ART TUBE MP Professional Tube Mic Preamp User Manual
- October 27, 2023
- ART
Table of Contents
ART TUBE MP Professional Tube Mic Preamp
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the TUBE MP and congratulations: You now own one of the most sophisticated pieces of audio signal-processing gear Offering a superb level of sound quality, the TUBE MP’s special tube and integrated circuit design combined with a straightforward user interface quickly and easily Rives you access to all of its features.
Features
- 70dB of Gain
- 12AX7 Tube
- XLR Balanced Input
- ¼-inchTS Instrument Input
- Balanced XLR Output
- ¼-inchTS Output
- Switchable Phantom Power
- Phase Reverse Switch
- 20dB Gain Switch
- Input Gain Control
- Output Level Control
- 10Hz to 20KHz Frequency Response
-
100dB Dynamic Range
- Universal power supply
- AU Steel Chassis
Product Description
ART’s TUBE MP circuitry is a hybrid design utilizing the latest and best solid
state and tube technology, using a transformerless design throughout the
TUBEMP maintains exceptional signal integrity and extremely low noise. The
active balanced input utilizes a hybrid multiple paired transistor/opamp
design providing extremely low noise and excellent CMRR. The instrument input
has a high impedance preventing the loading of any device connected to it.
Phantom power is derived from the incoming AC voltage. The XLR output is
active balanced and the ¼-inch output is unbalanced with a 300-ohm impedance.
CONNECTIONS
It’s easy to interface the TUBE MP with other equipment. All connections are made at the back of the TUBE MP. Standard XLR and ¼-inch inputs and outputs make patching simple. Note: For best audio quality, always use high-quality cables.
Inputs
The TUBE MP provides both an XLR and ¼-inch input jack. Use the balanced XLR
input for use with a microphone. Audio input as well as phantom power (if
needed switchable on and off) is supplied through this jack. Use the
unbalanced ¼-inch input jack for instrument applications. XLR pin
configuration: pin 1 = gnd pin 2 = Positive (hot), pin 3 = negative.
DO NOT USE BOTH INPUTS AT THE SAME TIME.
Outputs
The XLR output of the TUBE MP is active balanced you may “see it in an
unbalanced configuration without harm to the output circuitry. Use the
unbalanced ¼-inch jack for sending your signal to amps, processors or other
unbalanced configurations. Also, both outputs may be used at the same time.
AC Power Hook Up
The Tube MP has a universal external power supply designed to operate at 100
to 240V AC ~ 50/60 Hz. Only use the adapter that came with the Tube MP. If the
adapter becomes lost or damaged, contact ART Customer Service for replacement.
If you need to purchase one locally, refer to the label on the adapter or the
specifications later in this manual for the appropriate power specifications
Setting Up the Universal power supply
Insert the correct clip adapter to the supply according to country of
operation. There are four different clips included. Please attach the matching
clip as per your AC power source.
Insert the supplied 12V DC adapter’s plug into the input labeled Pwr.
Always make sure the output plug is securely plugged into the rear of the TUBE
MP, and that the adapter is held firmly in an electrical outlet. Never operate
the TUBE MP or power adapter in the rain or in wet locations. lf the adapter’s
cord is ever cut, discontinue use and replace the adapter with a new one.
Unplug the adapter when the TUBE MP is not in use.
CONTROLS, SWITCHES and INDICATORS
Input Control
The input control sets the amount of input Gain of the TUBE MP Turn the
control clockwise to increase gain and counterclockwise to decrease gain. You
may control two ranges of gain with this control, +26 to +60dB and +6 to
+40dB. Selection of the gain range is made with the +20dB Gain Switch.
+20dB Gain/Norm Switch
Use the +2OdB Gain/Norm switch to set the gain range of the Input control.
When the witch is out, the TUBE MP operates in Normal mode depressing the
switch adds 20dB of gain. This mode is indicated by the labeling in red and
corresponds directly to the Input control’s red gain range labeling for
microphone applications, where more level is needed, push the switch in.
P-Pwr +48V/Out Switch
Use the TUBE MP’s phantom power to supply power to all microphones requiring
+48V phantom power. The TUBE MP’s Phantom power is engaged and disengaged with
this witch Phantom power is applied to pins 2 and 3 of the XLR Input jack when
this switch is pushed in. To disengage phantom power, position the switch in
the out position. Power Phase Reverse/Norm Switch.
Phase Reverse/Norm Switch
To set the phase of the TUBE MP’s output signal, adjust this switch. When the
switch is in the Out position the output signal is normal. Depressing the
switch reverses the phase of the output signal. In multi-microphone
applications, mic placement can affect the phase of the signals If your sound
is “thin” or “out of position,” reverse the phase to correct the problem.
Output Control
The output control sets the output level of the TUBE MP. When the control is
fully counterclockwise the output level of the TUBE MP is zero. Turning the
control clockwise increases the level of the output to a maximum of +10dB of
gain. This gain is in addition to the existing input gain.
Power/Peak LED
When power is applied to the TUBE MP the Power/Peak LED lights green. This LED
also serves as the signal clip indicator. If too much signal is present this
LED lights red. If the LED is constantly lit, reduce the signal level with the
Input Control. The clip LED is positioned at the tube’s output in the
circuitry and lights when a level 6dB below hard clipping dB is reached.
Applications
The main application of the TUBE MP is a microphone preamplifier. Plug any
microphone directly into either input and set the Input and Output controls to
provide a healthy level into the next stage of your system. Use the TUBE MP as
an acoustic or piezo pickup preamplifier to run directly into a console,
amplifier, signal processor or recorder. You may use the TUBE MP to interface
any instrument directly to a live or recording console’s line input,
amplifier, signal processor or recorder.
The TUBE MP may also be used as a direct box.
Safety Precautions
Warning: To avoid the risk of shock or fire, do not expose this unit to
moisture. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Do not remove the metal
cover; there are no user-serviceable parts inside. Only use the power adapter
that came with this unit or one obtained from ART’s Customer Service
Department at E-mail: [email protected]
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Limited Warranty (USA only)
Applied Research and Technology will provide warranty and service for this
unit in accordance with the following warrants:
Applied Research and Technology, (A R T) warrants to the original purchaser
that this product and the components thereof will be free from defects in
workmanship and materials for a period of three years from the date of
purchase. Applied Research and Technology will, without charge, repair or
replace, at its option, defective product or component parts upon prepaid
delivery to the factory service department or authorized service center,
accompanied by proof of purchase date in the form of a valid sales receipt.
Exclusions
This warranty does not apply in the event of misuse or abuse of the product or
as a result of unauthorized alterations or repairs. This warranty is void if
the serial number is altered, defaced, or removed.
A R T reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements upon this product without any obligation to install the same on products previously manufactured.
A R T shall not be liable for any consequential damages, including without limitation damages resulting from loss of use. Some states do not allow limitations of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific rights and you may have other rights, which vary from state to state.
For units purchased outside the United States, an authorized distributor of Applied Research and Technology will provide service.
SERVICE
The following information is provided in the unlikely event that your unit
requires service.
- 1. Be sure that the unit is the cause of the problem. Check to make sure the unit has power, all cables are connected correctly, and the cables themselves are in working condition. You may want to consult with your dealer for assistance in troubleshooting or testing your particular configuration.
- If you believe that the ART unit is at fault, go to www.artproaudio.com.
- Select “Support”, then “Return Authorization Request” to request a return authorization number.
- If you are returning the unit for service, pack the unit in its original carton or a reasonable substitute. The original packaging may not be suitable as a shipping carton, so consider putting the packaged unit in another box for shipping. Print the RA number clearly on the outside of the shipping box. Print your return shipping address on the outside of the box.
- Include, with your unit, a note with the RA number and your contact information, including a return shipping address (we cannot ship to a P.O. box) and a daytime phone number, and a description of the problem, preferably attached to the top of the unit. Also include a copy of your purchase receipt.
- Please fill in the following information for your reference Date of purchase __
- Purchased from __
- Serial Number __
SPECIFICATIONS
ART maintains a policy of constant product improvement. ART reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements upon this product without any obligation to install same on products previously manufactured. Therefore, specifications are subject to change without notice.
www.artproaudio.com
E-mail: [email protected]
© 2021 Applied Research & Technology
TUBE MP
Professional Tube Mic Preamp