just bought the pro MPA2 because of this review and others. I got a great deal on a used one for about $300. Cant wait to get it in the mail, hope it works!
Bruh.... I've been going back and forth for the last 3 days trying to decide between the ua twin finity, the V5, or the vt 737.... You just saved me a gazillion dollars. Smashing the hell outa that subscribe button.
Most people don’t need the 737 and the MPA II will do just fine in pretty much all situations. Just spend some time educating yourself on how to properly mix vocals. And thanks man I appreciate that!
Found one used on offer up and man I 🤬 love it so much. All my friends who come through always ask me how I mixed the song so quick, little do they know it's just how clean that preamp is
Nicee man how much did you get yours for? That’s what I’m saying though, it gives a real nice starting place with your mix when you use this pre. I love it too man!
I dig my Pro MPA II, I haven't done a ton of vocals through it yet, but I've done acoustic guitar, upright bass, and synthesizers through it and it delivers every time. I also have the Pro VLA limiter compressor. The combo sounds REALLY good with electric bass and with the bass patches on my Moog.
@@UndergroundSoundProductions I agree. I actually bought mine from a pro studio here in Colorado as they were remodeling and switching over to a brand new pro tools HD rig. You could tell he was a little sad to see it go.
I have had 1073 clone and all sort of pre that cost me 3000$. My wife divorced me and i had to sell all this. So i went and bought the pro mpa and pro la.. thinking well its better then my crappy interface.. I was totally blow out by this pre.. then i look at the spec and couldnt beleive them.. See it doesnt cost much to produced thia in 2021. .art is a honnest compagnie. They could rebrand and sell these probably 3x higher. Price on reverb already started to go up.. 700 for a used. Get a new one while they last. And the build quality is just up there all metal knob etc.. it cost less then plugins crap
Yes. I agree completely. I own one. I've never used the Digital outputs . I wish it had a USB output but that's ok. I run the ART output to a Presonus Audiobox, then to my PC. There's talk about replacing the stock tubes on these things. I almost tried that but a friend saw that mine came with JJ tubes and advised me to keep them. you can DEFINITELY hear a difference. Hard to describe.
Absolutely man it still holds up as my favorite budget preamp all these months later. I plan on getting the channel II and presonus studio channel to do a showdown kinda video so until then I’m recommending MPA everyday of the week 🙌
Thanks for all the awesome info, it's very likely that this will be my first outboard rack preamp. I'm actually very happy with the onboard pre's for my MOTU 828es interface - I would define them as very, very clean and dry. Which is perfect for many things. Was looking for a total alternative so I can have just 2 solid hardware preamp choices. So, wanted tubes. But didn't want to spend too much, since to 90% of listeners the difference will be very subtle. Anyway this encourages me that it's a solid choice for my next vocal pre.
You’ll love it man. One of the best investments you can make with your studio. Refer back to my videos if you need any help setting it up I got you covered man!
I still never spend my 8 grand on my mic chain just taking my time i don't want to be sorry After seeing your video i'am thinking of getting ART PRO preamp or your mic chain...Thanks so much for sharing your awesome videos
Yeah you are right i bought a lot of gear preamps, eqs and compressors even a Tascam mixer, i was looking for the vintage sound but i was getting a lot of noise i didnt knew what i was doing so i sold everything and i got a nice PC, im learning how to mix properly and keep it simple, now im looking for preamps just to colour the way in and then build an external mix bus, but by no means is super necessary to own gear if you dont learn the basics
I had one and I loved it. Used it on pretty much everything. The problem is the longevity. It broke down after about 3/4 years. Started with the 2nd channel and the the 1st channel finally gave up.
You couldn’t go wrong with either but the plus side to the MPA is it’d save you a little money. You couldn’t potentially get a nice compressor or a new microphone even! The MPA has been awesome man I love it
My friend if you had an afiiate link I would def buy this through it. Im a big fan of value vs expensive. Hence why I dont mind going for budget options if they deliver very close performance for a fraction of the price. Im still a newbie in the mixing and producing world and even spending the 450€ the MPA costs is a big thing. I was shocked to see how much the avalon costs in comparison, thinking I would not buy anything like that for the time being. If this can make the same and costs almost a 10th of the avalon im gonna go for it. Thanks
I tried to have affiliate links in the past and I ran into some troubles with it and since have stopped using them. That’s why I created a PayPal for people to donate to if they find the content helpful/informative and would like to support the channel that way. Anything helps and it all goes back into the channel to buy more gear and create more informative content. I appreciate the kind words though man seriously it means the world to me ❤️
The Avalon 787 pre is amazing but it precisely the eq and compressor for which all of us that understand, buy it for. You’re young and learning, I’m old… don’t feel bad, but you sold the holy grail. I have two, I have 10s of thousands of other preamps and it is NOT the only or best but it is one of the very best. When you can, buy another. The compressor and eq will smooth any source into pure love. Good luck
Brother thank you. I agree with you 100 pervent i am a professional engineer and producer my home studio is sony c80 mic mpa 2 and nlack lion bluey 1176 trust me industry standard quality and yes you need to know how to record and mix ..
I have two of the Pro MPA 1900's original made in usa (like that matters), but I was very impressed with these. I may go ahead and get the Pro MPA II just because.........
I currently use a Scarlett 212 to run my mic, would this replace my scarlett, or can I simply run the output INTO my scarlett and still use my scarlett at the same time. I'm confused on how these work
I bought this as a drummer. I got my drums running from my mixer to an Art EQ355 dual 31 band eq then to the MPA2 and finally to my power amp out my speakers. great for a live drum mic set up
@@priiintplayzz6219 if you got the cash flow check out the art pro VLAII tube compressor. from what I here it pairs really well with the MPAII. also look into replacing the cheap Chinese tubes used in these units (it's only flaw in my opinion)
@@twistedtonestudio3716 Thanks for the reply appreciate it , I’m definitely gonna get it What should I replace the tubes with ? What brand should I use ? I’ll check out the art pro Vla2
I hear great reviews in short term, but poor reviews for long term. Knobs strip and lights in VUs fail. Still, I going to get one and give it a try. Thx for review
Good advice. A skilled engineer can make a much better-sounding record using cheap, low-budget gear than a novice in a multi-million dollar studio facility. Your skills are way more important than the gear (or the price tag thereof) .
hey, i got a 2i2 4th gen which has a dynamic range of 120 db. Since the MPA has only 110 db of dynamic range, would it be considered taking a step backwards by plugging the MPA into the 2i2 4th Gen? assuming id be losing 10 db of dynamic range? Tbh a majority of the reason i got the 4th Gen was for the better A/D converters, but dynamic range is still important to me as well.
New owner of a brand new MPA II here, you convinced me with this video:) Before I start recording should I change the tubes ? I've read multiple times that stock tubes are not very good. If yes, what brand would be best ? Thanks again !
This is a little late, but it may help someone. It seems the tubes supplied by ART vary. Mine came with unbranded Chinese tubes and it was a little harsh. The OP unit had JJ tubes and they have a good reputation. I had some old RCA tubes in good shape, so I used them, and the sound is smoother. Mine is primarily used for bass guitar, but I did some vocal tests with it. Just remember, the tube in the compressor stage is a 12AT7, not a 12AX7.
Nice review. I have a question, I have Audient id 14 interface, neumann tlm 103 microphone. I am planning to buy this. So can you please share your opinions and experience regarding this preamp. Can I buy this?
I have both the MPA and the VLA. I run the output of the MPA directly into the input of the VLA and operate them as a single unit. I love them both. I use them on my guitar cab, HiZ input for bass guitar and stereo mics for bongos. You can see it in action here. th-cam.com/video/psFdIe9QZIs/w-d-xo.html
Does the noticeably increase in hiss noise bother you when plate voltage is pressed in? When pressed out, it's like there's virtually no noise at all but as soon as I press in plate voltage, hiss dominates the output, so bad that I usually just record without it. Hurts me because I know I'm missing out on the full potential but the hiss is too noticeable of a hiss on quiet sections of recordings etc. (going into a WA76, then into a Focusrite clarett 8Pre) Thanks for any input🙏🏿
Does your mic have a pad on it.? If so, are you using it? Some mics are hotter than others. I would check there first. Also, depends on what type of mic. Then I would check my gain staging of the entire signal chain. Check your noise floor. Then, check room treatment for ambient noise. Mine sounds great with the tubes soaked
I always hated that Avalon, clean, transparent, characterless, slow and transparent compressor, really no logic in having an expensive tube strip to get a clean and transparent sound that can be accomplished with any audio interface preamp. If ART has some grit and character I am interested although everything can be done with the plugins really.
How often do you get boogers on your nose ring? What is your cleaning process for your nose ring? Do boogers, snot, and mucus cause tarnish issues to your nose ring? Do you have any advice for a person who may be considering a nose ring? How old is too old to get a nose ring?
Bro can u please do a video on how to set the impedance? I have the same preamp and mic. Just want a better understanding on impedance and how to set it on the preamp. Thanks
4 words - signal-to-noise ratio! It is passable at low gain settings, but if you are trying to capture quiet signals and/or using low sensitivity microphones forgetabouddit! It's good value for its price point, but without serious modifications to the internal components - I wouldn't call this a professional grade preamp
As a person who works with music every day.. Yeah preamps do help a little bit but like you said.. Its all about the engineer and know how in there daw
Hi Bro, can you advise how long you have been mixing and mastering. Did you do a side by side recording of the ART vs Avalon? What's the set up? Preamp? microphone?
The pro channel is awesome too. You'd get a compressor and EQ on it as well and both sound fantastic. As you said, the pro channel is a single channel pre so if you ever plan to record stereo in the future, keep that in mind. I use to have the pro channel it sounds really good too!
Great videos! You really helping me starting my small homestudio. I wil use an Art pro MPA 2 for sure with my for now 1 microphone: stam audio SA-47 tube. I am in doubt between an equalizer or compressor (warm audio wa73EQ vs Art pro VLA II). I plan to use a second mic for recording acoustic guitar but plan first to setup some basic gear. Do you have a recommendation for a 500-1000 euro Audio Interface?
I'm glad the content has been helping man! vla ii for suree without hesitation. Don't waste your time with the eq the comp is going to be so much more beneficial. I'm a huge fan of recording with compression
Not really understanding the differences between MPA to VLA other than MPA is a preamp, and VLA is a compressor. Seems like both are good for vocals. I'm looking for a compressor for live vocals.. So which one would be better?
It doesn't look like anyone has answered you, so I will attempt to answer from a technical viewpoint. You need both. The MPA preamplifier will amplify the microphone signal to a level the VLA compressor will use. Plugging a microphone into a VLA would not give a useable result. If you only use 1 microphone get the Pro Channel, it has 1channel of the MPA and VLA built in as well as some EQ.
I found many of my recordings were lacking something and now I'm certain I need a preamp.Surely you don't need one with UA Apollo interfaces though....? Thank pal!
It’s that static hiss sound you hear when you crank up your preamp. It’s more noticeable when you’re using a mic with a poor S/N ratio or a preamp with a poor EIN
No you can definitely use plugins if you want to! I’ve been dabbling with the slate plugins as of lately and I’ve been equally as satisfied using them as well!
Do you think this would be worth getting for acoustic instruments like acoustic guitar (rather than just vocals), compared to just using the Focusrite Scarlett's built-in preamp?
Definitely! This preamp is a lot better than the stock preamps on the Scarlett. I love the MPA for the warmth it gives the tracks. If you get the settings dialed in properly it’s a beauty of a preamp. No complaints so far and I’ve been using it day in and day out for a week straight
Brother, I'm watching your video here in Brazil. I have the opportunity to buy an Art Pro Channel II, do you think it would be as good as the ART PRO MPA II, both for voice and instrument?
I was looking into the MA800 (I believe it’s called) and it looked pretty nice. I’ve personally never used a Mojave mic before so I can’t speak on them but I’m sure someone here has had experience with Mojave microphones
I like paring a bright microphone with a tube preamp and a darker microphone with a solid state preamp. The tube pre thickens/warms up the bright mic and the solid state doesn't make the darker microphone any darker than it needs to be. For my 103, the tube pre is beautiful. For my new sm7b, just plugging directly into my Apollo is probably the way to go. Really depends what mic you're using
got here from googling the art mpa 2 to get mad at it, for fairness sake, but this vid is fucked dude - you're talking audio is only example of the unit's sound? What's your converter? Where you using it with the interface's pre's bypassed? with either the avalon or art? And why not use the comp and eq on the avalon? In no way stanning the avalon, haven't owned/used/cared for one. I use a apollo 8 and tlm 103, see you've got the 103 (and that this vid is from a year ago), idk I've got a apollo 8 with the bla mod and as someone who knows they're gonna be doing all or most of everything itb I doubt the mpa adds more than you're losing. Will admit I'm basing that off my live sound exp with some art stuff, di's and effects racks which I'm extremely unimpressed with, and my only budget pre a fmr rnp, that i use only for vocoder signal (mic pre but only to send to a vodocder) as it shits out in the sub 100 hz range. Idk dude, u still use it? U seem cool dude, tell me whats up.... please dude...... this art gear bro................ fuck dude
@@UndergroundSoundProductions my b dude... lol... just late night ranting. feel like i see that art pre amp everywhere only cuz its got TUBES, idk, ur good :)
between 10 and 7 on the VU meter???? Bro, you want the VU to hit just before the red to get the least amount of noise floor. Just before the red is ZERO.
![ออกพรรษาน้ำตาหล่น - แอน อรดี [OFFICIAL MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/PFZtOcY9ONA/mqdefault.jpg)
Currently running a TLM 103 through one of these, then into the Apollo Twin. This thing is a beast for that price
Tigre Sen
The Avalon kills it!!
@@morenazo6412 obviously, but not everyone can afford it.
@@morenazo6412 not exactly. I have an Avalon and haven’t cut it on in years!
Same set up any pointers
Really good advice in this video. Knowing how to set up, gain stage and mix are by far the most important part of any recording rig. Great video
just bought the pro MPA2 because of this review and others. I got a great deal on a used one for about $300. Cant wait to get it in the mail, hope it works!
Bruh.... I've been going back and forth for the last 3 days trying to decide between the ua twin finity, the V5, or the vt 737.... You just saved me a gazillion dollars. Smashing the hell outa that subscribe button.
Most people don’t need the 737 and the MPA II will do just fine in pretty much all situations. Just spend some time educating yourself on how to properly mix vocals. And thanks man I appreciate that!
Whoa wtf. ART ll has alot of dirt in it. Did you end up buying it and trialling it. What's your preamp?
Found one used on offer up and man I 🤬 love it so much. All my friends who come through always ask me how I mixed the song so quick, little do they know it's just how clean that preamp is
Nicee man how much did you get yours for? That’s what I’m saying though, it gives a real nice starting place with your mix when you use this pre. I love it too man!
Send me a track of your bro. Let me hear it.
I dig my Pro MPA II, I haven't done a ton of vocals through it yet, but I've done acoustic guitar, upright bass, and synthesizers through it and it delivers every time. I also have the Pro VLA limiter compressor. The combo sounds REALLY good with electric bass and with the bass patches on my Moog.
Nicee man. I wanna show the MPA II some love I feel like people underestimate its abilities
@@UndergroundSoundProductions I agree. I actually bought mine from a pro studio here in Colorado as they were remodeling and switching over to a brand new pro tools HD rig. You could tell he was a little sad to see it go.
@@UndergroundSoundProductions I might do a video myself on it's abilities with electric and upright bass and synths!
I have had 1073 clone and all sort of pre that cost me 3000$.
My wife divorced me and i had to sell all this. So i went and bought the pro mpa and pro la.. thinking well its better then my crappy interface..
I was totally blow out by this pre.. then i look at the spec and couldnt beleive them..
See it doesnt cost much to produced thia in 2021. .art is a honnest compagnie.
They could rebrand and sell these probably 3x higher. Price on reverb already started to go up.. 700 for a used. Get a new one while they last.
And the build quality is just up there all metal knob etc.. it cost less then plugins crap
Yes. I agree completely. I own one. I've never used the Digital outputs . I wish it had a USB output but that's ok. I run the ART output to a Presonus Audiobox, then to my PC. There's talk about replacing the stock tubes on these things. I almost tried that but a friend saw that mine came with JJ tubes and advised me to keep them. you can DEFINITELY hear a difference. Hard to describe.
Absolutely man it still holds up as my favorite budget preamp all these months later. I plan on getting the channel II and presonus studio channel to do a showdown kinda video so until then I’m recommending MPA everyday of the week 🙌
What input and output cables do you use to run the TP 2 through your audio box?
Thanks for all the awesome info, it's very likely that this will be my first outboard rack preamp. I'm actually very happy with the onboard pre's for my MOTU 828es interface - I would define them as very, very clean and dry. Which is perfect for many things. Was looking for a total alternative so I can have just 2 solid hardware preamp choices. So, wanted tubes. But didn't want to spend too much, since to 90% of listeners the difference will be very subtle. Anyway this encourages me that it's a solid choice for my next vocal pre.
Just got the Art digital mpa ii, can't wait to start using it
You’ll love it man. One of the best investments you can make with your studio. Refer back to my videos if you need any help setting it up I got you covered man!
how is it
@@DreezyBeats love it
I use my ART pro channel into my Focusrite Clarrett. I also have a ART MPA ll Excellent I want to try other tubes.
I still never spend my 8 grand on my mic chain just taking my time i don't want to be sorry After seeing your video i'am thinking of getting ART PRO preamp or your mic chain...Thanks so much for sharing your awesome videos
You can’t go wrong with the MPA! And you’re welcome man. I hope these videos help!
Yeah you are right i bought a lot of gear preamps, eqs and compressors even a Tascam mixer, i was looking for the vintage sound but i was getting a lot of noise i didnt knew what i was doing so i sold everything and i got a nice PC, im learning how to mix properly and keep it simple, now im looking for preamps just to colour the way in and then build an external mix bus, but by no means is super necessary to own gear if you dont learn the basics
W❤
I had one and I loved it. Used it on pretty much everything. The problem is the longevity. It broke down after about 3/4 years. Started with the 2nd channel and the the 1st channel finally gave up.
Super surprised by the ultra low noise preamps on the art preamps, throw in the tube and you have a really affordable warm sounding preamp.
Great video fam! I was considering getting the Warmth audio WA12 pre amp but this seems like a better option
You couldn’t go wrong with either but the plus side to the MPA is it’d save you a little money. You couldn’t potentially get a nice compressor or a new microphone even! The MPA has been awesome man I love it
TyTheProdigy would you down to make a video about how and why you would want to change the tubes of your compressor. I’m pretty curious.
Yea dude that’s a video in the works. I plan to do a video on stock tubes vs upgraded tubes and how you swap them out. Stay tuned!
TyTheProdigy right on! Good stuff man
Thanks for the info about the VU meter! (Newbie here thought it wasn't working properly)
For the price it's kind of a choice between the MPA II and a DIY project
My friend if you had an afiiate link I would def buy this through it.
Im a big fan of value vs expensive. Hence why I dont mind going for budget options if they deliver very close performance for a fraction of the price. Im still a newbie in the mixing and producing world and even spending the 450€ the MPA costs is a big thing. I was shocked to see how much the avalon costs in comparison, thinking I would not buy anything like that for the time being. If this can make the same and costs almost a 10th of the avalon im gonna go for it. Thanks
I tried to have affiliate links in the past and I ran into some troubles with it and since have stopped using them. That’s why I created a PayPal for people to donate to if they find the content helpful/informative and would like to support the channel that way. Anything helps and it all goes back into the channel to buy more gear and create more informative content. I appreciate the kind words though man seriously it means the world to me ❤️
what's the difference between, this and the ART Voice Channel Tube Channel Strip? good videos bro keep up the great work.
The Avalon 787 pre is amazing but it precisely the eq and compressor for which all of us that understand, buy it for. You’re young and learning, I’m old… don’t feel bad, but you sold the holy grail. I have two, I have 10s of thousands of other preamps and it is NOT the only or best but it is one of the very best.
When you can, buy another. The compressor and eq will smooth any source into pure love.
Good luck
Thanks man, planing on getting this and pair with with Pro VLA II
Brother thank you. I agree with you 100 pervent i am a professional engineer and producer my home studio is sony c80 mic mpa 2 and nlack lion bluey 1176 trust me industry standard quality and yes you need to know how to record and mix ..
You have given us a real lesson of frugality.
I have two of the Pro MPA 1900's original made in usa (like that matters), but I was very impressed with these. I may go ahead and get the Pro MPA II just because.........
Thanks!
I started using it withy new WA 1b
I currently use a Scarlett 212 to run my mic, would this replace my scarlett, or can I simply run the output INTO my scarlett and still use my scarlett at the same time. I'm confused on how these work
I bought this as a drummer. I got my drums running from my mixer to an Art EQ355 dual 31 band eq then to the MPA2 and finally to my power amp out my speakers. great for a live drum mic set up
I’m thinking about buying it for vocals . You think it’s worth it ? I use the shure sm7b
@@priiintplayzz6219 yes, absolutely. youtube art pro mpa II with shure sm7b.
@@priiintplayzz6219 if you got the cash flow check out the art pro VLAII tube compressor. from what I here it pairs really well with the MPAII. also look into replacing the cheap Chinese tubes used in these units (it's only flaw in my opinion)
@@twistedtonestudio3716 Thanks for the reply appreciate it , I’m definitely gonna get it What should I replace the tubes with ? What brand should I use ? I’ll check out the art pro Vla2
I bought mine used and ordered a VLA compressor right away.
Nice man that’ll be a dope combination! Lemme know how you like it man
@@UndergroundSoundProductions I sure will !
I hear great reviews in short term, but poor reviews for long term. Knobs strip and lights in VUs fail. Still, I going to get one and give it a try. Thx for review
Good advice. A skilled engineer can make a much better-sounding record using cheap, low-budget gear than a novice in a multi-million dollar studio facility. Your skills are way more important than the gear (or the price tag thereof) .
hey, i got a 2i2 4th gen which has a dynamic range of 120 db. Since the MPA has only 110 db of dynamic range, would it be considered taking a step backwards by plugging the MPA into the 2i2 4th Gen? assuming id be losing 10 db of dynamic range? Tbh a majority of the reason i got the 4th Gen was for the better A/D converters, but dynamic range is still important to me as well.
New owner of a brand new MPA II here, you convinced me with this video:) Before I start recording should I change the tubes ? I've read multiple times that stock tubes are not very good. If yes, what brand would be best ? Thanks again !
Did you ever get an answer to your question? I have the same question and would be cool to know.
I would change them anyways !
a little late but I would say a Tung-Sol is best for it if you aren’t looking for anything too focused on the low end because it’s super clean
This is a little late, but it may help someone.
It seems the tubes supplied by ART vary. Mine came with unbranded Chinese tubes and it was a little harsh. The OP unit had JJ tubes and they have a good reputation. I had some old RCA tubes in good shape, so I used them, and the sound is smoother. Mine is primarily used for bass guitar, but I did some vocal tests with it. Just remember, the tube in the compressor stage is a 12AT7, not a 12AX7.
Nice review. I have a question,
I have Audient id 14 interface, neumann tlm 103 microphone. I am planning to buy this. So can you please share your opinions and experience regarding this preamp. Can I buy this?
You are using it with audient sound card?? I think i see audient interface on your desk😅
Amazing content!
How do you connect it to your interface and utilize it in your daw? Do you use the I/O plugin?
I have both the MPA and the VLA. I run the output of the MPA directly into the input of the VLA and operate them as a single unit. I love them both. I use them on my guitar cab, HiZ input for bass guitar and stereo mics for bongos. You can see it in action here. th-cam.com/video/psFdIe9QZIs/w-d-xo.html
Nice music! are you also running the bass and drums through the ARTs?
I run my bass DI through both the MPA and VLA and combine that with a mic on my amp through the 2nd channel of the MPA and VLA. @@miltonmagik
Very clean and loud sound!@@raybbj
Does the noticeably increase in hiss noise bother you when plate voltage is pressed in? When pressed out, it's like there's virtually no noise at all but as soon as I press in plate voltage, hiss dominates the output, so bad that I usually just record without it. Hurts me because I know I'm missing out on the full potential but the hiss is too noticeable of a hiss on quiet sections of recordings etc. (going into a WA76, then into a Focusrite clarett 8Pre) Thanks for any input🙏🏿
Does your mic have a pad on it.? If so, are you using it? Some mics are hotter than others. I would check there first. Also, depends on what type of mic. Then I would check my gain staging of the entire signal chain. Check your noise floor. Then, check room treatment for ambient noise. Mine sounds great with the tubes soaked
I always hated that Avalon, clean, transparent, characterless, slow and transparent compressor, really no logic in having an expensive tube strip to get a clean and transparent sound that can be accomplished with any audio interface preamp. If ART has some grit and character I am interested although everything can be done with the plugins really.
still waiting on that comparison video between your 2 mic pres
This week man! I’m writing down all the topics I wanna cover in the video before I film!
TyTheProdigy copy
How often do you get boogers on your nose ring? What is your cleaning process for your nose ring? Do boogers, snot, and mucus cause tarnish issues to your nose ring? Do you have any advice for a person who may be considering a nose ring? How old is too old to get a nose ring?
Dude awesome video but you could put the sounds so we can hear it if not the video is pointless
Bro can u please do a video on how to set the impedance? I have the same preamp and mic. Just want a better understanding on impedance and how to set it on the preamp. Thanks
Thank you man! Thank you...
4 words - signal-to-noise ratio!
It is passable at low gain settings, but if you are trying to capture quiet signals and/or using low sensitivity microphones forgetabouddit! It's good value for its price point, but without serious modifications to the internal components - I wouldn't call this a professional grade preamp
As a person who works with music every day.. Yeah preamps do help a little bit but like you said.. Its all about the engineer and know how in there daw
If you get the best possible sound going in, post production in the DAW should be very minimal. I like that
Hi Bro, can you advise how long you have been mixing and mastering. Did you do a side by side recording of the ART vs Avalon?
What's the set up?
Preamp? microphone?
I only need one channel at a time. Should I go for the Pro Channel II instead? Thoughts?
The pro channel is awesome too. You'd get a compressor and EQ on it as well and both sound fantastic. As you said, the pro channel is a single channel pre so if you ever plan to record stereo in the future, keep that in mind. I use to have the pro channel it sounds really good too!
Great videos! You really helping me starting my small homestudio. I wil use an Art pro MPA 2 for sure with my for now 1 microphone: stam audio SA-47 tube. I am in doubt between an equalizer or compressor (warm audio wa73EQ vs Art pro VLA II). I plan to use a second mic for recording acoustic guitar but plan first to setup some basic gear. Do you have a recommendation for a 500-1000 euro Audio Interface?
I'm glad the content has been helping man! vla ii for suree without hesitation. Don't waste your time with the eq the comp is going to be so much more beneficial. I'm a huge fan of recording with compression
@@UndergroundSoundProductions thanks alot :)
Does the mpa II still hold up? I was thinking about grabbing one of these soon. Thank you!
Is the MPA ii pré better than the apollo twin when things are mixed? Show us some vocals
Great Vid! What mic are you using??
Some sort of audio sample would have been to prefer
Not really understanding the differences between MPA to VLA other than MPA is a preamp, and VLA is a compressor. Seems like both are good for vocals. I'm looking for a compressor for live vocals.. So which one would be better?
It doesn't look like anyone has answered you, so I will attempt to answer from a technical viewpoint. You need both. The MPA preamplifier will amplify the microphone signal to a level the VLA compressor will use. Plugging a microphone into a VLA would not give a useable result. If you only use 1 microphone get the Pro Channel, it has 1channel of the MPA and VLA built in as well as some EQ.
I found many of my recordings were lacking something and now I'm certain I need a preamp.Surely you don't need one with UA Apollo interfaces though....? Thank pal!
Definitely not! Any interface you’re using that accepts a line level signal will suffice for the most part
which do you have? the one with the a/d converter and digital outs? or just the regular less expensive one?
Less expensive one 👍
MPA Gold all day!
What is the "Noise Floor"?
It’s that static hiss sound you hear when you crank up your preamp. It’s more noticeable when you’re using a mic with a poor S/N ratio or a preamp with a poor EIN
are you using any tiffen black pro mist in your vid?
Yeah I always use a 1/4. I’ll use a 1/2 for my stylized stuff like if I’m shooting product b roll
You saved me $300 thank u 😭 I was about spend $600 on a WA73
So do we need to have a compressor with this art pro 2 amp? Referring to the Klark Teknik?
No you can definitely use plugins if you want to! I’ve been dabbling with the slate plugins as of lately and I’ve been equally as satisfied using them as well!
does this have enough gain for an sm7b?
would it work ok with an sm7b and dbx 286s
Is the Art Pro VLA II also a tube preamp? I am oftrn confused between the differences between MPA II vs VLA II
It's not a preamp. It will need a line level in order to properly work (MPA into the VLA)
The VLA II is an optical compressor with tube amplification.
Do you think this would be worth getting for acoustic instruments like acoustic guitar (rather than just vocals), compared to just using the Focusrite Scarlett's built-in preamp?
Definitely! This preamp is a lot better than the stock preamps on the Scarlett. I love the MPA for the warmth it gives the tracks. If you get the settings dialed in properly it’s a beauty of a preamp. No complaints so far and I’ve been using it day in and day out for a week straight
@@UndergroundSoundProductions any chance you have experience with audient id4 vs this?
I wonder if it is better than Warm-Audio 73?
🤔
Is it meant to emulate the avalon 737.
Ty does this preamp produce gain for dynamic and ribbon mics? will it do the same as a Cloud lifter?
yes, need to know this!
It has a 20db gain boost button.
Hey does this work with the apollo solo? Great review btw
it should, its an external pre amp, so its just a xlr cable connected to the interface
Brother, I'm watching your video here in Brazil. I have the opportunity to buy an Art Pro Channel II, do you think it would be as good as the ART PRO MPA II, both for voice and instrument?
Absolutely
Sir what do you say about ssl fusion?
How you guys feel about Mojave mics?
I was looking into the MA800 (I believe it’s called) and it looked pretty nice. I’ve personally never used a Mojave mic before so I can’t speak on them but I’m sure someone here has had experience with Mojave microphones
JDS Bleedo right on guys thanks for the feedback!
I know this is a tube pre amp. for rap vocals should I go for a solid state for a cleaner sound
I like paring a bright microphone with a tube preamp and a darker microphone with a solid state preamp. The tube pre thickens/warms up the bright mic and the solid state doesn't make the darker microphone any darker than it needs to be. For my 103, the tube pre is beautiful. For my new sm7b, just plugging directly into my Apollo is probably the way to go. Really depends what mic you're using
@@UndergroundSoundProductions thanks
@@UndergroundSoundProductions are there tubes you’d recommend pairing with a NT1-A?
@@MattDxstined I’ve heard the opposite
0:28 Speak the truth!!!
It sounds like, you didn’t figure out your Avalon.
Great video! Is that the MXL 990 mic? Sounds Great!
Thanks man! The microphone is the tlm 103
If next year same time it’s still your favourite pre then I’ll buy it.
How many have you tested yet bro?
That’s fair! How many preamps have I tested? So far I’ve used about 4 different pre amps in total
It's on sale on thomann right now bro!
Got mine for $50 at value village😂
Currently using an RME Babyface, would the MPA II be a good upgrade for when I record vocals ?
Most definitely! No doubt about it, the MPA adds super nice subtle characteristics that take the vocals a long way. I’ve been very impressed with it
Who else out here spending money on IRL plug-ins? I’m fuckin broke
The high quality gear mix will beat you, no effort. All they need is a C800g and Neve 1073, no eq. You lose
Cap
Let's rage!
Yessir 🙌
you’re cute
lol
got here from googling the art mpa 2 to get mad at it, for fairness sake, but this vid is fucked dude - you're talking audio is only example of the unit's sound? What's your converter? Where you using it with the interface's pre's bypassed? with either the avalon or art? And why not use the comp and eq on the avalon?
In no way stanning the avalon, haven't owned/used/cared for one.
I use a apollo 8 and tlm 103, see you've got the 103 (and that this vid is from a year ago), idk I've got a apollo 8 with the bla mod and as someone who knows they're gonna be doing all or most of everything itb I doubt the mpa adds more than you're losing. Will admit I'm basing that off my live sound exp with some art stuff, di's and effects racks which I'm extremely unimpressed with, and my only budget pre a fmr rnp, that i use only for vocoder signal (mic pre but only to send to a vodocder) as it shits out in the sub 100 hz range.
Idk dude, u still use it? U seem cool dude, tell me whats up.... please dude...... this art gear bro................ fuck dude
this is on your shoulders dude
What’s the issue lol
@@UndergroundSoundProductions my b dude... lol... just late night ranting. feel like i see that art pre amp everywhere only cuz its got TUBES, idk, ur good :)
I got a art pro channel...pure junk compared to the Avalon!!!
Is it really?
@@Mope333
Terrible, just terrible!!
@@morenazo6412 it can’t be that bad
@@Mope333
oh yes, it can....
between 10 and 7 on the VU meter???? Bro, you want the VU to hit just before the red to get the least amount of noise floor. Just before the red is ZERO.
Thanks!!