DMP-3 or ART MPA Gold

[vicenzajay]

Yes, I know....another X vs. X preamp question.

I've actually been reading about both of these for several weeks now....been through more threads than I care to think about. I do understand the differences and I also know that there are many others that would also do much the same thing.

I've narrowed it down to these two, however, as I need a couple more channels to use alternatively for drum overheads and/or backup vocals - I might also use the channels for kick drum/congas from time to time. Good to mixed reviews on both units - and, yes, I do understand the designs are totally different. While two clean channels with the DMP would fit the bill, I also like the fact that the MPA Gold has variable impedance, variable high pass filter, decent plate voltage for the valves (which I would replace), and a high Z instrument input. Budget is less of a consideration than flexibility and a decent sound for live performance and occasional tracking.

Thanks,
Jay

[jonnyc]

If flexibility is all that matter, and cost doesn't then I think you answered your own question. Both probably sound about the same when it comes to straight up pre vs. pre. I use the dmp3 and its super clean and sounds great for the price.

[vicenzajay]

Originally Posted by jonnyc

If flexibility is all that matter, and cost doesn't then I think you answered your own question. Both probably sound about the same when it comes to straight up pre vs. pre. I use the dmp3 and its super clean and sounds great for the price.

I guess I should refine my question - the dmp3 comments always mention that they are super clean and refined....can the ART MPA gold also get that sound. It may be flexible in it's inputs, etc., but if all it can do is reproduce a very colored sound, that may not be the ticket...especially when driving condensor drum overheads.

Jay

[mshilarious]

Originally Posted by vicenzajay

I guess I should refine my question - the dmp3 comments always mention that they are super clean and refined....can the ART MPA gold also get that sound. It may be flexible in it's inputs, etc., but if all it can do is reproduce a very colored sound, that may not be the ticket...especially when driving condensor drum overheads.

Jay

I replaced the stock 12AX7s in my DMPA with vintage 12AT7s, and now I can't get it to saturate! It is definitely less colored than ART's other offerings, at least on the high plate voltage setting. Super clean? I dunno.

[vicenzajay]

Thanks MSHilarious

Has anyone tried the MPA Gold on this task? If it does that well, I will lean that way as I think a high plate tube setting for vocals will be super (given good tubes). I just need to cover the drum tasks as well.

Thanks for any input - Jay

[jonnyc]

Honestly like I mentioned the first time, in this price category you probably won't notice a huge difference in the sounds of the pre's. If overheads are the primary use of the pre then you'd be fine with the dmp3 and it'll save you some cash. I've used the dmp3 on vox too and it still works for that too. You know for the price of the art you could probably get the dmp3 and the the vtb1 from studio projects and still save. Then you'd have 3 pre's, one of which is just about the only starved plate tube design I've ever heard people say is useful and actually has a tube sound. I'd rather have 2 different sounds and one extra pre, than two pre's that sound the same.

[Twitch]

I have the MPA gold and the VTB1 studio projects pre.. And I would say if you plan on buying the VTB1 it is a decent sounding pre, but when you buy it you can have a different tube put in.. I have a telefunken tossed it at about $60 extra and boy is it SWEET.. as for the the ART it still retains it sound, swap out the tubes I highly recommend it.. I'm curious when you said you took out the tubes and put in a entirely different tube (12Ax7s then 12At7) how did that sound? I Bought a electro harmonix and a Ecc83 groove tube (put the Ecc83 at the pre amp stage then put the harmonix at the compressor stage) it gives a nice smooth/ bright tone works well if you are using a crappy condenser mic, and works well with my AKG 4000 and C414 too

[mshilarious]

Originally Posted by Twitch

I'm curious when you said you took out the tubes and put in a entirely different tube (12Ax7s then 12At7) how did that sound?

Well my theory was since AT is lower gain, then I wouldn't ever have to worry about pushing it too hard, I could have accomplished the same thing by leaving AXs in and not turning the gain up, but I wanted to swap the stock tubes anyway so I figured why not? I have a vintage AX laying around, I need to put that in and do a head-to-head of AT vs AX. However my first reaction was the AT was clean, very little distortion at all.

[vicenzajay]

I think I've decided to go with the MPA Gold. I have something like 20 tubes here - most of them either NOS JAN type tubes and several JJ/Groove's. I also have a new JJ ECC803 Long Plate on the way as well.

So I should have plenty of good tubes for the ART to start with. Interestingly enough, the last ART product I bought (Tube PAC) came with some pretty sweet tubes installed - an EH 12AX7 and a NOS JAN Philips 5751 tube for the compressor stage.

We'll see what comes with this unit.

Jay