OT/ using art tube preamp

Rory Cooper wrote on 1/6/2011, 12:52 AM
Is anyone using an Art tube preamp in the field?
I am specifically interested how this handles on phantom power? Is it worth investing in one.


http://www.artproaudio.com/products.asp?id=1&cat=1&type=79

Will I be able to plug in mics and use this without power to set levels then send signal to a recording devise?

Comments

John_Cline wrote on 1/6/2011, 2:04 AM
No, it requires a 9 volt AC power supply and from that power supply derives phantom power for microphones which require it. It will not run on phantom power itself. It is also a single channel device, however, at $48 it's pretty inexpensive.

I also have to question using a tube in the field, they are rather delicate physically and the sound quality will subtly change as the tube deteriorates over time. Tubes also have a certain audio character (subjectively described as "warm" and "fat") that you may or may not want depending on what you're recording. Personally, I don't necessarily want warm and fat, I want accurate and noise and distortion free. I would opt for a high quality solid state preamp, some of which can run on batteries.

The Nady DMP-2 is a two-channel device which runs on a 9 volt battery and provide phantom power. It can be had for about $60.

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Nady-DMP2-Dual-Microphone-Preamp-?sku=180156&src=3WFRWXX&ZYXSEM=0&CAWELAID=40873070

In my opinion, the best single-channel battery-powered preamp is the Sound Devices MP-1 for about $450.

http://www.sounddevices.com/products/mp1master.htm
farss wrote on 1/6/2011, 2:14 AM
In the field that thing will be largely useless. It might have a place in a recording studio. Look at the range of audio gear made by Sound Devices if you want a field mixer / preamp. Not only is their signal to noise ratio about as it good as it gets they're built to take the hard knocks of life in the field.

Bob.
Rory Cooper wrote on 1/6/2011, 3:17 AM
Thanks guys, John the Nandy will be perfect for me I can get it over here and also at a good price ..awesome
Guy S. wrote on 1/6/2011, 8:17 AM
Does your recording device have Line Level or Mic Level inputs? The Nady outputs a line level signal that will overload microphone inputs.
musicvid10 wrote on 1/6/2011, 9:11 AM
I've had pretty good luck with Art preamps, but likewise would stay away from a tuber in the field. Art products generally use good components, good pcb layout, have low noise, and low microphonics or RF pickup. The battery powered solutions are especially nice on location. Exactly the opposite can be said for Rolls. Stay away.
Andy_L wrote on 1/6/2011, 6:46 PM
I finally got fed up with tubes burning out and got rid of mine, but I have to say, for the money the Tube MP was by far the best-sounding pre I've used. If you're going solid state for a replacement, you probably have to spend a wad of cash to get something noticeably better. Don't know if there's any way to power one w/o ac, though.
Geoff_Wood wrote on 1/6/2011, 7:59 PM
From the blurb it is not 100% clear that this is a real 'tube' preamp, or a solid-state preamp with a tube (without a true HT anode voltage) thrown in effectively as a sound-effect.

Whichever, I'm sure a s.s. pre would be more appropriate in the op's application.

geoff