ART PRO MPA II - Microphone Preamplifier
The Pro 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. Perfect for any sized studio, production facility, or live sound environment, the preamp provides variable input impedance, and a dual-tube gain stage with 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 Pro 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
- 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) |
| Output |
2 x XLR 2 x 1/4" TRS phone |
| Phantom Power | +48VDC, individually switchable |
| Multi Function | No |
| 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 8 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Great sound quality (5)
- Attractive (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home theater (4)
- Home (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (4)
Reviewed by 8 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-8
Pros
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studio
Comments about ART PRO MPA II - Microphone Preamplifier:
I am using this to record vocals through a Shure SM7B and when all the gain stages are dialed in it can provide adequate gain without noise which is why I bought this in the first place. A must have for home studios due to it's price and all the features it provides.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Creative Control
- Great Sound Quality
- High Gain
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Some learning required
- Stock Tubes are Poor
Best Uses
- Recording
Comments about ART PRO MPA II - Microphone Preamplifier:
This was that unique piece of gear which didn't have a lot of features I didn't want, and is really high quality on the main feature I DID want: great sound with just the right amount of creative control. Based on the quality of sound, I can't believe this unit doesn't cost $1,000 or more. My only disappointment was a "fuzzy" sound out of the box with the cheap tubes that came with it. I swapped those out with some Tung-Sols, and the sound was rich, clear, open and detailed, and with the quality that I call REAL (rather than "warm") and not clinical. Also has plenty of gain, more than enough for most mics, and enough for ribbons, with the impedance matching which is also very useful. I look forward to trying the M/S feature. This unit is priced so attractively that I could see myself adding another unit for two more great-sounding channels.One possible frustration for some is that there are three gain stages (plus a level switch on the back), and each has its own purpose and limitation in how you use it. There could be a bit of a learning curve for some, but it is absolutely worth your time to learn what you can do with this! The ability to be creative in shaping the sound at this stage is very rewarding.Also, unlike some other "tube hybrid" designs, the ART PRO MPA II allows you to operate it in "starved plate" mode OR "high plate voltage" mode. And in each mode, you can drive the tubes hard or easy, and decide how you want to shape your sound with this control. For me, this is exciting and attractive. I hear "how did you get that great sound?" It's this preamp!I use this product primarily to record live acoustic music. I think most people look at this as something which sits in a studio, but it does really well in a rack case on location.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Set Up
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studio
- Live
- Recording
Comments about ART PRO MPA II - Microphone Preamplifier:
This is a really nice and cheap preamp. All the settings are really useful. I changed the tubes because it was suggested a little everywhere on the web. It gives a really nice sound to my recordings. I use it for guitars, bass, vocals & more. If you are searching for a cheap preamp, you will like this one. With enough gain, you get a nice warm sound. Great !
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- PRO VLA II
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Good Warmth
Cons
Best Uses
- Musician
Comments about ART PRO MPA II - Microphone Preamplifier:
When I first bought this pre I put it through some testing with the original stock tubes(12ax7). It makes a good preamp but then I switched out the the stock tubes for some new Mullards CV10 4202 millitary grade tubes (post 1980's) it became a great sounding preamp. I like the M/S option, variable impedence and the plate voltage switch. It is a great value at this price.
Pros
- Excellent Sound
- Good Warmth
Cons
- Weak
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Performances
Comments about ART PRO MPA II - Microphone Preamplifier:
I love ART products. I possess two TPS II and a PRO VLA II. I wanted to try the Pro MPA II which is more precise, and has no presets that alter the sound.
The one I bought here wasn't working fine. The VU Meters were stuck and the preamps noisy. One of them wouldn't even amplify the sound...
It's the second time I have a brand new art product not working.
I recommend it though, because once it works, it's worth the price.
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Set Up
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Basic Systems
- Home
- Project Studio
Comments about ART PRO MPA II - Microphone Preamplifier:
I just bought this pre-amp about 2 months ago and so far have had no issues at all. One of the selling points for me was the variable impedance, it offers amazing flexibility!
The ability to to control both how much "tube" sound you want, as well being able to exactly match the mic and then play around it a bit is incredible.
I have heard of people switch out the tubes for better one, and I guess depending on your application may be necessary but all in all it gets a great sound out of the box and especially for the price!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy Setup
- Easy to Mount
- Good Power Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Basic Systems
- Home
Comments about ART PRO MPA II - Microphone Preamplifier:
Sounds great once I changed the tubes. Provides a lot of options, like the Impedance dial, which gives a lot of different tones. I like this unit.
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy Setup
- Good Power Output
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Home Theater
- Smaller Rooms
Comments about ART PRO MPA II - Microphone Preamplifier:
I used this as a preamp for my turntable to add tube warmth to my system,- amazing tube sound enhancement - this preamp can be used at line level or Mic level input with variable input impedance and gain. Extremely versatile ... I am swapping out the stock 12ax7's for large plate Sovtek tubes eventually - but I don't hear any distortion or tube harmonics as delivered by the manufacturer with the stock tubes. Extremely low noise level.
No real complaints here ... It does require a bit of patients to get the right gain and impedance for the input signal - trial and error worked for me.
Worth every penny ... Great unit - I highly recommend it.
RJP , New York
Displaying reviews 1-8
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Cases & Protection
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What's in the Box
- AC Power Cable
- Three (3) Year Warranty
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