OWNERS MANUAL MP-2A tm A Designs Audio, Inc. “Quality without Compromise” P.O. Box 4255 West Hills, CA 91304 USA (818)716-4153www.adesignsaudio.
WARNING! Before you start your new MP-2A Series True Tube Microphone preamp please read the following: ANY real tube product is sensitive to a high SPL environment. This may cause microphonics in a recording situation. Make sure you are able to shock mount and or place the unit in isolation if need be. Direct light will also effect tubes, as well. PLEASE, be sure to have at least one rack space between any tube products from the product above and below the unit.
LEGAL NOTICE Fill out and Return Warranty Card to A Designs Audio, Inc.. Warranty begins the day of purchase. Your name will be placed on our mailing list (unless otherwise requested) for future updates and new product announcements. A Designs Audio, Inc. reserves the right to make improvements or changes at any time to this product. Published by: A Designs Audio, Inc. P.O. Box 4255 West Hills, CA 91304 U.S.A. Edition 4.0 2009 Copyright 2009 A Designs Audio, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
INTRODUCTION Welcome to the Analog Sound of the MP -2A. This is an all tube product, and there are some basics you should come to understand before using this product for the first time. Tubes are a component that have specialized and unique features. If you are a "pre" or baby boomer, born before 1957, you may recall using tubes in various products, such as radios, amplifiers, and televisions. So, this is just to refresh your memory.
CONTENTS Legal Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 2 Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4 Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5 Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FEATURES FEATURES FOR THE MP-2A • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Vacuum-tube design Two (2) Level Volume Controls Two (2) Polarity Switches Two (2) Tone Switches Two (2) Phantom Switch Two (2) Backlit True VU Meters Red Jewel Lamp On/Off Two (2) Neutrik Combo XLR 1/4" Input Connectors Two (2) XLR Output Connectors Zero Feedback Loop Two (2) U-Rack Space Two (2) CineMag Input Transformers Two (2) Custom Wound Output Transformers Two (2) 6NI-P Tubes Two (2) EF86 Tubes Clean and airy high end Warmth, transp
SPECIFICATIONS TECHNICAL DATA FOR THE MP-2A Input Impedance Gain Range Noise (EIN) Mic Phantom Mic Input Phase 1.4k Ohm 60dB -128 Weighted Switchable 48 Volt Power Source Switchable 0-180 Instrument Jack Input Input Impedance 1/4 phono Min > 100k Ohm Balanced XLR Output: Output Impedance Maximum Level 600 Ohm Switchable to 10k +22 dBu Output Frequency Response Distortion Low-Z, transformer-balanced 20 Hz - 60k Hz THD: > .
FUNCTIONS * Channel 1&2 VU Meters - Meters provide general indication of level. They are set to -4dB. * Level control knobs are just that. They will control the level/pad of the incoming signals. * Polarity - 0 to 180 * Tone Switch ½ and 3/4 - This switch will allow you to set your outputs to your configuration. * Phantom-On/Off - The Phantom Switch is there to give you the option of using various kinds of Microphones.
FUNCTIONS * Power Light Indicator - Red Jewel light indicator. When power is on... the light will illuminate. *Heat Vents - Allow the flow and circulation of air to cool the tubes and transformers. *XLR outputs Balanced *XLR inputs Balanced A Designs Audio Owners Manual MP -2A Edition 4.
FUNCTIONS * AC Plug - For electrical outlet (caution: please check to see what Voltage your MP-2A is set to). If the Voltage Box is not marked according to your country's code please notify A Designs before powering up. * Fuse Amperage - These are placed on the MP-2A to indicate which voltage your unit is set up for. USA Voltage should be set to 120v. For export to countries with 220v, the correct box should be marked at the back of the unit.
FUNCTIONS Caution - Caution Sign is a warning that extreme heat will create damage to the Tubes. Please make sure you have proper spacing in the Rack. We recommend 1x spacing if used in a Rack mount. Or you can place the MP-2A on the top tier of your Rack. Not allowing proper air flow voids the factory warranty.
FUNCTIONS The MP-2A has a 2U rack space which fits nicely into any Studio Rack and will compliment your array. UNIT SIZE: Width: Standard 19 inches for easy Rack Mount installation. Height: Standard 3.50 inches or 2U Rack Space. Depth: 10 inches Weight: 18 lbs 8.16 kg. A Designs Audio Owners Manual MP -2A Edition 4.
APPLICATIONS ALWAYS USE GOOD COMMON SENSE WHEN OPERATING ANY ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER BEFORE DOING ANYTHING!!!!! A good, quality microphone preamp will add a full, warm sound to any type of recording or live performance. Generally, we begin by setting our input signal to unity, then concentrate on other devices such as compressors or effects for modifying the sound. But, this does not always have to be the case.
APPLICATIONS Apart from creating special effects, the MP-2A can be used to fix problematic recordings. An example of this would be a drum track that has gone out-of-phase. Try the following: (1) Send the individual tracks to the MP-2A. (2) Change the phase switch on one of the tracks. (3) Compare this with the bass response. You will then be able to determine which tracks are in-phase and out-of-phase. This allows you to hear how much of the sound you are missing. Above all, it is important to experiment.
