ART Tube MP Preamp Vocal Review

[BigBearfromthe206]

What's the difference between a pre amp and an interface?

[aDriveByProd]

sounds pretty good and with a limiter. I might try it out. I have a mbox mini and just got rid of a digidesign 003. I might try this out with a alesis compressor.

[deadbirdsings]

Why does hitting the phase inversion switch make an audible difference? Inverting the phase shouldn't make any audible difference when using a single mic.

[YADIPRODUCTIONS135]

WITH THE USB ONE DO YOU NEED TO USE A MIXER ?

[sdfxrplv2]

@YADIPRODUCTIONS135 No you don't if you use the non USB one you need some kind of usb interface or a mixer with usb.

[MellowChaos]

I have an AT2020 condenser mic, plugged into the preamp, which is directly plugged into my PC. It actually has a soundcard but I can't access it! My vocals sound atrocious, and I have no idea how much gain and output to use or not use. Please help.

[CreationsAmz]

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

[losingmagame]

Can i plug this into a HDV-camera?

[bobslove]

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

[MariaNicoleMusic]

I have a question about this...

Could i buy a normal condenser mic, and plug it into the preamp, and plug the preamp into the PC? Like, without a mixer?

I'm a teenager on a budget, lol

[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.

[forinstance872]

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

[DBK89]

hi, i have this ART Tube MP Preamp (usb), and ill be getting a AT2050 microphone this week, i was just wondering, would it be possible to record my vocals, and monitor them at the same time?..(mic/pre-amp/computer) lol...im not sure if im making any sense!..but if you can help me, id really really appreciate it!, thanks, plus i subbed!

[ComedicToast]

@DBK89 You need an audio interface! This is just a pre-amp and the signal goes one way only. Your computer has a sound card but is probably stock cheap shit and will have latency (lag).

[TucoRamirez2]

Hi, did you ever get the apogee one interface? Curious to see how you got everything hooked up.

[RawrGuitar1022]

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

[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?

[archebeats]

does this run on bateries? cause I want a portable preamp for field recording.

[ScreamenStephen]

@archebeats No it doesn't run on batteries.

[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??

[lilhouston503]

dude yu sukk

[Ciferki]

I am hear some "hiss" sound on the background of your voice with this interface. Is it's real, or my system have some problems?

[lilhouston503]

i have a question

[xVxSANTANAxVx]

havin trouble getting this to work :( i have a xenyx1204usb mixer with the art tube pre amp connected and the mic im using is the sterling audio st51 its pickin up a signal but its not pickin up any signal thru the recording program i've been using for years, i have everything set to my mixer from adobe audition 3.0, but im havin no luck! grrrrr

[hotgypsylips]

Hi, would it work without the mix table? I need to plug my Rode NTG-2 to my computer

thanks

[bennyboytx]

you misused alot of terms but thanks for the video.

[FlickrawTV]

do u need the mixer or u could use it with out a mixer?



[SGwizard1]

@FlickrawTV ithout a mixer

[xxxtttaaa1]

does this unit add any colour to the mic (different tube sound), or is it only for level control?

[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.

[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?

[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?

[kakashishiz]

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

[claurobert1994]

@kakashishiz Yes

[JSprayaEntertainment]

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

[spiffication]

please someone reply ive done 4 signal sources into a 2 channel box then into usb into computer, but what happens if I plug i guitar and a mic into this box and record stuff? assuming i can manage the levels on their own, before they enter this preamp?

[HBK1337]

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

[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.

[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

[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?

[amohkoj]

@WorkingManStudios does this thing cause any kind of humming

[whatisasainttoday]

if i hit this into a pa and use a shure sm58 will it work okay? on a low budget, sorry for raping your videos:)

[BloodyxCape]

@whatisasainttoday I'm wondering this same thing

[WorkingManStudios]

@whatisasainttoday: should be, just be careful of your gains.

[dog009988]

@WorkingManStudios hey is Preamp and interface the same thing? because i need a Vocal compresser (Preamp) thing so if not i wonder if you make a video of what you need to plug it in to the interface

[jovanify]

is this possible? MIC - PREAMP - SOUNDCARD-COMPUTER ?

[VaderGaming]

@jovanify I'd like to know this also.

[jovanify]

@VaderGaming

I still have no asnswer. please msg if you find out. Someone told me the soundcard is no good . The pre amp acts as your soundcard . SO i think thats why some ppl dont have sound cards, just pre amps and mixers .

[VaderGaming]

@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.

[jovanify]

@VaderGaming

you have skype ?

[mexicanstorm]

@jovanify yes, you can.

[gman0999]

I just recieved my MP Project Series pre amp and appreciate your video to help understand the basic functions. Nicely done ! I was wondering what kind of mixer you use if you don't mind my asking. That may be the next thing that I am looking for.

[JVocalz09]

sounds noisy the s/n is killing me lol

[JVocalz09]

sounds noisy the s/n is killing me lopl

[JVocalz09]

sounds noisy 

[TheLastConfessions]

i have a bluebird condenser microphone and the art tube mp preamp, i dont have a mixer but i do have M-audio interface, is that enough? (i also have a mac) can you explain how id work my set up?

[TheSecrecyOfSolitude]

Do you plug the pre-amp to the interface?

[WorkingManStudios]

@TheSecrecyOfSolitude No into the mixer then into the interface

[TheSecrecyOfSolitude]

@WorkingManStudios Does it have to go into a mixer?

[TheLastConfessions]

@WorkingManStudios can you plug it into the interface?

[isreal95]

@WorkingManStudios how do you plug mixer into interface?

[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?

[Downbeat1984]

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

[Mfever23]

to use the preamp do you need a mixer or you plug it with the usb interface and you use it wiht the mic?

[WorkingManStudios]

@Mfever23: Not necessary but def recommended

[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.

[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 ?

[WorkingManStudios]

@memomemomemog: yes that should work out well for you.

[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

[WorkingManStudios]

@IntoMotionBC: im not familiar with your set up. perhaps you can send me a diagram or a picture

[jobyregrets]

@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...

[WorkingManStudios]

@jobyregrets: Yea I do check my video on how to set up a mixer. Its in there.

[11100sam]

has it got effects like reverb and ecos..

[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

[WorkingManStudios]

@11100sam: no just a preamp

[WhamJamPaco]

@WorkingManStudios

Could you do a review of this on drums? Even a single cymbal or tom would be great. Thanks!

[DuskY1991]

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

[WorkingManStudios]

@DuskY1991: There isnt a whole lot in this price range. No it does not have s/pdif. Try searching tube pre s/pdif.

[SyntheticEspionage]

If I'm using an XLR microphone as the input am I able to use the 1/4" output, specifically to convert to RCA or 3.5mm, or am I restricted to XLR Output?

[WorkingManStudios]

@SyntheticEspionage: Yep thats one of the perks with this unit!

[SyntheticEspionage]

@WorkingManStudios

Thanks for the information, I just purchased mine then!

[WorkingManStudios]

@SyntheticEspionage: Thanks for watching!

[Apollo13AndTheirProb]

Do you know of any inexpensive mixing boards with USB out for recording to PC?

[WorkingManStudios]

@Apollo13AndTheirProb

Look up the behringer 1204fx. its a very nice unit.

[Apollo13AndTheirProb]

@WorkingManStudios Thank you very much! :D

[WorkingManStudios]

@Apollo13AndTheirProb: No prob

[omgCSz]

What kind of tubes would you suggest replacing the stock tubes with? I'm getting this preamp soon.

[WorkingManStudios]

@omgCSz: Grove tubes are good. or you could go with sovtech

[CJTAGG1]

can i plug my condenser mic into this preamp and then plug it directly into my compter..?

[WorkingManStudios]

@CJTAGG1: no you need some kind of interface between the two.

[YoungCaprice1992]

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??

[WorkingManStudios]

@YoungCaprice1992: With a usb mic you should need a preamp because it is already preamped with the usb. I would suggest getting an XLR mic because they dont sell specific preamps for usb mics.

[IamBeeZ93]

Ive had this pre amp for about 1 yr now

an i use mixcraft for my prgoram. and i have been hearing a buzzing noise lately.

do you think thats the mic or pre amp ?

[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?

[WorkingManStudios]

@DiCola119: I have tried them and they work quiet well in fact. If you can afford to buy something in the $300-$500 range you would notice a drastic increase in quality, but this is probably the best preamp under $200.

[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.

[WorkingManStudios]

@DiCola119: Well it is hard to answer cause there is not a whole lot of info on it but i would def recommend changing the tube to one of higher quality. I would suppose that it would last a little less than your standard 12AX7.

[BludStatic123]

yeah i have time anytime

[BludStatic123]

SO mic to preamp cable from preamp to interface then usb if not could u make a short video of it

[WorkingManStudios]

@BludStatic123: Yes that is correct and if have time today ill make a short video for you.

[BludStatic123]

but i want to use the art tube through the audio interface on the computer is it:

Mic,cable from mic to preamp,Preamp,another mic cable to preamp to audio interface then usb to computer

[WorkingManStudios]

@BludStatic123: Almost, It should go Mic via xlr to the preamp then out of the preamp via xlr to 1/4 inch to the interface. Does that make sense?

[BludStatic123]

well the audio interface is called the Tascam US-100 USB 2.0 Audio Interface

then i am getting a cable called the Marshall XLR Mic Cable MXL Microphone 25 FT Foot Mogami

[WorkingManStudios]

@BludStatic123 Good choice on cable. Mogami makes the best cables out there. Connect your tascam to your comp then the mic to interface and you should be ok. You might need to install some software first.

[BludStatic123]

im getting the art tube mp studio mic preamp for 30 bucks and an audio interface for 60 i would like to know how the preamp plugs into the audio interface so i could use it on my pc

[WorkingManStudios]

@BludStatic123: it all depends on the units you are getting. Without knowing what you have its difficult for me to instruct you on what to do.

[Wooten72]

What's the best settings for recording vocals...is impedence and phase invert good...im using a akg perception 420 condenser mic with it

[WorkingManStudios]

@Wooten72: The impedance depends on how many mics you are using. If using two, invert the phase of one mic or you could loose some frequencies and end up with a thin sound. I would say use the gain boost and leave the output at 0 and turn the gain till its right.

[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

[WorkingManStudios]

@zirokiller00: Thats a good idea. Would you know how to do that by the way?

[TheSchoolsux345]

id like to hear a condenser

[diamondofblood]

I'm relatively new to recording and I recently bought a lexicon Lambda..There's a tiny problem I have with the unit..I have to max out the gain on it and turn up the output channel through cubase (the interface I use) all the way up just to hear whats coming through the mic plugged into it which is still fairly quiet...if I buy this unit will it help me raise the overall volume of the lexicon to a comfortable level?

[WorkingManStudios]

@diamondofblood: Im not sure. Are all the wires hooked up right?

[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!

[WorkingManStudios]

@djsnuset: The original has less gain, and i think less headroom. Check their website it could answer more questions than i could. If your on a budget go with the original.

[tHAsUP3RStAR]

is the preamp usb powered.?

[WorkingManStudios]

@tHAsUP3RStAR: No 9v adapter

[Thafloboyzcrew]

is this only for a mac?

[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.

[MGDDareHOT]

I have an Audio Technica At2020 and a M-Audio Fast Track, I was told i need a phantom power supply casue its currently not working so.... do I have an XLR cable from the Mic -----> Phantom Power supply then do I get another XLR to go from end of Phantom Power supply to the audio interface?

[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 ?

[MusicPerson243]

Why do you need to plug the mic into the pre-amp? will the mic work just by it being plugged into the mixer without the pre-amp? Could you get back to me Thanks : )

[WorkingManStudios]

@MusicPerson243: A preamp is a way to give your signal some eq. You technically dont need a preamp but i def recommend one.

[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

[braden90]

Hey, just wondering if you could elaborate what exactly the "filter" feature does. second is the limiter essentially like a condenser? Thanks

[WorkingManStudios]

the filter feature filters out low frequencies that are unappealing in recordings. It will cut frequencies below "xxhtz" im not sure of the exact frequency. Think of it as a low cut like on condenser mics.

[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 ?

[WorkingManStudios]

Do you still hear sound if the 48v power is off?

[polishmetalhead1]

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?

[WorkingManStudios]

Well for the best sound quality i would run it through an interface which is not a preamp or a mixer. A cheap decent quality one is the Behringer UCA 222, about $40 US

[polishmetalhead1]

ok. thank you :D

[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 ?

[WorkingManStudios]

I would not recommend going line in because you can hurt the computer that way. I use an USB interface. I did a video on it, so check that out and it should explain everything. Thanks!

[kamikazeshinigami]

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.

[thewonkhotline]

with the TUBE MP, can you get an XLR imput to output through 1/4"?

[WorkingManStudios]

Yes you can. I have used it for a conversion as well.

[beatsbydab]

good review

[cdunkng]

i have the art tube mp usb and for some reason im having trouble getting any input from my microphone, i got the rode nt1a connected to the preamp and the preamp to the usb on my computer, i used to have no problems whats so ever now it wont work for me, anyone able to help me out?

[GeoLayered]

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

[cdunkng]

man its connected the exact same way and even if i do change the settings in the recording software i get the same result unfortunately, i took the microphone to guitar center to see if it was actually damaged and they just plugged it in and it worked beautifully, but yeah at first i had it hooked into a pc and lately ive been trying to use it on my laptop it actually worked for like 1 song then it just crapped out, now i have it hooked to my pc and just wont work, kinda depressing

[GeoLayered]

@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

[WorkingManStudios]

The Rode NT1A requires 48v Phantom Power. There is a little button on the front of the unit that will turn it on. Let me know if it works out.

[jesterraj]

what mic ur usin?

[WorkingManStudios]

Electro Voice ND767. AMAZING MIC!!!

[manwhogetdem]

What is this like compared to the M-Audio Fast Track 2 (£80-£90) considering quality and cost? I believe the ART Tube MP Project Series is £100 - £110.

[manwhogetdem]

I need it to record from a dynamic mic (no more than one at once).

[WorkingManStudios]

i personally dont like the M-Audio products cause they have a lot of problems so i cant recommend them or shy you away from them.

[StupidMusician]

the fast track is an interface. art tube mp is a preamp. two different things.. u can record with interface only, but u cant record with a preamp only. the preamp gives u a nicer tone. [when using the word ''preamp'' I'm talking about the external preamps.. all interfaces have preamps built in already btw! ]

[disturbedrocks992]

How do you have the mixer hooked up to the computer?

[unriselyrical]

it would be via an audio interface I would imagine...

[WorkingManStudios]

Yes that is correct, I use the Behringer UCA 222 currently. Is cheap and works great with no plugins or messy drivers.

[crguti]

yeah.. I want to see connected to a guitar. thanks.

[WorkingManStudios]

i will have it up this week, sorry for the wait.

[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

[WorkingManStudios]

The Rode NT1A is an awesome mic and is great for recording because it is the quietest self noise mic on the market. The tinny sound is generaly frowned upon but i think (to a degree) that every sound is usable. Yes warmer and fatter are usually have the same meaning. Not all analog is good but it does sound fatter and more appealing. I hope i was of some help. Let me know if you have anymore questions

Thanks, Karl - WMS

[muzikmasteruk]

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

[WorkingManStudios]

Im not sure I get what you mean. Do without what?

[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?

[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

[WorkingManStudios]

Sorry i replied to your second post. The V3 i have found to be quite noisy. The MP series is a starved valve system so there is very little hiss involved. I dont know if you can change your tube but that might help if its hissing or making unwanted noise.

[WorkingManStudios]

Well the warmth is more pleasing to the ear when doing recordings. This preamp can be used for guitar and bass as well, kind of like a DI box. Behringer preamps are not the greatest so this preamp helps me alot with some mics. Depending on your mics and the rest of your set up, the extra noise you hear will vary. I think the warmth and the fullness is good but its all personal taste when doing recording.