ART Tube MP Studio V3 BK

162

This item runs exclusively on an operating voltage of 230 V and therefore requires a voltage transformer to run in your country of United States.

Tube Microphone Preamplifier

  • Hand-selected 12 AX7A tube
  • OPL (integrated output limiter)
  • Up to 70 dB gain
  • Analogue VU meter
  • 48V phantom power
  • Phase reversal switch
  • Different tube voicings adjustable
  • +20 dB gain switch
  • Balanced connections: Microphone input XLR, Hi-Z instrument input 6.3 mm jack and line output XLR and 6.3 mm jack
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): approx. 14 x 5.08 x 12.7 cm
  • Weight: 680 g
  • Colour: Black
  • Incl. External 9V power supply
Available since June 2021
Item number 523152
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Channels 1
Number of microphone inputs 1
Instrument input Yes
Tubes Yes
Compressor/Limiter Yes
Equalizer No
De-Esser No
Phantom power Yes
Phase Reverse Yes
External effect loops No
Analogue Outputs XLR, jack
Digitale Outputs None
Headphone connection No
Level Meter Yes
Design Desktop
$145
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Voiced valve preamplifier

The ART Tube MP Studio V3 (shown here in its black incarnation) from US manufacturer ART is a high-performance mono preamplifier for microphones that is driven by a 12AX7 twin-triode tube generating 70dB of gain, and unlike the more basic Tube MP model, the Studio V3 features ART's proven Variable Valve Voicing technology, which allows the tone to be instantly shaped to suit any source. The preamp additionally packs the full range of essential functions into its compact, portable housing: The input knob allows the level of input gain to be adjusted between +6 and +40dB (which can be boosted by an additional 20dB of gain via the adjacent switch, taking the range from +26 to +66dB), while the output knob allows final adjustment of the output gain. Two further switches are also provided for 48V phantom power and phase inversion.

ART Tube MP Studio V3 BK Tube Microphone Preamplifier

Including V3, OPL, and VU meter

As mentioned above, the Tube MP Studio V3 employs Art's proven Variable Valve Voicing (V3) technology to provide instant access to a wide range of preamp settings for various signal sources such as guitars, basses, vocals, and keys, which can be easily selected using the central rotary control to suit the current application. As if that were not enough, the Studio V3 is equipped with OPL (Output Protection Limiting) and a limiter circuit to protect any downstream gear against clipping and overloads. And as a further enhancement over the Tube MP, ART has also added an analogue VU meter to the user inteface in order to provide a clear overview of the output level at all times.

Closeup of the ART Tube MP Studio V3 BK Tube Microphone Preamplifier

A tube preamp for everyone

Few competitors in the same class can boast a similar price-performance ratio to that of the ART Tube MP Studio V3. In addition to its sturdy construction, portability, and comprehensive range of essential functions, its appealing design including the analogue VU meter and proven circuitry make it highly intuitive to use. Additionally, the outputs can be operated in parallel, allowing instrument signals to be split so that the Studio V3 can be used as a direct box and feed a signal to an amplifier while also recording a DI signal at the same time.

Closeup of the ART Tube MP Studio V3 BK Tube Microphone Preamplifier

About ART

The acronym ART stands for "Applied Research and Technology". The aim of the company, founded in 1984, has been to redefine the performance-versus-price barrier in a series of innovative audio products, designed with the needs of the musician in mind. Their large portfolio caters for both the studio and the stage, and has 35 years of experience in the field. Their product range includes digital interfaces and mixers, rack mixers, amplifiers, and monitor speakers, as well as headphone amplifiers, power conditioners, patch bays, and also "intelligent" graphic equalisers, tube preamps, compressors, and of course microphones.

Saturation at all levels

On its cleanest setting (low input gain, output all the way up, voicing set to neutral), the ART Tube MP Studio V3 will deliver a sound that is both clean and pleasantly smooth, with an even signal and no over-emphasis of any specific frequencies. As the user turns the input gain knob further to the right, the hybrid circuitry (which combines tube and solid-state technology) will deliver an increasing level of saturation that ranges from mild to full-on overdrive. As is typical for triode-based tubes, the sound of the ART Tube MP Studio V3 is rich in second-harmonic distortion, which delivers an intrinsically pleasing tonal character.

Connections on the ART Tube MP Studio V3 BK Tube Microphone Preamplifier

162 Customer ratings

4.4 / 5

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156 Reviews

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Warm analogue sounds for digital recording
Nj Bass 01.06.2017
After using expensive valve preamps when recording in studios, I was after a cheaper version for my home studio; something that would add warmth to a bland digital signal.
At a reasonable price, I find that the ART Tube MP Studio V3 does just that.

The preamp itself comes with presets for certain instruments or vocal types, although after experimenting with these, I don't always go with their suggestions depending on the tone I'm after.

Playing around with input gain also is quite interesting, and with a clear VU meter and LEDs to indicate overloading signal paths, you have a clear insight into what simple adjustments can do.

The phantom power +48v is great for condenser mics too.
Another use for this preamp that I have found useful is using it as a DI for both bass guitar and acoustic guitars.
Obviously the sound quality is subjective from person to person and I have read mixed reviews about this. Ultimately, this is no Neve preamp, so don't be under any illusion that it is; however, great and easy to use for simple home demos.

As I needed this to use in the UK, it came with an EU to UK plug converter, this was it's only downside... being provided with a genuine ART UK adapter would have been much better as now the adapter+EU/UK converter is extremely cumbersome and doesn't stay in the socket happily without a bit of gaffer tape to hold it in place. DO NOT use any third party adapter as an alternative as the mA has to be exactly 1000mA at 9v AC. Most third party adapter tend to be around 300-500mA and can do serious damage to the preamp.

In Thomann's defence, I never raised this as an issue and I'm sure they would have resolved the matter.

So, to summarise: perfect for home demos and use as a DI, just be wary about the power source - check with Thomann if buying in the UK
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5
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L
Useable tube preamp & DI
Leftygaucher 04.05.2018
First of all, I have to say I love the looks of this piece of equipment with its old-school VU meter. Aesthetically it looks much nicer and like a more expensive machine compared to the higher grade Art preamps.
There are a number of presets with the main difference in sound between them being different eq profiles, principally more treble or less. The other difference is whether you want the (preset and non-user-adjustable) limiter to work or not. Honestly I couldn't tell the (very subtle?) variations between the "neutral" and "warm" versions of the presets.
It's a good active DI as well.
It does add a subtle pleasant sonic aspect to the sound thanks to the magic of the tubes--this magic mostly consisting of a natural soft compression inherent to the design of the tube itself. I used it for recording and even during practice to alleviate the digital harshness of most of the equipment we get to use these days. Recommended for both its sonic properties and DI usefulness.
However it's not quiet like a thousand-dollar piece of gear and there is a great difference in the input level of the presets with the limiter always on as opposed to the sounds without the limiter. Their outputs are not matched well and the VU meter and the red overload light function at completely different levels. The decay time is quite long on the limiter facility so you want to make sure that the signal never triggers it greatly as the significantly squashed sound will result in poor recordings.
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j
So-so
johnk1 29.11.2021
pros :
nice construction not much plastic stuff .
Gives a nice boost
Cool retro kinda looking

cons:
no power on/off switch
Realised it gives a little highs and cuts bass. Maybe its about a set up - I cannot give it as a clear con.
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J
In terms of home studio value, a perfect adquisition
Jesus972 03.04.2014
You'll definitely don't find this preamplifier in a professional studio sound chain. This having been said, let me recognize that you'll find it every time in the pole position of my home studio record line. This will be true for voices, acoustic guitar and electric guitar... Some may say that they don't hear any difference in the sound when using this tube preamplifier. That you need a real big sized valve to get this precious old times vibe. Well, let me be subjective and tell that the Art Tube makes me happy. Of course not in the amount as a sixties Marshall combo would make me, but anyway. Specially when acoustic guitar is involved, it nicely warms up the sound. With the voice it does it in a more subtle way. With the electric guitar, turning the input knob clockwise you get a beautifull overdrive. Do the opposite and you get clean levels... Then, some may not care about the old fashioned needle pointer. Then again, I love it. When adjusting recording volumes it's a lot easier to notice the clips with this than with leds... The preadjusted control for different inputs helps quickly to get the desired result. That's all.
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