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ART Tube PAC Preamplifier/Compressor
The ART Pro Audio Tube PAC Preamplifier/Compressor is a combination of the TEC nominated Tube MP, a tube mic/line preamplifier, and the Levelar, an optical tube compressor. This new tabletop design allows for easy placement in the studio or on the stage with immediate access to all the controls, features, and metering. In addition to being a tremendous vocal and instrument preamplifier and compressor package, the unit also functions as an excellent tube direct box.
The mic/line preamplifier stage of the Tube PAC provides over 70dB of gain, +48v phantom power, phase reversal, and is capable of warming up any instrument or microphone. LED level indicators are provided to monitor the output of a 12AX7a tube for harmonic content. The input level controls allow the user to dial in the desired amount of tube warmth and then independently set the output level from the compressor circuitry.
The tube compressor on the Tube PAC is a VCA-less, optical design similar to that of the "classic" tube compressors. Its ultra-musical sound is ideal for voice and instrument applications. Threshold, compression/limiting ratios, adjustable release times, bypass, gain reduction metering, and output gain controls are provided.
- Single channel combination tube Mic/Line preamplifier and tube compressor
- Two hand-selected 12AX7A Vacuum Tubes
- Variable input and output gain controls
- Bypassable compressor circuitry
- Precision detented potentiometers
- Ideal for use as a tube DI box
- XLR and 1/4" connections
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Inputs | 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4" TS phone |
| Output | 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4" TS phone |
| Phantom Power | +48V |
| Multi Function | Optical compressor |
| Gain Range | 70dB (XLR to XLR typical) |
| Maximum Output Level | +27dB (XLR), +22dB (1/4") |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz to 20kHz |
| Noise | EIN: -129dBu ("A" weighted XLR to XLR) |
| Dimensions | 5 1/4" x 8 1/2" x 1 5/8" desktop enclosure |
| Specialties |
Phase reversal switch Dual Slope and Speed settings for the compressor section |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 4 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
67%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Reviewed by 4 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-4
Pros
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
- Limited Functions
Best Uses
- Basic Systems
- Recording
Comments about ART Tube PAC Preamplifier/Compressor:
The Art Tube PAC is great. It's That's simple. You need to regard these devices in their proper context. I think people often have unrealistic expectations and come up disappointed. I happen to love ART products because they perform far beyond their price point. I wouldn't dare compare Art to Neve or Avalon etc., but they aren't intended to be a poor mans exotic component. In the real world, Art devices solve many problems a provide very good performance without going beyond the reach of hobbyists or artists. The Tube PAC is exactly as described by the manufacturer. It has limited but very practical control of the compressor/ limiter. I did notice that the preamp is dead quiet. I was doing a mic shootout and had one mic directly feeding into the interface at an XLR input. I had other routed through the Art PAC and patched into a line input of the combo connector on the Cakewalk interface. The Art was noticeably quieter even with the extra stage. Both mics were very similar ribbon models.
I get great results with this and other Art products. I have no prejudice or ulterior motive. I'm just happy to have my "Art Supplies". If you know what you want, and your sure this matches, you won't be let down. As with everything, do your homework. Carefully read the product description, download and read the manual and check all the reviews. I tend to observe common threads along with the raves and rants. Somewhere in the common threads is the truly vital information.
I'm giving the ART Tube PAC an A++++. I can't understand the case design with the tubes protruding but they are cushioned and otherwise well protected.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Easy To Set Up
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Smaller Rooms
Comments about ART Tube PAC Preamplifier/Compressor:
I do voice over work and have a really decent home studio. I needed that extra punch for radio imagery and commercial work. I got it! The TubePAC delivers! If you follow the manual, you can be setup and running quickly.
My main requirement was clean sound. And, I didn't want to add extra noise in the system. for the price, this can't be beat!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Limited Functions
- Poor Sound Quality
Best Uses
Comments about ART Tube PAC Preamplifier/Compressor:
A horribly noisy device. The preamp can be made to sound decent enough for amateur recording, but the compressor is a joke, an absolute joke. The unit as a whole is based around the Tube MP and Tube Levelar (not longer made). It needs to be understood that these so-called tube units do not deliver tube sound, only mid-range mud that gets confused for full bodied warmth. The tube (the PAC as two, a 12ax7 and 12ay7) does no amplification in these products, and is only stuck between two solid-state op-amps to dirty up the sound and hide the inferiorities in the rest of the circuit. (If you're lucky the op-amps are genuine TI TL072's, but more likely they are the thin, dirty sounding STM versions.)
As mentioned, the compressor is horrid. It simply muddies up the sound further.
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Easy Setup
- Good Power Output
Cons
- Runs Hot
Best Uses
- Live Sound Support
Comments about ART Tube PAC Preamplifier/Compressor:
Used the Tube Pac live tin-line with the kick drum mic. Wow! Got that punch that's felt, not just heard!
Displaying reviews 1-4
Cables
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- Original: $14.99
- Save: $1.50
- Price: $13.49
Cases & Protection
- Price: $34.99
What's in the Box
- Power Cable
- 1-Year Warranty
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