features variable input impedance which can radically vary the overall performance of any high quality dynamic or ribbon microphone. The ProMPA II can be configured for dual mono or stereo operation with selectable mid/side mic support, summing the adjacent channel, to decode left/right signals.

The ProMPA II can operate at either a low or high plate voltage on the two integrated hand-selected 12AX7 tubes for wider variation of preamp tone and performance. Large back-lit analog VU output meters display output levels while multi-colored LED arrays show tube gain.

Housed in a standard 2u space rack-mountable steel chassis, with CNC routed black anodized aluminum face panel, the ProMPA II is designed to deliver years of reliable operation in the studio, production facility, or on the road for live sound reinforcement.

ART Pro MPA II Stereo Tube Preamp Features

Variable Input Impedance For Flexible Microphone Voicing (150 Ohms To 2400 Ohms)
Selectable Plate Voltage
Large VU Meters
Backlit Function Switches
Discrete Class-A Input Microphone Preamplifier
Low Noise at Lower Gain Settings
Extremely Low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
Wide Frequency Response
Additional Front Mounted Instrument Input Jack
Supports Mid/Side Miking Technique
Operates at +4dbm/-10dbv Output
Selectable Stereo/Dual Operation of Output Controls
Automatic Instrument Input Selection

ART Pro MPA II Stereo Tube Preamp Specifications

Frequency Response 15Hz to 48 kHz (+0, -1dB) @ normal plate voltage
15Hz to 120 kHz (+0, -1dB) @ high plate voltage
Dynamic range: >110dB ("A" weighted)
CMRR: >90dB
THD: <0.005% (typical)
Equivalent Input Noise: -129dBu (XLR, "A" weighted)
Maximum Input Level: +19dBu (cannon)
Maximum Instrument Input: +17dBu
Input Impedance: 150-3000 Ohms adjustable (XLR)
>800K Ohms (Instrument)
Maximum Output Level: +27dBu (XLR)
Output Impedance:: < 47 Ohms (XLR)
Maximum Gain: 75dB
Meter Calibration: 0 VU = +4dBu output (+4dB mode)
0 VU = -10dBV output (-10dB mode)
High Pass Filter: single pole, 10-200 Hz adjustable
Power Requirements: USA – 105 to 125 VAC / 60 Hz Export units configured for country of destination
Dimensions: (HxWxD in) 3.50 x 19.0 x 8.75
Dimensions: (HxWxD mm) 88 x 482x 222
Weight: (lb/kg) 10.5 / 4.7

ART MPA Gold Review / See All ZenPro Audio Reviews Here: Review Page

The MPA isn’t a true tube preamp in the same sense as higher end offerings, but in this price range it really does have a decent feature set and sound that is typically better than most home studio mixer preamps. The variable impedence, hi-pass filter and selectable plate voltage all give the unit some versatility as well that isn’t achieved in most other low cost preamps.

There is a touch of an “electric” sort of sound to the MPA preamp that is sort of tingly up top. When engaging the high gain switch it is exaggerated more. You can achieve somewhat of a driven sound from the MPA also. The detail from the pre is fair, and it has an extended sound to it for sure. Overall the noise floor is fairly low, I’ve never found it to be problematic in a rock tracking setting. Lots of tube options out there to experiment with as well.

Conclusion: A lot of preamp for the money, features wise. Sound wise it certainly is decent, don’t expect it to come close to anything high end as fair as 3D sound etc, but home studio guys could mostly benefit from the MPA.

Reviews:

(1 Rating, 1 Review)

Average Rating:

Great options for little $$

Johnny Ninepins (Columbia, SC) 3/25/2009 12:09 PM

I own one of the Digital MPA Gold's and I have been very impressed with it. While it obviously isn't going to compete with some of the $3000+ pres out there, you'd be surprised at how this affordable unit stacks up next to some competitors costing significantly more. This unit has a plethora of I/O options as well as a large palette of possible tones. The first thing I did when I received my DMPA was open it up and yank out the stock tubes and replaced them with a pair of vintage telefunken 12ax7s that I had. The difference in sound was very significant. The full, "dark" sound of the telefunken tubes really helped the DMPA produce some nice tones. The stock tubes were pretty thin and weak sounding by comparison. I would highly suggest approaching a purchase of this unit with a plan to immediately replace the stock tubes with something a little nicer. I'd say go vintage NOS for the best effect. Consider it a small mod with a huge return on investment. If you are on a budget and looking for lots of "bang for the buck", the wide array of I/O and tonal possibilities of this unit won't disappoint.