Tube MP/C User’s Manual
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS – READ FIRST This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure. Voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock. This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Please read manual. Read instructions: Retain these safety and operating instructions for future reference. Heed all warnings printed here and on the equipment.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS – READ FIRST .................................. II INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 1 OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................... 2 SETTING UP ................................................................................................... 2 Unpacking ......................................................................................
INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing Applied Research and Technology’s Tube MP/C. You’ve undoubtedly noticed that the Tube MP/C is as cool sounding as it looks. After getting familiar with the Tube MP/C, you’ll realize what a great investment you’ve just made. The Tube MP/C may be used everywhere! Anywhere you need level adjustments (gain or attenuation), and anywhere you need compression - you’ll be using the Tube MP/C.
OVERVIEW The Tube MP/C (PreAmplifier/Compressor) is a multi-purpose tool for audio engineering and recording. Enclosed in a tabletop chassis are two independent circuits featuring a tube-based analog preamplifier and a VCA-less compressor with optical gain reduction control. Used as a mic/line preamp or as a DI (direct) box, the Tube MP/C is designed to work seamlessly with any recording, sound-reinforcement, or electronic instrument setup.
Installation The Tube MP/C may be employed in a number of setups including: • Between a microphone and a mixer, digital workstation, or analog recorder. • In a mixer’s channel insert points. • Between a microphone and signal processors. • Between electronic musical instruments (synthesizers, guitars, bass, samplers, acoustic instruments with pickups) and other gear. The XLR output is transformer isolated allowing you to connect the outputs to two different systems without creating ground loop noise.
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS & INDICATORS Figure 1 - Front view Gain Control The Gain control sets the amount of input gain of the Tube MP/C. Turn the control clockwise to increase gain and counterclockwise to decrease gain. Selection of the gain range is made with the +20dB gain switch. You may control two ranges of gain with this control, +20 to +60dB and +0 to +40dB.
producing a clean output when this LED is lit. The next two LEDs are labeled “WARM.” This is the optimal operating range for the Tube MP/C. At this level, the tube is producing an output signal which most would term “warm” (Whatever you would like to call it is fine - simmering, toasty, etc.) You’ll find the output signal has an enhanced bottom to low mid quality with smooth high frequency detail. The last LED is labeled “Clip.” This LED will light approximately 6dB before audible distortion occurs.
Phase Switch The Phase switch is provided to reverse the phase of a signal. This switch works on Pins 2 and 3 of the XLR Output jack and also reverses the polarity of the 1/4” output jack. In the Normal (out) position, the signal is in-phase. In multiple microphone applications, the placement of the microphones can affect the phase of a signal. If two microphones pick up the same signal from different locations, the result can be a hollow or frequency “shifted” sound.
REAR PANEL FUNCTIONS Figure 2 - Rear view Power The Power switch supplies and removes power from the unit. The Tube MP/C should be turned “on” only when all monitor levels are turned down, or off, to protect against any “thumping” caused by high gain settings. Likewise, the Tube MP/C should be turned “off” after turning all monitor levels down. Input and Output Connections The Tube MP/C’s XLR Input connector follows the AES standard: Pin 1 = Ground, Pin 2 = Hot (+), Pin 3 = Cold (-).
Unbalanced Output The 1/4" output jack provides signal between the shield and the tip. It is intended for use with 1/4" mono plugs. The maximum output level is controlled by the Output switch. Output Switch The Output switch controls the output level at both output jacks. The Inst. position is intended for applications where the 1/4" output connects to an instrument input and/or the XLR output connects to a Mic input on a console. The Line setting provides more gain and maximum output level at both jacks.
APPLICATIONS The main application of the Tube MP/C is as a microphone preamplifier and compressor. To use the Tube MP/C as a mic or line preamplifier only, simply release the Opto Comp switch to bypass the compression circuitry. Plug any microphone directly into either input and set the input and output controls to provide an appropriate level into the next stage of your system. Using the Tube MP/C as a DI The Tube MP/C is ideal for use as a DI box.
Special Effects For industrial, metal, or just “flavor” textures, experiment with the Tube MP/C. Overdriving the preamp and compressor circuitry can add interesting textures when blended with vocals and other instruments. Placing signals purposely out of phase can also yield interesting results. No harm will come to the Tube MP/C with this type of experimentation. However, be sure to have output and monitoring levels turned DOWN before “testing” the sound.
WARRANTY INFORMATION: Limited Warranty: Applied Research and Technology will provide warranty and service for this unit in accordance with the following warrants: Applied Research and Technology, (A R T) warrants to the original purchaser that this product and the components thereof will be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of three years from the date of purchase.
SPECIFICATIONS: Input Connections: ................................ XLR balanced or 1/4" unbalanced Input Impedance: ................................... 1M Ohms 1/4" input, 5K Ohms XLR input Output Connections: ............................. 1/4" unbalanced ................................................................ XLR balanced, transformer isolated. Output Impedance: ................................ XLR: < 600 Ohms, 1/4": < 300 Ohms Frequency Response: .............................
www.artproaudio.com E-mail: support@artproaudio.
