ART Tube MP Studio V3 BK

After using expensive valve preamps when recording in studios, I was after a cheaper version for my home studio; something that would add warmth to a bland digital signal.
At a reasonable price, I find that the ART Tube MP Studio V3 does just that.

The preamp itself comes with presets for certain instruments or vocal types, although after experimenting with these, I don't always go with their suggestions depending on the tone I'm after.

Playing around with input gain also is quite interesting, and with a clear VU meter and LEDs to indicate overloading signal paths, you have a clear insight into what simple adjustments can do.

The phantom power +48v is great for condenser mics too.
Another use for this preamp that I have found useful is using it as a DI for both bass guitar and acoustic guitars.
Obviously the sound quality is subjective from person to person and I have read mixed reviews about this. Ultimately, this is no Neve preamp, so don't be under any illusion that it is; however, great and easy to use for simple home demos.

As I needed this to use in the UK, it came with an EU to UK plug converter, this was it's only downside... being provided with a genuine ART UK adapter would have been much better as now the adapter+EU/UK converter is extremely cumbersome and doesn't stay in the socket happily without a bit of gaffer tape to hold it in place. DO NOT use any third party adapter as an alternative as the mA has to be exactly 1000mA at 9v AC. Most third party adapter tend to be around 300-500mA and can do serious damage to the preamp.

In Thomann's defence, I never raised this as an issue and I'm sure they would have resolved the matter.

So, to summarise: perfect for home demos and use as a DI, just be wary about the power source - check with Thomann if buying in the UK

at this price the art tube mp studio v3 is great. I looked for some analogue sound to source into my sampling chain. I got some self construction if you wanna say so. my sampling chain aint just for sampling realtime audio I also have my analog hardware effects in this chain. so anyways I switched the art tube into the sampling path as a general signal booster. so the tube output goes to all my sources, sampler, effects and also my guitar.

the guitar boosting is a big part of the tasks of this tube cauz my guitar signal was too weak and too digital in sound. this tube does what it does best, making my guitar sound like an accoustic instrument which it actually is.

the line signal also benefits from the art mp studio v3. I got output boosting options by metering the values of IO to find the volume boost effect and I also got those sound modes which can be selected by a good quality poti.

at my finishing point I really have to mention the tubes design. the deep blue colour of the housing and the oldskool vu output meter really make this device nice to look at, especially in the evenings when I got some studio led lighting shining on it.

Possibly the best 'value for money' item of musical equipment I own, I have used and continue to use the Tube MP V3 (nearly nine years later!) for adding tube driven warmth to both vocals and various recorded instruments, including electric and acoustic guitars, bass guitar and keyboards. I recently secured a publishing deal with music recorded using this unit.

Although there is no need to match the labelled settings on the selector dial with the actual instrument in use, a little experimentation with the dial allows you to find the best sounding setting. Input and output levels can then also be set to keep signal clean or overdrive the valve to suit. Unit also has phantom power for mics, reverse phase and db boost switches. All in all a brilliant value, highly usable unit - proving that you do not need to spend seriously large amounts on overpriced preamps and effects. Let your ears decide which products to use and don't waste your money by being a product snob!

I've been using this preamp for the last 6 months, and it's been my go-to tool for recording just about anything. The variable valve voicing is a very nice feature as a sort of 'cheat' EQ on the way in.

For this price, this preamp is about one of the best buys you can make for recording in a home studio.

I would like to see ART improve their VU meter - it only shows the output level. It would be good an input level to see how much you are driving the tube - even an LED meter would be useful.

Overall, I am very satisfied with the preamp.