ART Tube MP/C

Name: ART Tube MP/C
Brand: ART
SKU: ART-TUBE-MP-C
Price: 20326.0 INR
Availability: InStock

MRP - Rs. 20,326

Category: Preamps & Processors | Series: TUBE MP

ART Tube MP/C tube mic preamp and DI with optical compressor: up to 80 dB gain, 12AX7a, transformer isolated XLR out, line / instrument output, LED meters. Available in India from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

VISUAL GUIDE — See Every Photo, Spec & Setup Step (PDF)

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONTech SpecsDESCRIPTIONDescriptionREAL-WORLD WORKFLOWSReal-World Workflows

Specifications

Inputs	XLR balanced or 1/4 inch unbalanced
Outputs	1/4 inch unbalanced; XLR balanced, transformer isolated
Input impedance	1 MΩ (1/4 inch); 5 kΩ (XLR)
Output impedance	< 600 Ω (1/4 inch); < 300 Ω (XLR)
Maximum input level	+15 dBu unbalanced (instrument); +10 dBu balanced (mic)
Maximum output level	+19 dBu (line mode)
Maximum gain	+80 dB (balanced in‑out); +64 dB (unbalanced input, balanced output)
Frequency response	30 Hz - 60 kHz ±1 dB balanced output; 20 Hz - 60 kHz ±1 dB 1/4 inch output
Total harmonic distortion	< 0.1 % at max. gain
Equivalent input noise	-128 dBu typical (A‑weighted, shorted XLR balanced input, gain at max.)
CMRR	> 60 dB at max. gain
Phantom power	Selectable, +48 V DC, filtered, current limited
Tube	12AX7a, hand selected

Compressor

Type	Optical (VCA‑less), soft knee, bypassable
Slope	2:1 (comp.) / 11:1 (limit)
Attack time	< 1 ms (limit), 20 ms (comp.)
Release time	150 ms (Fast); 20 ms - 3 s, program dependent (Auto)
Low cut filter	-3 dB at 70 Hz, 6 dB / octave

Power and physical

Power requirements	9 V AC at 1000 mA (external), product page
Power supply (owner's manual)	Universal adaptor: input 100‑240 V AC, 50/60 Hz; output 12 V DC at ≥ 800 mA
Chassis	All aluminium, black anodised, with integral rubber sides
Dimensions (H x W x D)	4.45 x 15.0 x 16.5 cm (1.75 x 5.9 x 6.5 inch)
Weight	1.32 kg (2.9 lb)

Product overview

The ART Tube MP/C is the most advanced member of the Tube MP family: a tube mic preamp and instrument DI with an optical compressor, switchable line / instrument output level and LED metering in a desktop format.

Like every Tube MP, it is a mic preamp and instrument DI with real tube warmth, XLR and 1/4 inch connections, phantom power, boost and phase reversal. It also has a robust compressor: when engaged it offers variable threshold, switchable fast or auto release, a switchable slope for compression or limiting ratios and gain reduction metering. Unique among the Tube MP family, the outputs switch between line level, typically used with audio interfaces and signal processors, and instrument level, for sending a recorded DI track back to a guitar amplifier for reamping or for connecting the XLR output to a console's mic preamp. A front instrument input, tube drive and output level meters and a switchable 70 Hz high-pass filter complete a compact channel strip.

Maximum gain, balanced in‑out	+80 dB
VCA‑less tube compressor	Opto
Hand selected tube	12AX7a
Dynamic range	> 90 dB

Key features

Tube-based mic / line preamplifier with up to 80 dB of gain
Hand selected 12AX7a tube
Optical (VCA-less) compressor for transparent dynamics control, bypassable
XLR balanced and 1/4 inch unbalanced inputs and outputs
Transformer isolated XLR output
Selectable output range for line / instrument interface levels
LED meters for tube warmth, gain reduction and output level
+48 V phantom power and phase reversal
Selectable release time settings
Custom extruded aluminium chassis

Preamp and tube drive

The Gain control covers +0 to +40 dB, or +20 to +60 dB with the +20 dB switch. The 12AX7a second stage adds 20 dB and is designed to overload before the input or output stage, so the tube gain can be used for different sonic results. The four-LED Tube Drive display shows Clean, two Warm steps and Clip; ART calls the second Warm LED the sweet spot. The Low Cut switch rolls off below 70 Hz to remove rumble and wind noise before amplification.

Optical compressor

The compressor uses optical electronics coupled with a 12AX7a gain stage and is soft knee by design. Threshold sets where it acts; the Slope switch selects compression (2:1) or limiting (11:1); Speed selects a fast (150 ms) or program dependent auto release (20 ms - 3 s). The Gain Reduction display shows the amount of compression; ART suggests keeping the average gain reduction to 9 dB or less for the most transparent results. The Opto Comp switch bypasses the compressor.

Outputs

The XLR output is transformer isolated (pin 1 floats), so it can feed a second system without ground loops while the 1/4 inch output is in use. The rear Output switch sets Line (more gain and maximum output) or Inst. (for instrument inputs or a console mic input) for both jacks; the Output control gives up to +20 dB of gain.

In the box

Tube MP/C tube preamp and compressor
Power adaptor with four plug clips (stated in the owner's manual)

ART Tube MP/C: frequently asked questions

Can I use the Tube MP/C for reamping?

Yes. Connect the line output of the recording gear to the instrument input, set the Output switch to Inst. and connect either output to the guitar amplifier.

Can the compressor be switched off?

Yes. Releasing the Opto Comp switch bypasses the compressor; the preamp stays active.

How is it powered?

By an external supply. The product page states 9 V AC at 1000 mA; the 2021 owner's manual describes a universal 100-240 V AC adaptor with 12 V DC output, and the rear panel is marked 12 V DC.