AudioChainsDB
ART

Pro MPA II

intermediate

$309

Used market: $255*

Manufacturer datasheet

Specifications

3 of 7 values have a recorded source
Type
outboard_preamp·
Added Gain dB
75
Input Connector
2x 3-Pin XLR Mic (150-3000 Ω adjustable) + 2x 1/4" TS Instrument (>800 kΩ)·
Output Connector
2x 3-Pin XLR + 2x 1/4" Line·
Expert Description
En: Two-channel valve preamp with continuously variable input impedance from 150 to 3000 Ω and a switchable plate voltage: at normal plate voltage the response runs 15 Hz to 48 kHz, at high plate voltage 15 Hz to 120 kHz. Maximum gain 75 dB, maximum input +19 dBu, maximum output +27 dBu on XLR. · Uk: Двоканальний ламповий преамп із плавно змінним вхідним опором 150–3000 Ω і перемиканням анодної напруги: за нормальної смуга 15 Гц – 48 кГц, за високої — 15 Гц – 120 кГц. Максимальне підсилення 75 дБ, максимальний вхід +19 dBu, максимальний вихід +27 dBu по XLR.·
Provides Phantom Power
yes
Requires Phantom Power
no

Expert Audio Engineering Commentary

Gain Staging Advice

The plate voltage switch is the real character control: high plate voltage means more headroom and a cleaner, wider response, low plate voltage means the tube colours earlier. Neither changes the gain figure.

Production Warning

Variable input impedance down to 150 Ω loads a ribbon heavily. That is a tonal choice, not a fault, but it also changes the microphone's effective output level, so re-check gain after every impedance move.

What the datasheet actually says

Quoted verbatim from the manufacturer’s own page, with the date we checked it. We state what is printed, not what anyone intended by it.

The maker’s own documents disagree
««Equivalent Input Noise: 129dBu (XLR, "A" Weighted)»»

ART print this preamp's equivalent input noise without a minus sign, while their own pages for the TPS II and the Tube MP print the same quantity as "-129dBu (A weighted)". As printed here the figure states 129 dBu of noise at the input, which is not a physical value for a microphone preamp; the intended reading is -129 dBu.

checked 8/5/2026

* Estimated with the depreciation fallback (~83% retained value). · checked on 8/5/2026