ART TPS II

Product overview

The ART TPS II is a two-channel rackmount tube mic preamp and instrument DI that brings the versatility of the Tube MP Studio V3 to two channels, with 16 V3 voicing presets, Output Protection Limiting and variable impedance per channel.

Mains input 110-125 V AC only (official ART specification): use a suitable step-down transformer on 230 V Indian mains.

V3 stands for Variable Valve Voicing: sixteen onboard presets in three overlapping groups, Neutral, Warm and OPL. Each has a precisely voiced EQ curve, the Warm presets add tube saturation and the OPL presets engage Output Protection Limiting for dynamic control of loud signals and big transients. Every preset has a suggested application, and a Flat preset gives the classic sound of the original Tube MP. Both channels have independent V3 settings, input and output gain, and switchable boost, phantom power and phase reversal, plus variable impedance for each microphone input. The front panel has input and output meters and a mic / instrument combo jack per channel; the rear panel has XLR and 1/4 inch connections for mic and line.

Key features

• Variable input impedance on each microphone input
• Improved V3 Variable Valve Voicing presets
• LED input meter with analog output meter
• Enhanced ART tube technology adds warmth (12AX7A, hand selected)
• Automatically switches between instrument and microphone preamp
• Wide frequency response, 5 Hz to 50 kHz
• Enhanced OPL Output Protection Limiter
• Switchable +20 dB boost, +48 V phantom power and phase reverse per channel

The V3 presets

Neutral settings (Flat, Vocal, Guitar Amplifier, Bass Guitar) give uncoloured, natural reproduction. Warm settings (Electronic Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Vocal Microphone, Valve) warm the signal. Warm settings with OPL (Multiple Applications, Vocal, Acoustic Guitar, Piano) and Neutral settings with OPL (Bass Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Limit) suit high sound pressure levels, close miking and spiky transients, with warmth or with clarity. ART voiced the presets as starting points that can be fine tuned.

Controls and metering

Each channel has an input impedance control, Gain and Output controls, +20 dB Gain, +48 V Phantom and Phase switches, an LED input meter (-20 to Clip), an analog tube meter and its V3 dial. The Input control, together with the +20 dB switch, sets how hard the tube is driven and therefore the tube character.

Connections

The front combo jacks take balanced XLR microphones and unbalanced 1/4 inch instruments. On the rear, each channel has a balanced mic / line input (1/4 inch and XLR), an active balanced XLR output (up to +28 dBu) and an unbalanced 1/4 inch output; balanced and unbalanced outputs can be used at the same time, for example to a console and an instrument amplifier. Mains power enters through an IEC inlet with a fuse.

In the box

• TPS II two-channel tube preamp

ART TPS II: frequently asked questions

What mains voltage does the TPS II need?

ART specifies 110-125 V AC, 50 Hz, 16 W. Mains input 110-125 V AC only (official ART specification): use a suitable step-down transformer on 230 V Indian mains.

Can each channel use a different preset?

Yes. Both channels have independent V3 settings and their own gain, output, boost, phantom power and phase controls.

Can I plug a guitar straight in?

Yes. The front combo jacks take instruments on 1/4 inch, and the TPS II switches automatically between instrument and microphone preamp.

What does OPL do?

Output Protection Limiting gives dynamic control of loud signals and big transients; the OPL presets engage it.

Where can I buy the ART TPS II in India?

The ART TPS II is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Two microphones with different voicings

Home and project studios recording two sources at once.

Connections

Setup

1. Switch on +48 V on each channel that has a condenser microphone.
2. Choose a V3 preset per channel, for example Vocal and Acoustic Guitar.
3. Set Gain and Output with the meters.

Tip: The XLR outputs give a high level: feed line or insert inputs.

Workflow 2: Stereo instrument DI

Keyboard players and producers.

Connections

Setup

1. Plug the instrument into the front combo jacks.
2. Select the Warm Electronic Keyboard preset on both channels.
3. Match the Gain and Output of the two channels.

Tip: The TPS II switches automatically between instrument and microphone preamp.

Workflow 3: Taming loud sources with OPL

Drums, percussion and close miked amplifiers.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose a preset in the OPL groups, such as Percussion or Limit.
2. Set the gain while watching the output meter.

Tip: OPL presets suit high sound pressure levels, close miking and spiky transients.

Workflow 4: Guitar DI to console and amplifier

Guitarists on stage or in the studio.

Connections

Setup

1. Pick the Warm Electric Guitar preset.
2. Use both outputs at the same time.

Tip: If a ground loop hum appears with both outputs connected, ART suggests lifting pin 1 of the XLR output cable.

Workflow 5: Matching a ribbon or dynamic microphone

Engineers fine tuning microphone response.

Connections

Setup

1. Turn the Input Impedance control and listen for the best response.
2. Leave phantom power off if the microphone does not need it.

Tip: Variable impedance on each mic input gives more tonal flexibility.

Workflow 6: Powering the TPS II in India

Users installing the TPS II on 230 V mains.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the TPS II through a suitable step-down transformer.
2. Switch on and allow the tube about a minute to warm up.

Tip: Mains input 110-125 V AC only (official ART specification): use a suitable step-down transformer on 230 V Indian mains.