ART TUBE MP/C Preamp Compressor/Liwither/DI

The ART Tube MP/C Preamp is a multi-purpose tube preamp and optical compressor suitable for both studio and live use. This hard-wearing and competitively priced tabletop unit contains both a tube-based analogue preamp and a VCA-less compressor with optical gain reduction control.

Used as a mic/line preamp or as a DI (direct) box, the Tube MP/C is designed to work seamlessly with any recording, sound-reinforcement, or electronic instrument setup. A R T's Tube MP/C circuitry is a hybrid design utilizing the latest, most advanced, solid-state and tube technology.

The Tube MP/C maintains exceptional signal integrity and extremely low noise. A tube based opto-compressor circuit follows the tube preamp. While the preamp is always active, the compressor may be bypassed. The preamplifier's active balanced solid-state input provides extremely low noise and excellent CMRR. The 1/4" input has a high impedance, which prevents the loading of any device connected to it and makes the Tube MP/C perfect for DI or line level applications, and a transformer isolated XLR output allows for both the XLR and ¼" outputs to be used at once. The compression circuit features a VCA-less design and utilizes optical electronics (Vactrol) coupled with a 12AX7a vacuum tube gain stage for superior musical performance.

The compressor is soft knee by design. Although it is capable of providing a thoroughly "squashed" signal in "Limit" mode, it was designed to excel in areas where transparent and musical dynamics control is desired. The beauty of the optical/tube design is its ability to apply heavy amounts of compression without pumping and breathing like VCA-based compressors.

The main features of the ART Tube MP/C Preamp include:

• Tube-based mic/line preamplifier with up to 80dB of gain
• Optical (VCA-less) compressor circuitry = transparent dynamics control
• XLR balanced inputs and outputs
• Transformer isolated XLR output
• Selectable output range for Line/Instrument interface levels
• LED meters for Tube Warmth, Gain Reduction and Output level
• +48V phantom power
• Phase reversal switch
• Selectable release time settings
• > 90dB dynamic range
• Aluminium chassis