W
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is there any real difference between the two of these pres or are they basically the same thing?
thank you kindly.
thank you kindly.
Is there a real difference between the ART Tube MP Mic Preamp and the dbx Mini - Pre
W
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DonF
Call Me "Grandpa"
Well they sure look very similar, and the prices are comparable.
The specs say that the ART has max gain of 70dB (XLR-XLR) vs. 60dB for the dbx unit. Not sure if you'd be happy with either of these units if you have them cranked that hard, though. But if you're using a mic with a relatively low output, it might make a difference.
EIN is listed at -129dBu for the ART vs. -125dBu for the dbx. Doesn't seem like that would make much of a difference.
As for the tube, the ART uses a 12AX7A, vs. the dbx's 12AX7. I have no clue whether this would make any difference, or even whether they are different. Both tubes are of Russian manufacture, and both ART and dbx say the tubes are "hand selected", which I assume means that the factory can't afford to buy a machine to do the same thing.
I have a Tube MP Studio, and I am reasonably happy with it. AFAIK it's the same as the Tube MP, except that it has a VU meter. If you'd like to get an idea of what it sounds like, go to my NoWhere Radio page, and have a listen to "O Holy Night". The chain is MXL1006 > ART > Audiophile 2496 > ProTools FREE, with minimal processing. Gain settings on the ART were moderate, with both controls near the 12 o'clock position -- I think the input was set slightly left of center, and the output was set slightly right of center. That setting doesn't drive the tube very hard. (No critiques of the recording, please. I know it's not ready for the big time.)
To answer your question: Is there any real difference? Maybe, but probably not a very significant one.
HTH,
Don
The specs say that the ART has max gain of 70dB (XLR-XLR) vs. 60dB for the dbx unit. Not sure if you'd be happy with either of these units if you have them cranked that hard, though. But if you're using a mic with a relatively low output, it might make a difference.
EIN is listed at -129dBu for the ART vs. -125dBu for the dbx. Doesn't seem like that would make much of a difference.
As for the tube, the ART uses a 12AX7A, vs. the dbx's 12AX7. I have no clue whether this would make any difference, or even whether they are different. Both tubes are of Russian manufacture, and both ART and dbx say the tubes are "hand selected", which I assume means that the factory can't afford to buy a machine to do the same thing.
I have a Tube MP Studio, and I am reasonably happy with it. AFAIK it's the same as the Tube MP, except that it has a VU meter. If you'd like to get an idea of what it sounds like, go to my NoWhere Radio page, and have a listen to "O Holy Night". The chain is MXL1006 > ART > Audiophile 2496 > ProTools FREE, with minimal processing. Gain settings on the ART were moderate, with both controls near the 12 o'clock position -- I think the input was set slightly left of center, and the output was set slightly right of center. That setting doesn't drive the tube very hard. (No critiques of the recording, please. I know it's not ready for the big time.)
To answer your question: Is there any real difference? Maybe, but probably not a very significant one.
HTH,
Don
FZfile
New member
I have both......
I would put the difference between the two (my two anyways) as this:
the DBX get much uglier much more quickly.
I can tease the ART into yellow (on the LED) and it doesnt sound too bad.....good on some things.
As soon as the light starts to change on the DBX....instant SHIT.
....and as don said, the DBX wont get as loud.
I think the light thing is due to the fact that these cheap units aren't calibrated with very much accuacy.
Overall I like the ART bbetter but the quality control on both of these isnt going to be the same as for a big money unit....so maybe i just got a shitty DBX.
I would like to try out different tubes though.
I'll trade both for a VTB-1.
-mike
I would put the difference between the two (my two anyways) as this:
the DBX get much uglier much more quickly.
I can tease the ART into yellow (on the LED) and it doesnt sound too bad.....good on some things.
As soon as the light starts to change on the DBX....instant SHIT.
....and as don said, the DBX wont get as loud.
I think the light thing is due to the fact that these cheap units aren't calibrated with very much accuacy.
Overall I like the ART bbetter but the quality control on both of these isnt going to be the same as for a big money unit....so maybe i just got a shitty DBX.
I would like to try out different tubes though.
I'll trade both for a VTB-1.
-mike
junplugged
Taking the slow road
My ART V3 barely registers any needle movement. It will limit and go red before the needle moves up much. Anyone notice this or do I have a bad one?
I don't really care much, it does work well and I like the dial up the eq on it, they call it 'voicings' whatever.
I don't really care much, it does work well and I like the dial up the eq on it, they call it 'voicings' whatever.