Comparing output of Art Tube and Presonus Tube preamps

Charlie McDonald · From: out of the blue

Both units look appealing; the Art Tube recommended by Philip Glass sound director who says that I need one for good recording.

I thought he was talking preamps, but I find this in the description of the Presonus: "The included gain and Tube Drive of this PreSonus 16-watts amplifier...."

I don't find anything like that in the Art Tube specs; I wonder what I'm missing about preamps or is the Art Tube missing something?
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Those that say don't know; those that know don't say.--Buddy Emmons

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

Which models of the ART and Presonus are you referring to?

I had a Presonus Dual Blue Tube preamp. As it turned out the tube in it was only operating in the "starved plate" design and basically just a buffer. I really didn't hear any difference for mic or instrument over direct to my recording interface unit.

I replaced the Dual Blue Tube with an ART Pro MPA II preamp. The 12AX7 tubes in this unit can operate with high plate voltage and are true amplifiers. However, to be truthful I only hear a slight improvement in the sound over going direct to my recording interface unit.

Tony Prior · From: Charlotte NC

As Jack states, which model ART ? vs Presonus ? I too use an ART PRO MPA II, not to be compared with the under $50 ART. Not sure about the 16 watt thing ? thats a bit confusing. No the ART is not missing anything.

It appears the Presonus Dual tube preamp is in the same category as the ART MPA PRO II , maybe a few bucks less on the sell price. You probably would not notice much difference if any at all. The PRO MPA II does have excellent reviews by major studios and it does offer the HI PLATE voltage option which personally I have not explored. That being said, it is a very clean signal , easy to use , no regrets and I'm still working with the stock tubes which are probably pretty crummy ! I also have an old ART Dual MP which I bought about 10 years ago for $99, never had an issue with it, it still performs nicely. This is the dual unit with the OPL knob on each channel offering some sort of overload limiting and EQ...

good luck

t
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