ART Digital MPA II - Microphone Preamplifier
The Digital MPA II from ART is a 2-channel microphone preamplifier that delivers a total of 70dB of gain, and can operate in either stereo or dual-mono mode. Based on the same circuitry as the ProMPA II, the microphone preamp is perfect for any sized studio, production facility, or live sound environment where digital output is required. The unit outputs all 3 major digital standards with Wordclock input and output also included.
The signal path of the DIGITAL MPA II consists of a discrete class-A microphone pre-amp followed by a variable low-cut filter, a tube circuit with a 20dB gain switch and then a phase switch. At this point the signal passes to both the analog output and a pair of insert jacks. The insert jacks allow processing of the signal before it is passed on to the analog to digital converter. Simply inserting a signal into this insert point provides access to the A/D converters, allowing the converter to be used independent of the preamp's analog functions.
The preamp provides variable input impedance, and the dual-tube gain stage has selectable plate voltages (high or normal). The unit has the ability to process a mid/side microphone set-up, and can also function as a dual-channel DI box using the 2 front panel instrument inputs. Two backlit VU meters display output level, while multi-colored LED arrays provide a visual reference of tube gain for each channel. The Digital MPA II is rack mountable and housed in a sturdy, 2U steel chassis.
- 2-channel, variable input impedance microphone preamplifier
- Tube based gain stage with selectable plate voltages
- Instrument input on front panel with automatic input selection
- Analog to digital converter supporting ADAT Lightpipe, coaxial S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital output
- Selectable sample rates up to 192kHz with optional 16-bit dithering of the 24-bit converter
- Wordclock input and output, along with ADAT input, allows for working with different synchronization requirements
- Dual insert points provide access to the signal for added processing just prior to the analog-to-digital converter, or for providing external access to the converter
- Selectable Stereo/Dual operation of output controls
- Variable low-cut filter per channel
- Switchable +48V phantom power per channel
- Supports Mid/Side miking technique
- Large, dual, back-lit VU meters
- Phase reverse per channel
- Switchable for either +4dBu or -10dBV output
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Inputs |
2 x XLR 2 x 1/4" TS phone Instrument (front panel) 1 x 1/4" TRS phone Insert 1 x TOSLink ADAT Lightpipe 1 x BNC Wordclock |
| Output |
2 x XLR Line 2 x 1/4" TRS phone Line 1 x TOSLink ADAT Lightpipe 1 x RCA coaxial S/PDIF 1 x XLR AES/EBU 1 x BNC Wordclock |
| Phantom Power | +48VDC, individually switchable |
| Multi Function |
2-channel analog to digital converter: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz internal sampling rates |
| Gain Range | 70dB |
| Maximum Output Level | +27dBu |
| Frequency Response |
15Hz to 48kHz, +0/-1dB @ normal plate voltage 15Hz to 120kHz, +0/-1dB @ high plate voltage |
| Noise | EIN: -129dBu, A-weighted |
| Power Requirements | 105~125VAC, 60Hz |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 19 x 8.75 x 3.5" (483 x 222 x 89mm) |
| Weight | 10.5 lbs (4.7kg) |
| Specialties |
Microphone impedance variable from 150Ω to 3kΩ Supports Mid/Side microphone recording |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 9 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Great sound quality (8)
- Attractive (6)
- Easy to setup (4)
- Good power output (4)
- Easy to mount (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Reviewer Profile:
- Tech savvy (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 9 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-9
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Good Warmth
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
Comments about ART Digital MPA II - Microphone Preamplifier:
I use this in a ProTools LE 8 setup with a Rack+ interface (8 preamps), along with a Steinberg MR816X (8 preamps) connected through ADAT. This unit I connected using S/PDIF connected between the Rack+ and the ART Digital MPA II. This maxes out the number of inputs (18) the DigiDesign Rack+ interface can handle.
I run a Cascade VinJet ribbon mic and a Rode NT1A condenser through it. Both sound great. The VinJet ribbon needs a lot of gain, and this unit provides that (it'd be nice to have a bit more, but it's fine). And it's nice to have these two mics already hooked up and ready to go all the time.
The unit couldn't have been much simpler to set up and configure in ProTools. Just needed a single S/PDIF cable for the audio, and a BNC cable for the clock from the Rack+. Turned it on, set the levels as suggested in the manual, booted up the rest of the system, started ProTools, and was able to configure the I/O setup to use the two new S/PDIF channels. It was just real easy.
I'm real pleased. I like ART hardware. It works well, and doesn't cost thousands.
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Great price
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
- User Manual is Odd
Best Uses
- Recording Vocals
Comments about ART Digital MPA II - Microphone Preamplifier:
* Using for vocal recordings
* Like that Hi Z instrument jacks are on front
* Inserts for compressor and/or EQ are great
* The huge variety of digital output options at this price are unmatched
* Very clean sound
* It does take some experimentation to get a good output level on it, but I got it
* User Manual could be better, but at least it has one!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy to Mount
- Easy To Setup
- Good Power Output
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ART Digital MPA II - Microphone Preamplifier:
ART once was one of the first companies that brought a sensation on guitar effect rack system with control pedal in the 90's. These days, those who never had an acquaintance with such brand history, they almost always tend to neglect to take this brand into their consideration due to it's ridiculously low prices. I am not going to talk about the bells and whistles of this gear. But unless you are considering investing $2000-3000 preamps, this is by far the best quality twin channel preamp that surpasses way beyond its class and rivals much higher class preamps. Obviously, there are minor issues with consistency in quality as almost all gears are made in China these days. But I remember ART pretty much was the last company that tried to produce durable high quality gears made in USA until recently while most other brands already began to produce plastic-everything from Taiwan and China long ago. Great quality from top to bottom.
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy Setup
- Easy to Mount
- Great Sound Quality
- Professional Feel
Cons
Best Uses
- Live Audio
- Studio
Comments about ART Digital MPA II - Microphone Preamplifier:
I used an earlier version of this device extensively in the past (ART MPA Gold), and was always impressed by it. When it came time to add external pre's to my console, I purchased this unit without second thought, and man it was worth it. I've used it on bass guitar, electric guitar, vocals, and horns, and never been disappointed. The unit itself looks, feels, and sounds like a professional piece of gear, and you can replace the tubes later down the road if you want to further improve the sound.
In short, if you looking in this price range for a good, solid pre-amp, this unit is definitely worth a look.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Power Output
- Good price value
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Home studio Small studio
Comments about ART Digital MPA II - Microphone Preamplifier:
This product is perfect if you want to have at least two preamp channels to improve your sound over the typical preamps included with modern interfaces. There are plenty of connectivity options including analog and digital outputs which can be used simultaneously. The original tubes as many of you should already know, can be replaced to obtain a different character of that tube sound that might work better with what you look for in a tube preamp. Overall very nice features for the money. It does have a learning curve but it seems that after a short while it is possible to become used to all its possibilities and get the best sound out of it. Really pleased with it so far and can´t wait to use it in a full album production.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
- No bypass button
Best Uses
- Voices and Basses
Comments about ART Digital MPA II - Microphone Preamplifier:
With my C414 Buls is a perfect combination!
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy Setup
- Easy to Mount
- Good Power Output
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ART Digital MPA II - Microphone Preamplifier:
So far I have used this preamp on a pair of Oktava mics and was very please with the outcome. I really like the variable impedance control and how it finds the sweet spot of the microphone. Very low noise and the high plate voltage is especially nice for vocals. It made a big diference for bringing the vocals out in the mix. I plan to see what I can do with a couple of SM57 on the snare. Definitely a nice preamp for the money.
Pros
- Easy Setup
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ART Digital MPA II - Microphone Preamplifier:
Put the right tubes in this puppy and it is a good as any digital tube preamp on the market. Very wide frequency response. Great ability to match impedance. Set the plate voltage to high for over easy smoothing of vocals. ADAT was easy to setup with my Protools control surface. Don't spend too much money on tubes. JJ Tesla or Tung-Sol sound great.[...]
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Crisp Sound
- Easy To Connect
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Basic Systems
Comments about ART Digital MPA II - Microphone Preamplifier:
I use this in an interface rack with other equipment.
Displaying reviews 1-9
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- AC Power Cable
- Three (3) Year Warranty
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