ART Pro MPA III

Two-channel tube microphone preamplifier with variable sound shaping and DI function

The ART Pro MPA III is a versatile 2-channel microphone preamplifier in a 2U rack format that combines classic analog warmth with flexible sound control. As an upgrade for the integrated Preamps in audio interfaces, mixing consoles or recording rigs, it offers more headroom, more intervention options and a much more conscious sound design when recording. The combination of Class A FET preamplification, a genuine 12AT7 tube stage and switchable solid-state voicing makes the PRO MPA III equally suitable for vocals, voice recordings, instruments, DI signals and dynamic or passive ribbon microphones.

More sound control for modern recording setups

The PRO MPA III is designed not just to amplify signals cleanly, but to actively shape them. Input gain, low-cut filter, impedance, Output level, 20 dB boost, phase inversion and 48-volt phantom power are available for each channel. This allows the input signal to be adapted very specifically to the microphone, instrument and recording source. This is a clear advantage, especially with vocals, acoustic instruments or microphones with a strong character, because the Preamp does not remain neutral in the background, but becomes a real part of the sound.

New functions in version III

Voice switch for tube or solid state

New in the third version is the voice switch, which can be used to switch between a warm tube signal path and a clean solid-state signal path. Depending on the recording source, the PRO MPA III can either deliver more color and saturation or deliberately work more clearly and directly. This makes it much more flexible than a pure tube preamp.

Character switch for more presence and intelligibility

Another new feature is the character switch, which specifically boosts low and high frequencies. This tuning helps to compensate for the non-linearities of classic microphone transformers and, above all, to make vocals sound clearer, more present and easier to understand. This is a very practical sound option, especially for voice recordings, podcasts and lead vocals.

Extended impedance range for dynamic and ribbon microphones

The variable microphone impedance range has been significantly extended in version III. This is particularly interesting for dynamic microphones and ribbon microphones, as their behavior can be audibly influenced via the input impedance. This makes the PRO MPA III not only a preamplifier, but also a creative tool for fine-tuning the sound even before conversion.

Analog equipment with studio focus

The features include an analog VU meter, balanced XLR and jack outputs, switchable +4 dBu / -10 dBV operation and a universal internal power supply unit. This makes the PRO MPA III a perfect fit for both classic studio environments and modern project studios. The sturdy rack housing and clearly structured user interface underline its practical claim as a robust everyday preamp for a wide variety of sources.

Worth knowing

The appeal of the PRO MPA III lies not only in the tube stage, but above all in the mixture of voicing, impedance control and practical channel strip logic. This means that even before the converter, much more influence can be exerted on the later Mix. Especially with vocals, dynamic microphones and DI signals, this can make the difference between a correct recording and a truly characterful track.