ART Tube MP Preamp Vocal Review

In this video i show you what the ART Tube Preamp sounds like. Questions or comments can be posted or sent to [e-mail]

[@Laphin]

Can you explain please why there was a hiss while you were speaking with the Tube Preamp??? Many people keep asking you this question. Did you attempt editing it out or something, adding a gate?

[@melvinvasquez8518]

About the hiss that we are hearing that is being gated out: this noise may be coming from a signal (impedance) mismatch. Remember that a mic preamp takes a weak input signal from a mic (low impedance) and converts it into a line level output. This ART is outputting line level and then it is being plugged into the mixers mic input; a connection expecting a low impedance input. I am, however, assuming that the xlr connector on the mixer is only a mic connection; and if so this would raise the noise floor significantly. The solution would be to use an xlr to 1/4 inch trs cable and go from the ART output to one of the 1/4 inch line inputs on the mixer.

[@yutokanazawa]

hey I used to use it for guitar without problem then I've been having that static noice with microphone, I thought my tube got worn out or something but you solved the problem, thanks a lot Melvin.

[@Barnacules]

I purchased this Pre-Amp and I'm trying to use it with my Beyerdynamic MMX-300 head phones so I can pick up my voice and mix it in with music and game play footage, etc. The problem is when I connect it though the TRS port with an adapter from 3mm and max out the input and output plus add +20db I can barely hear anything. Do I need a different type of amp for this microphone?

[@adensalazar3937]

Man this is so old lol

[@AmareSwims]

@@adensalazar3937 Man this is kinda old lol

[@bringbackhipv]

@WorkingManStudios i would really agree with that. unless you have a rock solid board with some high quality pre amps in it your kind of deffeating the purpose of using a out board preamp. A preamp basically highlight certain frequencies that are not normally brought out with a standard input or mixer. So to have a mic go into the outboard and have it do its magic and then to go into a whole different pre amp that highlights its own specific frequencies. the result is a colored unatural sound.

[@JonCruzGames]

Just got this preamp and it has a good, clean, warm sound and the gain has a nice gratey bite to it. It's a very nifty device that's not too expensive. I haven't tried it with a guitar yet, but for vox it's definitely worth having in the studio.

[@Exhume2Consume]

@WorkingManStudios what is the point of hooking it to the mixer before the interface wouldnt you be able to do that through the program? or does the signal come out better when using a external mixing device?

[@craft-can]

@cdunkng only thing i can think of is, tube is blown in the MP. If its not blown theres gotta be some connection or setting issue. If u can test it on a pa system....mic and MP and it works its a setting issue if not its a prob with the MP. Hope that helps

[@DECIFERTHIS09]

guys if you want to warm up a standard mic to mixer sound or guitar, the art tube preamps do a good job the cheap one is basically the same design as the $300 one so go for the cheapest art to get roughly 20-40% more warmth and volume out of your chain. I love it as a little budget pre.

[@EzyoMusic]

Very nice. Excellent demo! Does this unit have S/PDIF out? If not, do you know any unit of this level that does? Thanks.

[@matrixate]

One more thing, you're right, this is a great piece of equipment. Out of all the units "out there", this is one will have the best flexibility for producing better sound for voice because of the impedance control. For instruments, IMHO, they're ALL good...anything will work. :)

[@knoxiuz]

@WorkingManStudios how do you connect the xlr and 1/4" output to the behringer UCA 222? Another question is the xlr input only connected to the xlr output and same goes for the 1/4" jack ?

[@timolszowy]

this is a dumb question but im new to recording music. do u have to plug the preamp into a mixer or can u just hook it up to the line in on a computer?

[@muzikmasteruk]

i just mean, if your mic is powered by the mixer anyway, is the preamp really necessary? it sounded fine b4 u connected it... ive actually just set it up at home similarly as an experiment and im just wondering if the preamp is just another addition of noise to the mic signal path... is the warmth gained really worth it?

[@JobyP]

@IntoMotionBC Do you have an audio interface? You can't input sounds into reaper without some sort of interface. Unless you're doing some cobbled up radio shack shit...

[@jmorg620]

I appreciate the vid, very helpful. My question is, whether or not I use protools to record or logic, I usually go through an M Box. I can hook the Mic to the pre amp and then the pre amp to the m box, right? Do I need a mixer for that? Or am i good just with that set up?

[@DiCola119]

@WorkingManStudios Hey thanks! This may be a tough question to answer, but if I use this preamp 2-3 times a week for a couple hours each time I use it, could you give me a rough estimate on Tube life? I don't have the money to be replacing tubes even twice a year.

[@DiCola119]

Hey, right now I'm using the standered built in preamps in my Mbox 2 Mini. Both signals from Mics or line sources like guitars both sound flat when they are recorded into my computer, and it makes a recording nearly impossible to sound good. I think its the preamps. Id like to get the preamp your using, and run its output into my Mbox's input. Have you tried the line/intrument parts of your preamp? If so could you tell me how well they are?

[@vinylrockerz]

I have an studio projects b1 mic, and i wanna know what i need for cables so i can connect the mic to the preamp and then from the preamp to the soundcard, i just want to know what cables i need.. please give me a fast answer, its a simple question.. Studio Projects B1 - What Cables ?

[@craft-can]

@cdunkng how was it connected before ? have u changed settings in ur recording software? assuming u are recording to computer

[@san5a89]

can I use this device as an effect for many instruments linked to the mixer through send/return?

[@bradmcleish]

These things have endless uses. Don't be fooled by the low price. I bought one for my studio and a week later I owned five more. The simplicity of these units is crazy. From live and studio vocals, live or studio acoustic guitar, to live vocal broadcasting these little units are worth their weight in gold !

[@arbitermatt]

I think they should be as common in studios as shure sm57/sm58s. They're amazing workhorse preamps that aren't expensive, have little noise and deliver a solid, warm representation of whatever you run in to it. I use 2 of the basic models when micing up guitar my guitar cabs for gigs, the phase invert feature is vital when using 2 mics. I wouldn't bother spending any more than I have

[@anonymusum]

Could you please tell me whether it can pruduce slight distortion? I would like to use one for my Hammond sound module that produces a horrible distortion effect. So maybe this ART preamp could help?

[@RICK-wo8ci]

Art have dual usb preamp ... Much difference to Art usb tube ??

[@redcarsarasota]

So the phase invert would be if you're doing an X-Y with a pair of mics, one tube preamp per mic? One phase invert on, one phase invert off?

[@luke-da-duke]

why do you need a mixer before you plug it into the interface?

[@djsnuset]

Hello, Don't know if you tested the Tube MP original but you can maby answer my question anyways. What differens is it between Project Series and the Original, I'm going to order one of those but I don't know the differens. Thanks!

[@michael86734]

cool is this portable or more for a studio work

[@10R8]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but when editing or recording your voice for this video, you've put a gate on havn't you? As when you speak an underlying hiss is audible, yet when you cease to speak, this hiss stops too.

[@jcrew9085]

QUESTION: Can i hook my condenser mic to my ART TUBE MP and from my Tube MP (using another xlr cable) to my mobile pre usb interface? thank you for the suggestions, I am new to recording and would like to know if this will work, thank you.

[@Tom_Roberts]

There's a noise gate there somewhere - it cuts the hiss in the silence, so it's hard to judge the white noise level. I think the pre-amp added noise ?

[@mustypipes6602]

Paul wilson hear the noise gate as well.

[@amohkoj]

@jovanify yes it is possible. thats what i do. behringer c1 mic > behringer mic100 preamp > alesis i02 express audio interface and it works great. But my preamp produces some noticeable amount of hum. do you know of the art preamp's humming state?

[@AlanMcCarthyguitar]

hi ya , i ve a question about the art tube mp if you would nt mind me picking your brain ,(just the basic one now not the studio one v3 one ) , bear in mind now that im just starting off with all this . can i plug in both a mic for vocal and guitar at same time ? i m hoping to use this with the zoom q3hd recorder that i have , the studio projects B 1 mic was recommended to me but i dont know if this will do both vocal and guitar at same time , can you advise please ? thanks

[@dakitchenmusicinc...1200]

Do i need a mixer or just hook up to my laptop usb

[@muzikmasteruk]

i hadnt actually spotted your mixer was behringer, same as mines. yeah i can hear a kind of tinny-ness to my Rode NT1A mic thru the behringer mixer preamp, the art tube is a bit "fatter" (as i like to call it), maybe that the warmness people often refer to? - maybe not as harsh.. more analogue.. is that what u meant? i'll make a few recordings 2moro with it n see how it comes out, its very late/early just now. thanks

[@IAmKingSantos1992]

would this preamp work with the co1u mic? if not is there any adapter i can buy since its a usb mic. or is there any preamp i can use??

[@pisaniforprez]

Hey man, if I have a condenser mic requiring phantom power, you'll hear sound (even though you're passing it through something that doesn't support phantom power (Pod X3)? And do you recommend buying the preamp even if I have preamps on my pod ?

[@DECIFERTHIS09]

I was talking to a guy at art about it and that's what he said there all the same there's just little bonuses like eq,opl,compression,etc. So I looked it up on gearslutz forum and they also back there all the same statement up. but for $20 it is a great piece of equiptment.

[@Phillygthemessenger]

@11100sam no, it is only a preamp, but if you wish you could purchase a mixer with effects and hook up the pre to the mixer. or get audacity/cubase and use the internal effects in the software. peace dude

[@Egon420]

I just bought an ART tube pac pre amp, and a berhinger tube pac mic. The mic comes with a power supply, which I have running into the ART tube pac, and into my comp. I'm getting a horrible humming noise from the pre amp. Sounds terrible when I record.. Using acid pro 7 and have a custom sound card in my comp. Any tips? I would really appreciate it. Got all new equipment and can't record.

[@MadBassistsLab]

I Have a question regarding this unit or actually more Wondering if you've had any experience with the ART tube mp single channel usb preamp. I'm loving this thing for the price and the reviews. but i want something that will not take up any more room in my laptop bag than it has too. And i gotta have a tube LMAO!

[@IzzyMakesMusic]

@WorkingManStudios how do you plug mixer into interface?

[@BrandonJoshuaMusic]

I just bought the ART MP Studio Preamp and it is NOT picking up any signal when I plug my condenser mic into it. I also have a mixer and m audio box and cakewalk software but my main question is why wont the preamp pick up anything even when its turned on.

[@Unplugged704]

If the mic is direct into the mixer... is the preamp really necessary?

[@yeseniahernandez221]

Best way to get direct monitoring with this? Trying to get headphone monitoring out of the rear 1/4" output for zero latency monitoring while running to recording through the usb, no luck is it possible to get direct monitoring with this or with a simple add on? Considering splitting signal to behringer Q502usb for direct monitoring, not sure best solution , any help appreciated sounds good when replaced tube with JJ hope I can get real time mic monitoring

[@yeseniahernandez221]

Didn't have the gain up enough I guess had to turn output up too to hear coming out of back

[@marcelomr994]

Olá eu tenho um aparelho desses mais não sei como ligar. Quais cabos tem que usar. Quero ver um vídeo com os cabos atras e como ligar eles

[@jlskaterboy22]

curious question can you say plug a condenser mic into this then out straight to an amp/pa system or is the mixing board required??

[@RonBaker456]

Are the eq settings the same on both the mixer channels?

[@TheNedleyRogers]

Good review! But I need help!!! When I plus any of my mics into my preamp (same on you have) I get no audio. When my guitar is plugged in it picks that up, though. Could it be my mics?

[@FaeUtero]

Dude, I was using this with my Shure SM57 and it blew the whole thing. It doesn't start anymore :-( It was working great with my rode nt1a. Do you think it's useless now ? or can I do something about it ?

[@THASICKBOYzENT]

ayy bro were did u get that mouse???what are they called?

[@IntoMotionBC]

Hey i use Reaper as my mixing program and just bought the 'Art Tube MP' today and am connecting my apex870 cardioid mic through it to my comp. it doesnt even show up as an imput recorder when i try to set up my recording option in reaper and am wondering if we've either a) bought the wrong thing b)not doing it right c)im just lost at what to do. please help xD

[@RefleX525]

Will this work if I just have Mic -> Preamp -> Computer ? by just using a XLR to 3.5mm on the output?

[@JSprayaEntertainment]

it seems like A R T is a good company , i think im gonna get some of there products

[@memomemomemog]

would it sound good if i conect a rode nt1a to this then a behringer xenyx 502 mixer then a interface then to the compuet ?

[@rudiemac9158]

whats up with the white noise?

[@bobslove]

m-audio fast track pro. is the ART Tube MP compatible with it?

[@CreationsAmz]

hey i was wondering if you know how to remove that ambient/Room noise when recording

[@fnforeverandaday]

has it got effects like reverb and ecos..

[@S2reds]

Will my mic work with just a mic going through the art tube mp plugged into my computer?

[@no1s1asteampunk]

My art tube Mp project series should be here soon. i am new to these whole amps things and mics and stuff. how do i find out what gain number i should keep my knob at?

[@HipCovers]

@MariaNicoleMusic It would work, as long as you plug the mic into the XLR input, then use the TRS output straight into your PC. Noooo problem :) it just won't be the BEST quality, but it won't be too bad.

[@zirokiller00]

hey, it would be very nice if you just open the program and record one audio track without the preamp and one with the preamp to see the difference of the picks and so people can see better but it sounds good tho nice video

[@michael86734]

wath do you use it for?

[@swissarmyyfilms.6755]

can this reduce the noise i get when i connect only my mixer to pc to my microphones

[@jesterraj]

what mic ur usin?

[@tomasemilio1]

hi-please .. what would be the proper use of equipment-- .. osea,, what do you gain? "--- output as voice recording,, or a tool --- which of these buttons pressed --- and what not - gain - impedance - filter limit ---------- - ------ phase thanks

[@Downbeat1984]

@TheSecrecyOfSolitude you can, but run into the line ins on the interface

[@D3TFR3SH313]

so whats causing the background hiss

[@jaysRiddum]

how do i replace tubes???

[@sethpoole5616]

Maybe the tube went out. If so you can get one fairly cheep. Other than that, i dont really know what it could be...

[@beatsbydab]

good review

[@stefanopunkskate]

does a preamp make a mic louder when recording without clipping in the mix? because I don't have a preamp and when i record i have to increase the volume of the mic in my interface and still raise the volume in the post production, and it clips and its still not loud enough.... im just starting btw... please if someone can answer this for me! :)

[@RawrGuitar1022]

i hered this was usb, is this true???

[@muzikmasteruk]

after some playin about ive actually got a cleaner signal here now that via my mixers preamp.. i have a different preamp to yourself, its the ART Studio V3 im doing it with.. until now its never been a viable option in the studio due to hiss, i think ive just cracked it tho.. lol

[@muzikmasteruk]

if you could do without it... then why do you need it.. ?

[@jonahsimmons3645]

What's the latency for recording

[@TheNealQ]

Whatever you interface latency is, this is just a preamp. You would still need an interface to get audio into your computer.

[@samathanwataguan]

@xxxtttaaa1 Nah it sort of enhances the signal like if it were passing through older analogue recording gear. I'm not entirely sure how apart from all the circuitry inside. I've tried it with Guitar DI'd and I'd say it significantly improves your signal quality. Be careful to make sure you do your levels correctly so it doesn't distort.

[@professorlamp]

@WorkingManStudios , It's not for EQ, especially not with an ART mp. You're better off buying a midrange interface (profre 610, 2626) instead of continually buying cheap stuff

[@kaijetucker1]

No its not necessary, and since his signal chain has mic -> pre-amp -> mixer -> interface, I know feel like I have no idea what this pre-amp sounds like.

[@bloodyz16x24]

Can it work with just battery? Please respond ASAP!

[@TheNealQ]

It needs 9volts ac so won't work with battery.

[@lilhouston503]

i have a question

[@vadergaming8195]

@jovanify I've researched and I'm going to just Mic - Art Tube MP - XLR Female - 1/4 Jack with a 1/8 Adapter, into my soundcard.

[@amohkoj]

@WorkingManStudios does this thing cause any kind of humming

[@timolszowy]

ok. thank you :D

[@mexicanstorm]

@jovanify yes, you can.

[@checkerace50]

You need to completely bypass the pre's on your board. The best quality you're going to get is the weakest link on the chain.

[@mallorga1965]

Not a good idea to connect preamp to mixer. Preamp should be connected directly to your interface/sound card to hear the pure signal of it.

[@matrixate]

The pre-amp added more hiss.

[@TheSchoolsux345]

id like to hear a condenser

[@jaydibartolo7129]

Can't do a proper test unless you less the preamp tube warm up 15-45 mins

[@CrankCase08]

Sounds just the same, with and without.

[@arbitermatt]

What are you listening through? The Tube MP sounds warmer on my set up

[@GikiOfficial]

Because you have left warm for 30min. IS A TUBE, and he just througt it...

[@yoronihc]

turn on the +48V Phantom Power.

[@ScreamenStephen]

@archebeats No it doesn't run on batteries.

[@matrixate]

That is NOT true. The Pro ART preamps have higher voltage plates which are 600% of the power of this one. There is a HUGE noticeable difference between this ART and the $300 ART. Plus, you have a compressor and EQ which are a big deal for vocals before they hit the A/D converter in your computer. Where did you come up with the idea that the components in this are the same as the ones found in the Pro versions?

[@DECIFERTHIS09]

No, it's a interface in itself.

[@MrWalter9000]

Good video, but should have been warmed up before the review by 30 minutes!

[@crackshotnoodles]

um...good video but you made a terrible mistake, you have "preamped" your signal twice, When using a Preamp you need to connect it via the Line input, even with the gain down fully you are still going through the Head amp.

[@vadergaming8195]

@jovanify I'd like to know this also.

[@DeadlyMixKrew]

Not a fan. They're cheap and low quality. I bought one to check it out and brought it back. I use more high-end equipment though so it might be good for someone who's just a hobbyist.

[@pinoyboycleo]

no

[@JVocalz09]

sounds noisy the s/n is killing me lol