Art Tube MP Studio V3 vs. preamp/compressor combo

  • Thread starter Thread starter sbenak1@mac.com
  • Start date Start date
S

sbenak1@mac.com

New member
Hey Everyone,

I've lurked around here for a while and gotten plenty of great tips, so I thought I'd throw out a question.

I just brought home the Art V3 for a trial, and it's so far so good. It adds nice warmth to my acoustic guitar and vocals. I know it's not "pro" gear, but it's a huge upgrade from recording directly into my Mac via a US-122. It's very affordable at $100 and it's flexible.

Before I decide to keep it, I want to be sure that I'm not wasting money. I know that I'm going to need a hardware compressor for the front end, esp for vocals, and I've seen alot of discussions about mic pre/comp combos on this forum. I've used a friends beringer compressors on drums for techno, and like them for that purpose. They really "pump", but for my rock/pop/folky stuff, I want something smoother.

I've looked at a few units on sameday.com and read about some units in this forum, but I haven't seen anyone discussing the pros and cons of going combo vs separate units. Of the combos that I've seen in my price range, the SM Pro Audio TB202, Focusrite P6, and Art Pro pre/comp look like possible choices.

So, separate pre and compressor, or combo? Anyone use the SM TB202? I've seen feedback on the focusrite and Art, so no need chime in on the those, unless you really want to plug on. Thanks.
 
I think the cheap ART Tube MP/V3 is ok. But for $50 more you can get the M-Audio DMP3 dual preamp which is much, much better IMO--and you get two channels instead of one (stereo recordings). Then save your money and get an RNC compressor ($175), and you will have an excellent recording chain that will take you some time to outgrow (less the mics, of course).

You will find the ART MP will not satisfy you for long.
 
I'll need to check those out. That's good feedback. Thanks.
 
How do you guys feel about the Joe Meek Pre/Compressor combo.. it's only in the 200 buck range and I hear nothing but good things about it. Would anyone suggest getting this instead of a rnc/dmp3 combination (about 350 bucks together)..?
 
I haven't heard the new Meek stuff. I hear they are nice and the pre is pretty clean, but the compressor will probably have less transparancy/more attitude than the RNC. The meek is also single channel compared to two channels for the DMP3/RNC combo.

You might also consider the ART Pro Channel pre/compressor/eq (now only $300) and the M-Audio Tampa dual pre/compressor (now only $350).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top