ART Pro-Channel

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ridgeback

ridgeback

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Well the studio is almost complete minus some touch-ups, soldering, and lighting. I'm looking for a couple of decent recording channels for the D002. The pres on the 002 seem somewhat less than OK. This is not a Pro studio and I'm not rich in any means. The pro-channel seems to fit the bill nicely but I'm not too familiar with ART except that the EQ we have is pretty decent. Opinions and experiences needed. Thanks.
 
http://www.harmony-central.com/Effects/Data/ART/Pro_Channel-1.html

http://www.prorec.com/prorec/articles.nsf/files/052CE8CB2FAAC9818625687A00752A7B

I have used it (for a few days on a session) and I liked it a lot. Lots of gain and it definitely has a certain character to it .... a lot of which comes from the compressor. One thing I didnt really care for right away was the EQ .... not that it sounds bad but it was really sensitive.... very small knob adjustments seemed to make very large changes to the sound. I did not really have much time to get too intimate with the unit though so that may be just a matter of getting the hang of it .... and I'm generally trying to avoid using EQ at all for tracking.

YMMV

-mike
 
I think ART pioneered the low tube plate voltages and they seem to do it better than some of the other designs I've used. I own a Pro VLA and dual Tube EQ and both have lasted through many live sound applications, and I like the sound each one delivers. I haven't used the Pro Tube channel, but it's the top of their line, so if you're looking for some unique coloration it might be just what the doctor ordered. Their prices are very reasonable considering what you get.
 
Get the Pro Channel! It was my first pre! The parametric eq section is worth the money alone! It's the best eq section on the market for $300. The comp section leaves something left to be desired, but it's ok. You can insert your favorite comp into the chain! The only con is no variable impedence, like their other models. I was saving for an API lunchbox, with a $1500 eq section. Screw that, I'm buying two more pro channels! Definately, buy it!
 
Thanks for the responses. With all I've read and the price I thought it might be too good to be true. Definetly on the list now.
 
Personally I'd buy a PRO VLA and something like a Presonus MP20 before getting a couple pro channels. I'm not as wild about ART's tube pres as some. I think the PRO VLA is a very cool optical compressor though. The pres aren't terrible, I just think the MP20 pres are a lot better sounding, and a lot higher end. They use better opamps than the art tube pres do.

That's another thing to keep in mind, these things use tubes to color the sound more than anything, and there are still a lot of cheap little IC's in there. The presonus on the hand uses higher quality IC's AND they socketed them so you can replace them with even higher end IC's if you want to experiment.
 
I agree about the VLA being a good unit ....
but as for the pre side of things, the ProChannel is a very good unit for the $$$.

I've had mine for almost a year and have used it on pretty much everything. And like it on most. It has it's own color of sound so if you're looking for a clean pre, maybe the MAudio Tampa. Clean pre and good opto comp. The only thing I don't like about the Tampa is it's lack of makeup gain. Still a great unit, tho.

I'm not rich either and I've found I get a "best of both worlds" out of these 2 pre's. Just a little food for thought for you. Hope it helps.

:cool:
 
Oh, and on the ProChannel, there's a tube swap you can do to the "pre" tube that'll give you alot more bang for the buck. I haven't done it to mine yet but a friend did and it sounded pretty damn good. I'll try to find the link he sent me if you're interested. All I remember was that it was a "Shuguang" (sp?) tube.
 
And p.s.s.

Congrats in advance on gettin your room completed. Good Times... :D
 
Dogbreath said:
And p.s.s.

Congrats in advance on gettin your room completed. Good Times... :D
Click to expand...
Thanks man! We started last October and it's been an experience :eek:
It was great to find this site as it's been alot of help and good advice. I guess I'll have to judge for myself on the compressor end of things. Most of what I "we" do tends to be pretty saturated and colorful. Can't wait to get them in the rack!

Thanks again
 
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