Adding a low-cost, one-channel mic pre is a great way to expand the tonal palette of your simple recording setup. But the ART Tube MP Studio V3 takes that concept one step further with its Variable Valve Voicing circuit. By adding a few preset EQ options — not to mention a variable output protection limiter — the Studio V3 becomes a lot more than a simple preamplifier, and takes one step into channel-strip land. Other than the OPL, V3, and analog VU, meter, however, the Studio V3 is basically the same as the ART Tube MP. Owen O'Malley put the V3 through its paces to determine if the V3 circuit is really worth the added cost vs the simpler Tube MP.
This is a demonstration of the ART Tube MP Studio preamp being abused to distort a signal. As you can hear, the distortion is harsh and sounds like high frequency noise. After recording this video, I replaced the Chinese 12AX7 that came with it with a Tung-Sol 12AX7. I couldn't hear much difference, so this preamp is clearly for people who like to play with noise. I created a simple one-bar sequence with my DSI Evoler synthesizer. The Evolver sequence plays repeatedly through the ART preamp as I modify its settings. Recording was done at 24bit / 48 KHz into a MOTU 828 MkII.
Just to test Art Tube MP V3. Don't expect to hear a neat, highly talented piece of music. I used the "NEUTRAL" zone presets (instruments matched) recorded and rough mixed in Steinberg Cubase SX5, on MSI Wind U100x's on-board soundcard + ASIO4All (Windows 7) Equipment list: - Acoustic Guitar, Takamine AN10 - Bass, G&L Tribute L-2500 - Cajon, Tycoon Percussion acrylic - Microphone, Avantone CV-12 - Percussion, a metal can, filled with guitar picks :P
