ART TPS II 2-Channel Variable Impedance Tube Preamp

Comments about ART TPS II 2-Channel Variable Impedance Tube Preamp:

As much as this is a BUDGET preamp, it's not that bad. It's not all IC as some claim. The solid state preamp is discreet. The ICs are likely for the V3 voicing and the Output Limiter. No biggie. It's 200 bone! What did you expect? Generally speaking a good quality preamp can't be had for less than 600 clams. Much less a tube preamp. This is a starved plate design yes but that's not necessarily bad. The tube does get better than 12 volts DC. I'm told somewhere near 60VDC. That's not bad. You can feel the heat from the plate.

If you're on a budget and want to add some flavour, this is fine. Make sure you set your gain properly. Keep the output low and input high. As far as reliability, I've had mine for a few years now without issue. If you mail order, blame the fedex guy for throwing it around.

Don't expect miracles. It's a BUDGET preamp.

Comments about ART TPS II 2-Channel Variable Impedance Tube Preamp:

Overall, with the noted tube replacement, features and sound quality for the price, I'd have to rate the unit 10.
However, there is one thing I must mention that is quite annoying:
For some reason, the ART designers chose to use an odd semi-mirror-image in the design. Where the gain and output knobs on channel one are arranged left and right, respectively, on channel two they are reversed. Likewise the gain and phase switches. The V3 dials and meters, however, are (thankfully) not reversed.
Why the ART engineers opted for this layout is beyond me, and can cause a bit of confusion initially - and even after using the unit for some time - when caught up in the process of making music. Adjusting the settings on channel two to match channel one can have some irritating surprises until you remember the controls are reversed!
Still, I can't deduct points because of a touch of inexplicable design oddness.
The ART TPS II is an incredible preamp for recording, and I highly recommend it.
The ART TPS II has all the features I was looking for on my home studio budget. While some may complain that it's not a "true tube preamp," bear in mind the TPS II is a hybrid. A tube preamp for under $140.00 is an unrealistic expectation.
Likewise, while some have complained about the V3 voicing, one must bear in mind that the settings are to be seen as starting points. Some are terrific as-is, some need a touch of tweaking, and a couple will rarely be of use. It's all a matter of taste, instrument, and style of music. That's what makes the unit so versatile.
For the features, the price makes the unit a bargain. Two channels, front 1/4" and XLR inputs, input and tube meters, gain, impedence and output dials, tube gain, phantom power and phase switches, and the V3 dial with 16 voicings for voice, guitar, bass and keyboards.
As it comes from ART, the sound quality of the TPS II is very good. But, as has been noted by other users, the quality can be greatly improved with a better tube. I tried the RUBY 12AX7AC5 HG+, recommended by Doug at dougstubes.com, and the difference was amazing. Overall, much warmer and more output; that "tube sound" I was after. I'd now rate the sound quality at 10.
For the price, the ART TPS II has an incredible array of features.

Comments about ART TPS II 2-Channel Variable Impedance Tube Preamp:

If you have some electronics experience, this unit would work for you. However, don't expect miracles, it does what it claims and its OK. Its quiet and gets good gain, with some warmth. But to improve the sound out of the pre amp, you should change out the tube, to a USA or Russian made tube. The chinese tube that comes with it is average sounding, at best. Get a GT, Sylvannia or GE tube and the sound is night and day. I use it in live sound and studio on vocals, Bass and acoustic guitar.

Comments about ART TPS II 2-Channel Variable Impedance Tube Preamp:

First off, this is NOT a tube pre-amp. If you open it up, the first thing you'll notice is two solid-state op-amps mounted to heat-sinks. It has ONE 12AX7A, and it's used AFTER the amplification to give "enhance the harmonics and give it warmth". That quoted line was straight from an engineer at ART. I opened it up as soon as I got it to install my favorite JJ tubes, and was a little dissapointed to say the least...As a pre-amp, it's fine. It's bottom of the line, run of the mill equipment. It doesn't provide tube-warmth and harmonics, so don't expect that. I wanted to save 1-rack space, so I went with this instead of the MPAII. Bad idea! False advertisement from ART saying that this unit uses "a hand-selected pair of 12AX7A's" will make me stay away from future ART purchases. But I'm only one guy. Decide for yourself.

Comments about ART TPS II 2-Channel Variable Impedance Tube Preamp:

The crazy "tube" sound has brainwashed too many folks. The ART TPS II is just another example great marketing for an OK product. Too many "colored" presets that actually destroy the sound. You're much better off with a clean preamp (with lost of gain) and a good EQ and limiter to achieve the sound you're after.

Comments about ART TPS II 2-Channel Variable Impedance Tube Preamp:

I do like the old duel tube MP that they don't make anymore (these didn't have the 'variable voicing' or any limiter) but these are also wonderful.As noted by others, some of the units have glitches....on one of mine the lights for the VU meters went out. But that's the only problem I've ever had.The sound is brilliant (once you replace the cheap ones they use with something a little nicer), and you can use it for anything. I can honestly say they are the best (lower end) pre-amps for microphones of any sort. I use it live on stage in my bass rig to warm up the sound...and they are great DI boxes for keys, bass, or guitar. I even use it for multitrack-to-stereo mixdowns, to warm up dry digital mixes.

Comments about ART TPS II 2-Channel Variable Impedance Tube Preamp:

Versatile DI box. Cant compete with Art Pro Channel as a mic preamp alone which makes me think its a little overpriced. Love the front inputs. I use it as a DI for bass and keys, sounds way above average in that application.

Comments about ART TPS II 2-Channel Variable Impedance Tube Preamp:

I've had mine since early 2006, and it's never missed a beat!!! Never!!! Adjust your Gain and Output controls just right, and you have good S/N Ratio and an array of different tones at your disposal!
If you are not in a totally quiet room, and the gain is turned way up, there will be some "hiss". However, keep your voice, instrument within decent close proximity of your Mic and it will hardly be noticeable. You just have to try it to see for yourself.
If, like me, you love to turn knobs, experiment with sounds & change Tubes then this is something you should have in your Project Studio! You can adjust almost every parameter of your sound! Is that Bass sounding just a tad dull going into your recorder? Well then try setting the Variable Voice control to maybe an Acoustic Guitar setting and see what happens!!
Wether you are running full Mixes through it, or using it as a PreAmp to record, it has all the tools a Home Recordist needs. Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Drums, anything!

Comments about ART TPS II 2-Channel Variable Impedance Tube Preamp:

I am a pro musician and studio engineer/producer. Because of fiscal constraints I bought this rig thinking that I could save some dough and have a decent preamp. Quality was just run of the mill at first. I did like the presets for various instruments. But the sound was nothing special. Like one of the previous reviewers, after a year the back lights for the LED meters went out followed by one of the channels ceasing to work. I would not recommend this, even in the name of saving a few bucks. I would have had to upgrade eventually anyway, so why not just bite the bullet and get what you want up front. I guess the old adage is true: "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!"

Comments about ART TPS II 2-Channel Variable Impedance Tube Preamp:

Fast set-up, easy to understand the parameters and the gist of what ART was going for. Nice jumping off point for all kinds of applications, both for recording and live sound. Variable impedance is a plus!

Comments about ART TPS II 2-Channel Variable Impedance Tube Preamp:

This is a fantasic preamp especially given its price point. I own several different brands and models of preamps but this one is by far my favorite. I would recommend this unit to anyone looking for a decently priced duel channel unit!

Comments about ART TPS II 2-Channel Variable Impedance Tube Preamp:

So far I have had two of these fail in exactly the same way. On both of them, the left channel connection has come loose, so that anytime you jostle the thing or generate any vibration it generates a huge amount of noise. Literally, without anything plugged into the inputs or outputs. The first one did it from the factory; I returned it and exchanged it for another, which did the exact same thing after about 3 weeks of light use.I may just have had astonishingly bad luck, but I'm probably going to open this one and see if it's something as simple as a loose solder connection. If so, I won't bother to return the second one. On the other hand, the unit produces an incredibly warm tone with my MXL 990. The VVV technology is very nice, giving you a lot of presets to play around with. It really does fatten up the signal, giving it more of that depth and warmth, especially after adding compression behind it. The ability to vary the gain and output separately enabled you to hit the 'sweet spot' where you're overdriving the tube but not your output. I use the MXL-990 combat for miking my guitar amp, for vocals, and to warm up the highs from the Korg Triton. Note -- if you run something with a lot of sharp bass (like a rhythm track) through it, it warms it up but seems to lose some of the kick drum punch. In short, I would recommend this unit if you have a lot of experience with repairing electronics, but if you don't... be careful.

Comments about ART TPS II 2-Channel Variable Impedance Tube Preamp:

I've used the TPS-2 extensively for 6 months with no problems. I used it for bass (direct), Acoustic Guitar, Drums, Vocals, and Hand Percussion. It's very easy to use, and sounds totally decent.

Comments about ART TPS II 2-Channel Variable Impedance Tube Preamp:

I am the producer and "Sound Guy" for our high school broadcast program. I bought this pre amp for our voice over room and it sounded great for a couple months then from there it was all down hill. The back lights on the vu meeters went out, then the phantom power on the left channel went out so I moved over to the second channel and within minutes the channel completely stopped working.I would not suggest you buy this pre amp, it is not worth the trouble it brings.

Comments about ART TPS II 2-Channel Variable Impedance Tube Preamp:

I got this to be able to use the 1/4" and XLR outputs on both channels, concurrently. The first one I got one of the channels was bunk.If you use both outputs concurrently, you get a nasty feedback loop. I was told by ART, I could get their DTI Hum Eliminator to take care of this problem. I did that; it didn't work, I sent back BOTH.It didn't do what I expeceted. What's the point of having all of those outputs if you can't use them all at the same time?

Comments about ART TPS II 2-Channel Variable Impedance Tube Preamp:

ART makes great stuff and this pre is a prime example. First of all...yes, it has only one tube. The 12AX7 is a dual triode tube so both channels use one half of the tube. Perfectly legit design. No...it's not a "true" tube amplification design. It wasn't meant or designed to be. The tube is there for one purpose: to produce and add tube harmonics to the signal. It does a very good job of that. The tube is starved plate. For the purpose it was employed in the design, it actually works better that way in spite of what others say about starved plate designs being always inferior. Many times they are but with designs like the TPS, a lower tube voltage will produce more harmonic distortion (which is what makes this thing sound so cool and unique in the first place). I've had and used many, many mic preamps in my over 25 years as a recording engineer and I can say with confidence, this is a great mic pre.

Comments about ART TPS II 2-Channel Variable Impedance Tube Preamp:

I own a more expensive tube pre and this thing really holds up. It's quite and so far works very well. Might not have all the options of some of the more expensive tube pres but it sure seems very responsive and easy to use. It's nice and warm with plenty of gain. For the past week I've had a Les Paul going through it to a Fender ss and wow, it gives a very nice tone!

Comments about ART TPS II 2-Channel Variable Impedance Tube Preamp:

I just got this today, so haven't had much time to play with it, but so far it seems good. Contrary to other reviewers, mine is very quite and seems to respond well. Simple to use.

Comments about ART TPS II 2-Channel Variable Impedance Tube Preamp:

A very strange noise came up from this product. It was similar to potatoes frying.

Comments about ART TPS II 2-Channel Variable Impedance Tube Preamp:

My prior tube preamp blew up on me. When I got this and plugged everything in I should have turned all my mic preamps on my mixer down. I think my ears are still hurting.
After I figured things out I was really pleased with the overall sound and versatility.