ART USBDualTubePre - Tube Preamp with USB Interface
The USBDualTubePre from ART is a compact, dual channel tube preamp suitable for use in any basic recording system. It functions standalone as a tube-based microphone preamp, or as the front end for a DAW via either USB, or using the S/PDIF output (the latter delivers a higher bit rate).
Each input of the unit has independent input gain control and output level, phase inversion, low frequency roll-off, 48V phantom power and an opto-compressor circuit that can be bypassed if required. Monitoring is available via a stereo mini headphone jack with level and monitor mix controls.
The mix controls allow latency free monitoring of the inputs while recording, as well as playback monitoring of audio mix via the USB bus. The monitor mix is also routed to the 1/4" balanced outputs, with separate level control for control room monitor source.
The interface is fully USB compliant with no special drivers needed. It functions under both Mac OS X and multiple versions of Windows operating systems.
- 2-channel Tube based Microphone/Instrument preamp computer interface
- Low noise discrete front end with variable input and output controls
- Optical output compressor to simplify recording and prevent overload
- USB connectivity to desktop and laptop computers
- S/PDIF output for expanding inputs on digital workstations and computer interfaces
- Latency free monitoring mix and level controls
- Balanced XLR for lo-Z applications and 1/4" hi-Z inputs for instrument DI applications
- Separate gain, phase invert, low cut filter and compressor switches on each input
- Selectable dual or stereo operation of output controls
- Switch selectable inserts on each channel
- Insert jacks provide a preamp direct out for each channel
- Stereo/ dual operation of optical compressor
- Mono switch for single input monitoring
- S/PDIF sample rate switch selectable between 44.1 and 48kHz
- Precision LED metering of both the preamp and A/D sections
- Built-in low noise +48V phantom power supply
- Compact, stackable all aluminum chassis
| Interface | USB 2.0 compliant (Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7, Apple OS9.1/OSX computers with native USB support) |
| Converters |
USB A/D-D/A: 16-bit, 44.1 or 48kHz, USB selectable from computer, 0.4mS A/D latency @ 44.1kHz S/PDIF A/D: 24-bit, 44.1 or 48kHz switch selectable, 0.4mS A/D latency @ 44.1kHz |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Inputs |
2 x 1/4" TS/XLR combo 2 x 1/4" TRS phone Inserts |
| Input Impedance |
Microphone: >4kΩ Instrument: 1MΩ Insert: 20kΩ |
| Maximum Input Level |
Microphone: +12dBu Instrument: +16dBu (unbalanced) Insert: +7.5dBu |
| Output |
2 x 1/4" TRS phone (balanced) 1 x RCA coaxial S/PDIF 1 x 1/8" stereo mini Headphone |
| Output Impedance |
Line: 600Ω (balanced) Insert: 300Ω Headphone: 50Ω |
| Maximum Output Level |
Line: +11dBu (balanced) Line: +5dBu (unbalanced) Insert: +7.5dBu |
| Gain Range |
+65dB, balanced in-out +45dB, unbalanced input, balanced output |
| Phantom Power | +48V (single switch for both channels) |
| Multi Function | Optical compressor |
| Compressor |
Slope: Progressively increasing slope, 10:1 maximum Range: 28dB of attenuation maximum |
| Filter | Low-Cut: -3.0dB @ 70Hz, 6dB/octave |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz to 27kHz (+0.0, -1.0dB) |
| Noise | EIN: -129dBu typical, A-weighted (shorted XLR balanced input, gain @ maximum) |
| THD | <0.01% @ 1kHz |
| CMRR | >60dB |
| Power Requirements | 9VAC @ 1000mA via included external power supply |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 5.9 x 6.5 x 1.75" (150 x 165 x 45mm) |
| Weight | 2.5 lb (1.14kg) packaged with power adapter |
| Specialties |
Hand selected 12AX7A tube All aluminum black anodized with integral rubber sides |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 1 review)
Ratings Distribution
Reviewed by 1 customer
Displaying review 1
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about ART USBDualTubePre - Tube Preamp with USB Interface:
I bought this unit in order to add two channels of SPDIF input (the ART has SPDIF out only) to my mobile recording rig, a Presonus Firestudio Project. I've used art mini pres in the field in the past with success. They don't give you much gain but for loud sources like drums they are quite adequate. Although these pres are tube based they sound fairly neutral to my ears. Maybe that's because I'm not really pushing them?
Anyhow, this product is the only product of it's kind at this price point. It functions just like it's supposed to and is very well built in my opinion. It feels solid and the potentiometers feel sturdy and are a pleasure to turn. You've got an input gain stage as well as an output level so I suppose to get the "tube" character you'd need to drive this unit. When the gain is at extremely high setting though you do get some noise from the pres. Like I said, for loud sources like drums amp cabinets etc. this is totally ok since I don't need much gain anyway.
The only complaint I have about the unit is that a lot of the feature buttons like 48V and the Opto compressor etc. are cramped together and hard to distinguish and manipulate. That's no biggie though as this unit is fairly small in size coming in at 1/3 rack size. It is a lot deeper than most 1/3 rack size units though and I'm assuming that's to house the tubes. All in all, you can't go wrong with this unit. It works just like it's supposed to. Great buy in my opinion.
Displaying review 1
Cables
-
- Original: $14.99
- Save: $1.50
- Price: $13.49
Headphones
- Price: $27.37
Monitors
- Price: $179.00
Data Storage Devices
- Price: $159.00
Software
- Price: $599.00
What's in the Box
- External Power Supply
- Three (3) Year Warranty
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via any UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority shipping methods by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
