A Loop House Review of
ART MPA Gold Preamp
 Many people have been finding that they have been getting much more than they bargained for with the ART MPA Gold. I have owned this preamp for about 3 years now so I thought that I should review it for the users of my website. ART has been making some great strides to enter the competitive home recording market, and I think one of the best products they have produced is the MPA GOLD. When I first got it I was immediately impressed by the quality of the build. The 2 rack box is sturdy and the knobs are heavy and very smooth when turned. I also felt that they did a good job of not over complicating the interface. I feel that my presonus Eureka could really use a simpled down bigger interface like the ART MPA Gold. (I find all presonus products amazing values, but lacking in their user designs. small cases, small knobs, small writing ect. Yet, I do love their products.) I use this preamp usually with either a studio projects C1 microphone or a trusty old Sure 57. I find that most of the value priced mics from China (such as the C1) have a little bit of a harsh tinny edge to them (although they are constantly getting better) add this to the advent of digital computer recording and one gets a pretty unmusical sound. The ART MPA Gold does a great job of harnessing in the out of control digital tinny sound of that type of recording chain, by adding some warmth, and that subtle tube distortion that is more pleasing to the ears. I find when I record the C1 through the ART MPA Gold I have a nice wide spectrum of frequencies I can manipulate to place the sound where I want in the mix. My favorite use of this preamp is with my Sure57. It really opens up the sound of a dynamic mic and by adjusting the high pass filter one can create some very versatile sounds. My favorite way of recording trumpet is with a Sure57 and the ART MPA Gold. I get a nice smooth dark sound out of it without sacrificing the high end. My conclusion is, for people who need a warm pre for the front end of the DAW the ART MPA Gold is a steal at $300 (may 2008 street price) |
| Here is some information from
the website" A professional tube microphone preamplifier is defined by warmth, presence and clarity – core elements which make a performance truly come alive. Sister to the ART Digital MPA™, the MPA Gold™ performs to incredibly high standards, and that it’s tone, functionality and performance will satisfy even the most discerning user. Like the Digital MPA, the MPA Gold features Variable Input Impedance. Variable Input Impedance is intended to optimize the MPA Gold for the widest range of microphones. Variation of the input impedance of a microphone preamplifier changes the load against which the microphone has to push. This variation dramatically alters the performance of a microphone, and creates numerous sonic possibilities for microphone performance. The variable impedance control of the MPA Gold is infinitely variable, as opposed to steps. This allows users much finer control over the tuning of the impedance. The selectable Tube Plate Voltage function delivers a wide variety of tones. The tube circuit is differential, and provides the equivalent of a 300V power supply on the high voltage setting. Not to mention it has very low distortion and noise. Our normal setting maintains ART’s classic tube sound (warm with smooth overload characteristics). The MPA Gold’s unique tube circuitry utilizes two 12AX7A vacuum tubes and renders unsurpassed sonic detail and clarity with the broadest range of microphones. The 12AX7A tube pre amplification section provides gain while maintaining the incredible dynamic range of the previous stage and controlled overload characteristics. Condenser microphones, ribbon microphones, dynamic microphones – new and vintage – all become more versatile and deliver their maximum performance when they interact with the MPA Gold’s Variable Input Impedance. You’ll discover that your microphones will sound better than ever. In addition to the VU meters, the MPA Gold has Tube Warmth LED Metering which measures the left and right audio channel levels. The meters act like a normal histogram for the average signal level and the display holds the highest LED on alone for one second. While the average level function attack and release are measured in milliseconds, the peak function has a 20 microsecond attack time. Additionally, the analog meter range is switchable between -10dB and +4dBU. The MPA Gold’s High Pass Filter is continuously variable from 15Hz to 150Hz. Many other preamps have a fixed switch. This makes our MPA Gold more flexible audio processor. The MPA Gold is truly a modern, world-class tube microphone preamplifier, and its audio performance will surely exceed your expectations. Features
So my conclusions are Pros Affordable Quality construction Great Sound Stereo Cons for $300 I can't think of one. I rate it 5 out of 5 Street price $299.99 (may 2008) (This review was conducted by Cory Broersma, owner of www.theloophouse.com and an avid home recording junkie.)Back to reviews page |
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