ART Digital MPA-II Mic Preamp with A/D Conversion

Full Description

Tube-based microphone preamp with A/D conversion

Bridging the gap between analog and digital. Basing its design on its younger sibling (the ProMPA) with addition of the digital output. It comes jam-packed with controls and even features dual, vintage-style VU meters. Each input features integrated 48V Phantom Power for use with studio-grade microphone such as condensers.

At the heart of the MPA-II are dual hand-selected 12AX7 tubes. These high-end tubes provide wider preamp tonal variation, delivering a unique character. It also gives you the ability to toggle between low or high plate voltages. It also features a high-grade A to D converter, with the myriad of digital connections on offer.

The front-panel features a wide range of analog and digital controls. For instance, the digital section allows you to dictate the sample rate of the MPA-II, as well as the dither. The sample rates range from 44.1KHz to 192KHz. The internal crystal-controlled oscillator will accurately generate the selected timing. The Mid/Side switch allows you to toggle between left/right information, ideal for use with stereo recording.

Optimise your ribbon/dynamic mic performance

One of the most unique features of the MPA-II is the variable input impedance. You can use these control settings to optimise the performance of different microphones. From ribbon microphones to dynamic microphones, the MPA-II will deliver the best possible sound every time.

Versatile digital connectivity – bridge the gap

The digital MPA-II is a hybrid microphone preamp, employing both analog and digital connections. The rear of the unit features a wide range of digital connectivity including S/PDIF, ADAT, or AES/EBU outputs. It is the perfect mic preamp for the modern studio, allowing you to use the microphone preamp with a wide range of digital and analog gear.

The front-panel features a 1/4-inch instrument input with an impedance of >1M ohms and it can be adjusted via the input gain control. There is also balanced inputs and outputs on the rear of the unit.

Features

• Variable input impedance for flexible microphone voicing (150 ohms To 2400 ohms)
• Large VU meters
• Discrete Class-A input microphone preamplifier
• Extremely low total harmonic distortion (THD)
• Additional front mounted instrument input jack
• Operate at +4dbm/-10dbv output
• Automatic instrument input selection
• 44.1K, 48K, 88.2K, 96K, 176.4K, 192K internal sample rates
• Wide dynamic range A/D
• Separate analog and digital output level controls
• ADAT optical I/O
• Switch selectable optical output (S/PDIF or ADAT)
• Two wordclock jacks allowing loop through
• Selectable plate voltage
• Backlit function switches
• Low noise at lower gain settings
• Wide frequency response
• Support mid/side micing technique
• Selectable stereo/dual operation of output controls
• 24-204KHz external sample rate
• 24/16 bit switchable dithering
• Rotary encoder for quick selection of sample rate
• Digital level LED meters display both Average and Peak level
• Sync to incoming ADAT data range
• AES/EBU and S/PDIF outputs

Specifications

• Frequency Response: 15Hz to 48 kHz (+0, -1dB) @ normal plate voltage 15Hz to 120 kHz (+0, -1dB) @ high plate voltage
• Dynamic Range: > 110dB (“A” weighted)
• CMRR: > 90dB
• THD: < 0.005 percent (typical)
• Equivalent Input Noise: -129dBu (XLR, “A” weighted)
• Maximum Input Level: +19dBu (cannon)
• Maximum Instrument Input: +17dBu
• Input Impedance: 150-3000 (Omega) adjustable (XLR) >800k (Omega) (Instrument)
• Maximum Output Level: +27dBu (XLR)
• Output Impedance: < 47 (Omega) (XLR)
• Maximum Gain: 75dB
• Meter Calibration: 0 VU = +4dBu output (+4dB mode) 0 VU = -10dBV output (-10dB mode)
• High Pass Filter: single pole, 10-200 Hz adjustable

• A/D Frequency Response:
  • @44.1KHz sample rate: 10Hz to 21.25KHz (+0, -1dB)
  • @88.2KHz sample rate: 10Hz to 42.50KHz (+0, -1dB)
  • @196KHz sample rate: 10Hz to 81KHz (+0, -1dB)
• A/D Dynamic Range: > 112dB “A” weighted (typical)
• A/D THD: <0.001 percent @1K (typical)
• A/D Input Sensitivity: +12dBu min
• A/D Insert Input Impedance: >10k (Omega)
• Power Requirements: USA – 105 to 125 VAC / 60 Hz Export units configured for country of destination

• Dimensions (HxWxD): 3.50 x 19.0 x 8.75 inches
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 88mm x 482mm x 222mm
• Weight: 4.7kg (10.5 lbs)