ART TUBE MP Project Series Professional Microphone and Instrument Tube Preamplifier User Manual

Project Series Professional Microphone and Instrument Tube Preamplifier
User Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTION – READ FIRST

**| CAUTION|
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RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK**

** This symbol, whenever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure-voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Please read the manual.
Read instructions:
Retain these safety and operating instructions for future reference. Heed all warnings printed here and on the equipment. Follow the operating instructions printed in this user manual.
Do not open:
There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer any service work to qualified technical personnel only.
Power sources:
Connect the units power supply to mains power only of the type described in this user manual or marked on the power supply.
Power supply:
Use the power supply with sealed mains plug appropriate for your local mains supply as provided with the equipment. If the provided supply does not fit into you outlet consult your service agent. Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be walked on, stretched or pinched by items placed upon or against it.
Grounding:
Do not defeat the grounding and polarization means of the power supply.
Moisture:
To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock do not expose the unit to moisture or use in damp or wet conditions. Do not place container of liquid on unit.
Heat:
Do not locate the unit close to excessive heat or direct sunlight, as this could cause a fire hazard. Locate the unit away from any equipment, which produces heat such as: power supplies, power amplifiers and heaters.
Environment:
Protect from excessive dirt, dust, heat, and vibration when operating and storing. Avoid tobacco ash, drink spillage and smoke, especially that associated with smoke machines.
Handling:
Protect the controls from damage during transit. Use adequate padding if you need to ship the unit. To avoid injury to yourself or damage to the equipment, take care when lifting, moving, or carrying the unit.
Servicing:
Unplug power immediately if equipment is exposed to moisture, the power supply becomes damaged during a lightning storm or if smoke odor or noise is noted. Refer servicing to qualified technical personnel only.
Installation:**
Install the unit in accordance with the instructions printed in the user manual.

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the ART Tube MP Project Series with USB. Though it is very reliable and easy to use, we ask that you take a moment to read the manual to get the best performance.
The Tube MP Project Series with USB is a professional quality audio interface that lets you connect microphone, instrument, and line level signals to a mixer or other audio input as well as directly to your computer via USB. This hybrid design is the latest in a long line of ART tube preamps. We took our legendary Tube MP series and updated every aspect of the design, inside and out, while still maintaining a compact, reliable, and cost-effective product. From the all-aluminum stackable chassis to the precision LED level metering circuitry, we have improved virtually every aspect of our already successful Tube MP series.
Included in this model is a USB interface that adds the ability to go direct to digital audio for connecting to virtually any personal computer. It works with the USB audio device drivers that are already built into Windows 98SE to current operating systems as well as Apple OS9.1/OSX to current software, computers with native USB support. No special drivers are needed for basic operation. Just connect to the USB jack and your Tube MP will look like a USB Audio Device to your system. This gives you a totally isolated low noise audio interface for hard disk recording.
The ultra low noise discrete microphone preamp front end has an extremely flat and wide frequency response and handles a wide range of input signal levels with a minimum of coloration. This gives you a very clean and neutral sound with a wide variety of signal sources. The high impedance ¼-inch instrument input bypasses the microphone preamp circuitry to maintain a clean signal path. We use a high quality 12AX7A tube inside to add warmth to musical dynamics and the analog section power supply is external to keep AC line noise and hum back at the wall. The USB interface is isolated and powered directly off the USB port.
The input Gain control and switch helps to maximize your input dynamic range as well as control how hard you are driving the tube. Input impedance is switch selectable to optimize your microphone response right on the front end. These two features are a must when trying to get the most out of a vintage ribbon or studio grade microphone. The switch selectable high pass filter removes very low frequency rumble and wind noise before it has a chance to overload your inputs. The Bessel filter design is set at a low 40Hz to preserve bass tonality and time domain response and it is very effective when tracking or interfacing to your computer-based audio workstation. Phantom power is available for the XLR input and is a clean +48 Volts DC from a low noise internal supply that is current limited to prevent damage to your sensitive microphones.
A FET Limiter with fast attack and musical release times limits the maximum audio output level to prevent overloading succeeding equipment while still maintaining a clear uncompressed sound. This allows you to maximize the dynamic range of your signal before converting to digital. A Phase Invert switch lets you switch signal polarity right at the source. This is handy when you are mixing the signal output with other channels in a mix. The Output control comes after the Tube, Limiter, and Metering and is used to match the output level to a wide variety of systems. Following it is a high-performance output section that provides high output signal drive capability to both analog outputs and also feeds the input to the USB interface. This allows you to use the analog output jacks to directly monitor, with no latency, the signal that is going to digital via the USB interface.

Key Features Include:

• USB Connectivity to PC & Mac Computers and Laptops
• Extremely Low Noise Discrete Front End
• Up to 70dB of Clean, “Musical” Gain
• High Output Signal Drive Capability
• Fast FET Limiter to Prevent Overload
• Switch Selectable Input Impedance
• Precision LED Metering
• Built-in Low Noise Phantom Power Supply
• Compact, Stackable all Aluminum Chassis
• XLR and ¼-inch Inputs and Outputs
• Phase Invert Switch and High Pass Filter Switch
• Variable Input and Output Controls
• Universal power supply

AC Power Hookup
The Tube MP USB PS 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 USB PS. If the adapter becomes lost or damaged, contact ART Customer Service for replacement. If you need to purchase one locally, please refer to the label on the adapter or the specifications later in this manual for the appropriate power specifications.
Setting up the Universal the 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 USB PS, and that the adapter is held firmly in an electrical outlet. Never operate the TUBE MP USB PS 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 USB PS is not in use.

CONNECTIONS

The female XLR Input jack is used primarily for balanced microphone input. Pin 2 is positive, pin 3 is negative, and pin 1 is ground. +48 Volt phantom power is supplied to pins 2 and 3. If you are using the XLR input with a balanced line level signal or a microphone that does not require phantom power, make sure that phantom power is turned off. The XLR Input impedance is switch selectable from the front panel. Maximum gain from the XLR Input to the XLR Output is 70dB. This input can handle very hot microphone signals up to +16dBu before clipping.
The ¼-inch Input jack is for instrument or line level unbalanced signals. Its high fixed input impedance is ideal for guitar and other passive instrument pickups. Plugging into this input bypasses the microphone preamp circuitry for a cleaner signal path. Make sure you use a mono unbalanced plug with this connection for proper operation. Maximum gain from the ¼” Input to the XLR Output is 50dB. When the Gain control is at minimum, this input can handle hot signals up to +17dBu.
The male XLR Output jack is active balanced with pin 2 being positive, pin 3 negative, and pin 1 is ground. With an output impedance of less than 300 Ohms and a maximum output level of +26dBu it can provide a hefty balanced signal for long cable runs. Normally you would use this output to go directly into a power amplifier, recording system or a mixer’s balanced line or insert inputs. Though we do not recommend it, if you have to go directly into the balanced microphone input on a mixer make sure that phantom power is off at the mixer. The mixers input pad and level controls should be set for minimum gain, and the output control on the TUBE MP Project Series with USB should be set at a low enough level to prevent overdriving the mixers input section.
The ¼-inch Output jack is unbalanced and has an output impedance of 600 Ohms. It can be used to send signals to an amplifier, processor, line input on a computer, or any unbalanced input. The output level is 6dB less than the XLR Output and the slightly higher output impedance makes it a better choice for driving into more sensitive inputs like on an instrument amp. Since it can still put out up to +20dBu, the Output control should be set at lower levels when driving sensitive equipment.
The USB Out connector is USB 1.1 compliant and should be used to connect directly to one of the USB inputs on your computer. This connection also powers the USB circuitry inside the Tube MP Project Series with USB. To your computer this connection looks like a “USB Audio CODEC” and your computer then controls the sample rate and whether the signal looks like a mono or stereo signal to your recording application software.
Since the USB connection will be carrying high quality digital audio to your computer as well as bus powering the USB interface, we suggest that you use a high-quality shielded USB cable for best performance. Ideally you should connect directly to one of the USB inputs on your computer. Connecting through a shared hub can reduce power and bandwidth that is available for each USB device and should be avoided when possible. Though the Tube MP Project Series with USB is compatible with USB 1.1 and 2.0, USB 2.0 is preferred for the cabling and computer connection as it allows for more bandwidth. If you must use a hub, it should be a powered USB 2.0 compliant hub for best results, this is especially important if you plan on using multiple units for more channels of simultaneous digital audio input.
Both analog output jacks and the USB Out can be used at the same time, which is handy when you want to run to a mixer and your instrument amp in a live situation, or when connecting to a computer or recording system and locally monitoring your source. Though the two analog output signals are isolated they do share a common ground so care should be used to make sure that you don’t create a ground loop in your system.
For a typical recording application where you want to add tracks of audio using the USB bus to your computer, while monitoring the mix externally for low latency, we suggest the following: Connect your instrument or microphone to the Tube MP Project Series with USB, then connect to your computer with a USB cable, next connect the audio output from your computer to a small monitor mixer. Also connect one of the Tube MP Project Series with USB analog output jacks to the mixer and monitor the analog mix of the 2 signals from the mixer. In this case the new track that you are recording will be in real time and have no latency in your monitoring system.

CONTROLS and OPERATION

The Gain Control directly adjusts the input amplifiers giving you control over the dynamic range of your source. You get a 45dB gain range when using the XLR input and a 25dB gain range when using the ¼-inch input. Set the control counterclockwise to minimum gain when connecting the inputs.
The Gain Switch gives you an additional 20dB of gain between the input stage and the tube to bring up very low-level signals and allow you to drive the tube harder.
The Impedance Switch works with the balanced XLR input only. Input impedance is 4.7k Ohms in the high position. This position should be used for most microphones and line level signals to minimize any loading effects on the source. The low position sets the input impedance to 600 Ohms. This position terminates the signal with known low impedance that can flatten and clean up the frequency response of some vintage equipment including ribbon microphones, and various transformer coupled outputs. By controlling impedance at the input, you reduce the need for added equalization and the response to percussive audio dynamics is tightened in many cases.
The Filter Switch rolls off the response to signals lower than 40Hz. This helps to cut out low frequency rumble, wind noise, and all types of very low frequency energy before it is amplified. When recording, this allows you to get more gain before clipping the preamp, recorder, or computer and in a live situation you get more gain before clipping your amp.
The Phantom Power Switch applies +48 Volt phantom power to the XLR input jack for powering your microphone, if needed. It is slow at turning on and off and is current limited to protect sensitive microphones and reduce pops. Ideally, when connecting a microphone that requires phantom power, you should first turn down gain, next connect the microphone, next switch on the phantom power, and finally bring gain back up to the desired level. This minimizes pops in your system and stress on the microphone.
The Limit Switch engages a fast attack FET limiter at the tube stage. This helps to prevent clipping or overload of any equipment following the preamp. When engaged it limits the maximum signal on the meter to 0dB and maximum output at the XLR output to +6dBu if the Output control is up full. When recording this lets you get the hottest signal before clipping into your computer or recorder. It can limit peaks of over 20dB but should normally be used to protect on moderate overshoots and musical peaks for best results.
The Phase Switch allows you to invert the phase of the output signal. In the normal position, output signals are in phase with the input signal on all jacks. When engaged, both the XLR and ¼” outputs as well as the signal sent out the USB port, have their signals changed to 180 degrees out of phase. This function comes in handy to prevent a hollow sound, due to phase cancellations, when using multiple microphones on a single source or when using a combination of direct and microphone pickups on the same source. In a Live Sound application, you may be able to get more gain before feedback by reversing the phase of the vocal microphone.
The Output Control adjusts overall level after the tube and metering and before the output amplifiers. This allows you to scale the output to the system you are driving. Typically, you would set this about mid way for going into a line level input. When directly plugging into an instrument amp or microphone input on another piece of equipment you may find that a 9 o’clock position gives you plenty of output.
The LED metering circuitry covers a wide 30dB range and has a fast attack to help indicate any clipping. It is located in the signal chain just after the tube. The Output control comes after the meter so that you can use the meter to set the overall input gain for best dynamic range then trim the output signal level to the system you are driving. The red “Clip” LED comes on just before clipping and should light on extreme musical peaks only. The yellow “0dB” LED is set to 15dB below the “Clip” LED. If the “0dB” LED is on half the time then you have about 15dB of headroom on the average. The green “-7” and “15” LEDs indicate how far below the nominal “0dB” LED your signal is. They have a long release time. These LEDs should be on much of the time during performance and if not, it indicates that your signal or input gain is too low for best results.
The FET limiter has its output level set to be at the “0dB” LED point so if the limiter is engaged and the “0dB” LED is on then you are in limiting. This helps in setting output level for your system. To do this you would start with the limiter off, apply a signal and increase the gain until the red “Clip” LED comes on occasionally, then engage the limiter. At this point the signal at the tubes output will be in limiting much of the time. You can then adjust the Output control so you are just below clipping at your A/D, computer, recorder, or amplifier input. For the built in USB interface this setting would be around 2 o’clock. Now you can back off on the Gain control. At this point, as long as the Output control is at the current position, you can use the “0dB” LED to indicate that you are at full signal level for your equipment that follows. When the Iimiter is engaged you can turn the Output control up full with most material before you run into digital clipping. If you are not using the limiter and are using the USB port, we suggest that you set the Output control to roughly mid position.
Note: All front panel push switches are lit when in the active position to aid in setup and operation.
A brief note from customer service:
Once in a while a customer will call and say: I think my ART preamp is “noisy”. What’s wrong?
If you experience unwanted “noise” in your system when you use a stand-alone preamp, please consider what your signal is and where you’re sending it. Some people send the signal from their preamp to a mic input (they figure, “well, I’m using a mic!”) on the board or recorder. This is in fact incorrect and could be the problem. ART preamps are actually intended to output a nice fat LINE LEVEL signal. If you send that line level signal to a recorder or mixer’s Mic input, that circuit will usually add more gain to the signal. Gain on top of gain will indeed result in noise. Please treat the output signal as line level and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at your new clean and warm sound.
The same rule applies for guitar and bass players that use ART preamps as their front end. Send the signal from your preamp to a low gain input on your amp, or even a “loop return” jack which allows you to bypass the amp’s solid- state preamp altogether.

USB OPERATION

Connect your analog jacks and external power supply first. If you are using one of the analog outputs for local low latency monitoring, connect that to your monitor system. Next, set the front panel controls for proper operation as per the previous sections. Then connect the USB cable to the appropriate input on your computer and lastly to the USB connector on the Tube MP Project Series with USB.
Once the USB connection is made and your computer is on, the USB interface circuitry will be powered by your computer over the USB bus and the unit will automatically connect and try to set your computer “Default Audio Device” to be “USB Audio CODEC”. Usually, the computer will do this automatically whenever a USB device is first connected, but it is sometimes necessary to make the selection manually. The same settings may need to be made in your particular audio application as well (Check your application instructions). These settings should be made while the two units are connected and powered on.
Your computer audio output can now be set for the computer speakers or whatever audio output you are using for monitoring the recorded signal. Select your computer speakers for “Output” instead of “USB Audio CODEC” in the above setup procedure. This must be done while the Tube MP Project Series with USB is connected to the computer and powered on. After the above settings are made, your computer will automatically reconfigure itself back to these settings every time the Tube MP Project Series with USB is reconnected to the computer.
At this point your recording software will select and control which channels are being recorded and which channels are being monitored. There are many computer recording software packages available today that allow for multi- track recording. If you are using multiple units and connecting more than one over the USB bus, they will appear as “USB Audio CODEC 1”, “USB Audio CODEC 2”, etc. in your recording application. Please refer to your recording software documentation for the best way to assign channels and set recording and monitoring parameters.
Latency, the time delay between your audio input and the USB output to your computer, is very short (under 2 milliseconds) in the Tube MP Project Series with USB. The latency of your recording software and computer software drivers can be much more than this. Typically, on a Mac the core audio interface has low latency so this is usually not an issue. USB audio drivers that come with Windows can have enough latency to cause a discrete delay when monitoring live. If this becomes an issue there are low latency ASIO drivers available that can greatly reduce your Windows audio latency. Two current resources for low latency ASIO drivers that will work with the Tube MP Project Series with USB are: www.asio4all.com and www.usb- audio.com

APPLICATIONS

Microphone Preamplifier
The Tube MP Project Series with USB is a high-quality microphone preamplifier suitable for all dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones. Most conventional mixers utilize budget minded microphone preamps and while very functional, they do not sound all that great. The Tube MP Project Series with USB serves as a quality upgrade that will give you more flexibility and a more robust tone than the standard preamps.
Simply plug the microphone into the XLR input, determine the impedance of the mic you selected. Apply phantom power if using a condenser. Then dial up the gain and you are ready to go. Refer to the 4 segment LED on the front for input for a visual measure of input gain, then route the output to a mixer, workstation, or computer interface via the XLR, ¼-inch or USB output. The overall output can be adjusted on the face of the unit; you may also choose to use the limit function to protect from any spikes in audio. Once you begin to pass audio through the system, you will have the ability to further dial in the tone a little closer by using the phase invert switch and low filter. These features can be very useful on drums and other areas where multiple microphones are being used.
Phantom Power Supply
Many mixers, workstations, and computer interface boxes will not supply +48 Volt phantom power on all the microphone inputs. This is a critical feature if you plan to use a condenser microphone. The Tube MP Project Series with USB is a perfect solution to this problem, letting you connect any microphone to the existing mixer or computer. Operation is identical to what is covered above.
Instrument DI
The Tube MP Project Series with USB will work well as a very functional Tube DI for Bass, Acoustic Guitar and virtually any other instrument with a ¼-inch or XLR output. Many people prefer the sound of a tube for responsiveness and warmth instead of standard DI’s and preamps. You will also enjoy more flexibility and control over a standard DI.
Operation is simple, insert the output of the instrument into the input of the Tube MP Project Series with USB. Make sure the volume on the bass or guitar is up all the way. If you are using any effects, make sure that the overall output is not greatly increased when the effect is on. Adjust the input gain knob and refer to the 4 segment LED on the front for a visual measure of input gain. Then route the output to a mixer, workstation or computer interface via the XLR, 1/4”, or USB output. The overall output and limiter can be adjusted on the face of the unit. Both analog outputs and the USB port may be used at the same time so the 1/4” can be routed to an amplifier, the XLR to a monitor mixer and the USB to a computer. Using a local analog mixer for monitoring during the record process gives you the most flexibility but, in a pinch, you can drive a set of headphones directly from the ¼-inch analog output jack without problems. Just note that in this case the output is a mono signal that will only play on one side of your headphones if they are stereo.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Limited Warranty
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 year 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

@ 44.1kHz
Computer Interface| Fully compliant with USB 1.1 specification Windows 98SE or newer, Mac OS9.1 or newer
USB Power Requirements| 50 mA typical from USB bus
Phantom Power| +48V DC, Filtered, Current limited
Signal Metering| Precise LED array, Fast attack, Musical release 30 dB range, -15dB, -7dB, 0dB, Clip (+15dB)
Tube Type| 12AX7A hand selected
Chassis Type| All aluminum black anodized with integral rubber sides
Power Requirements
Input| 100-240V AC ~ 50/60Hz
Output| 12V DC @ ≥800mA
Dimensions (HWD)| 1.75-inch x 5.9-inch x 6.5-inch (44.5mm x 150mm x 165mm)
Weight| 2.5 lbs. (1.14 kg)

Note: 0dBu = 0.775Vrms
ART maintains a policy of constant product improvement.
Therefore, specifications are subject to change without notice.

APPLIED RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
www.artproaudio.com
E-mail: support@artproaudio.com
© 2021 Applied Research & Technology/ Yorkville Sound
181-5004-105

Documents / Resources

| ART TUBE MP Project Series Professional Microphone and Instrument Tube Preamplifier [pdf] User Manual
TUBE MP Project Series Professional Microphone and Instrument Tube Preamplifier, TUBE MP, Project Series Professional Microphone and Instrument Tube Preamplifier, Instrument Tube Preamplifier, Preamplifier, Professional Microphone, Microphone
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References

• ART Pro Audio
• ASIO4ALL Official Home – Universal Windows ASIO Driver
• USB Audio - the low latency experience

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