ART Tube MP woes...

[Slackmaster2K]

I'm having problems with the ART Tube MP single channel. I don't want to start a debate over this unit...I just need help.

When I was recording with a little Ensoniq soundcard, the ART was always very loud, and really the converters on the soundcard sucked enough that I really couldn't hear what the pre was doing to the sound.

I'm now running the ART into a Delta44, using an XLR->TRS cable to connect the two. The problem is now that I can't get enough gain, but the knobs aren't maxed out. Lemme explain.

I'm recording vocals with an SM57. Not a great microphone but it is not the source of my problems. When I'm singing at normal levels, I really have to crank both the input and output gains on the ART, and use the 25db pad. To get acceptable levels, I find that cranking input and output to 75% works well enough.
However, when I crank them up like this, the ART developes this weird tin box sound. For instance, if you listen to my song "Dirt" available at http://www.slackmaster2000.com ... notice the weird sound to the vocals (besides the tone deaf singer)... it almost sounds like an mp3 encoding problem, but it exists in the original wav.

Now, if I don't crank the input or output up over about 50% with the 25db pad on...the vocals sound adequate, and the SM57 is the factor limiting quality (besides the tone deaf singer, hehe). If you listen to my tune "Bad Day", you'll hear the difference. No I'm not spamming...this is a real problem. However, with the input and output gains at 50% and me singing at a normal level, I'm getting a peak of about -15db and an RMS of maybe -30 to -25db. At those levels, I can't do anything with the vocals because they're too noisy! So I have to hide my vocals in the mix...and I can't compress them without swishing the background noise around.

Something doesn't seem quite right. Should I replace the tube? Should I replace the entire unit? Is it me? Does the ART only work with high output microphones? Enough people hate the ART that I'm thinking that their QC isn't tight enough...and that's to be expected on a $100 product I suppose.

I'm open to suggestions.

Slackmaster 2000

 

[Slackmaster2K]

P.S. yes I've tried switching the Delta's input from +4 to -10. Doesn't help enough.

 

[Emeric]

I was going to say use -10dB on the Delta, but that still isn't enough?

I use -10dB on the delta and with the MP set at about 40%, the output at 100%, with the +25dB boost engaged I get decent levels, -6dB -3dB. I don't sing very loud either. I do use a Rode NT-1 which puts out more level though. I can test it with a 57 if you like. 100% output and 40% input on the MP gives you what kind of reading?

Maybe it is the tube, maybe the cable? Try just a straight patchcord for a test. Tube is easy enough to replace, I plugged a bunch of different ones into mine just to see the differences. Gain was certainly one of them.

 

[Slackmaster2K]

I've never maxed the output like that because I wasn't quite sure where that weird hollow sound was coming from. I guess with two knobs I should have played more before whining. The crap sound is kind of subtle though. I'll give your 40/100 setting a shot and let you know what kind of output I get at -10. The tube on the MP is on the input, right?

Ed just gave me a good idea...to run a mix out of the delta through the art back to the delta. That might give me an idea of whether the unit is operating properly, which I think it might be.

Again though I'm not sure if the problem is the level, or the sound that I get at the higher levels. I've been considering a new tube for a while...they're not too expensive and it would be interesting. Any tips on buying a 12AX7? I remember some big article that was floating around here for a while in regards to these tubes and their quality based on mfg. date and origin. Or I could just buy a few from PE and see what happens.

Slackmaster 2000

 

[Emeric]

They ship with a Sovtek (at least mine did), so I'd replace it with one of those. Or if you feel like experimenting, go to an electronics repair store and try some old ones out. Nice if you can find 'new' old ones to try. I'm currently using an old/new GE tube. You can use 12AX7WA's as well.