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16

Setting the Tube Plate Voltage 

The DIGITAL MPA II allows the user select between one of two vastly different tube bias and power 

supply levels. The transition between either setting is smooth and quiet and the gain variation is 

minimal. 

 

NOTE: It takes 15-30 seconds for the tube circuit to fully transition between either mode. During this 

time, the unit passes a signal and the only noticeable change is a slight increase in level in the 

“HIGH” setting. 

 

The “Normal” setting produces a smooth transition from very clean low levels up to a “round” satu-

rated clipping on peaks. This setting is reminiscent of old tube gear, and used to get the most tube-

like sound out of the unit. Common uses include tracking with instruments. 

 

The “High” setting of the plate voltage switch has increased bandwidth and headroom, very low 

distortion and runs extremely clean until it reaches a point of saturated clipping. The clipping is well 

controlled and still sounds natural. This setting is incredible on vocals. 

 

Summary of Contents for DIGITAL MPA II

Page 1: ...DIGITAL MPA II ART DIGITAL MPA II Microphone Preamplifier USER S GUIDE...

Page 2: ...ntilation Do not position the unit where the air required for ventilation is impeded If the unit is to be operated in a rack case or other furniture ensure that it is constructed to allow adequate ven...

Page 3: ...tch 9 Front Panel connections 10 Instrument Inputs 10 Rear Panel connections 11 Balanced Inputs 11 Balanced Outputs 11 Insert jacks 12 Wordclock jacks 12 ADAT Input 12 Optical output 12 S PDIF output...

Page 4: ...trim Selectable between output level and tube warmth Improved discrete class A input microphone preamplifier Lower noise at low gains Lower THD Wider frequency response Front accessible Instrument In...

Page 5: ...cks The insert jacks allow processing of the signal before its level is adjusted by the Digital Level control and passed to the A D You can use the A D converters of the DIGITAL MPA II independent of...

Page 6: ...ain switch 20dB and the Analog Output control 10dB for a maximum of 70dB total The combination of these controls allows the user to adjust the signal level through the tube section providing more or l...

Page 7: ...a single tuned High Pass Filter that is frequency tunable The input signal can be filtered to remove pops or other extraneous low frequency information This control moves the rolloff frequency from 1...

Page 8: ...the tube circuit in the signal path so you can hear slight differences between different phase selections in the normal plate voltage mode near saturation There are a number of reasons why adjusting...

Page 9: ...his mode as well Mid Side switch The Mid Side switch is used to decode Left Right information when using two mics aligned for stereo recording You can use either two figure eight pattern mics or one o...

Page 10: ...cular to the floor Using a small flat blade screwdriver you can mechanically fine tune the meter indicator position if for example it does not rest at the leftmost position when the unit is OFF Adjust...

Page 11: ...i e 44 1K 24 or 44 1K 16 Be careful in adjusting this control Some equipment is not capable of the available sample rates and may produce damaging side effects Always turn down levels following the D...

Page 12: ...4 bit mode has significantly greater dynamic range Optical switch The optical output jack of the DIGITAL MPA II can have one of two formats When this switch is depressed AND lit blue this jack will ou...

Page 13: ...e Input gain control The maximum input signal level is 17dBu 5Vrms minimum input gain When you plug into this jack it DISABLES the balanced input on the rear of the unit This feature allows you to kee...

Page 14: ...ced and 17dBu unbalanced Balanced Outputs The DIGITAL MPA II s flexible active balanced outputs are available on both and cannon connec tors They offer low impedance for driving long cable runs and ar...

Page 15: ...e ADAT input for the DIGITAL MPA II is a standard optical connector This input is used when synching to ADAT for timing purposes It is also used as a data source for channels 3 8 as the channels NOT t...

Page 16: ...connected isolated from ground and has a 75 Ohm impedance The same data is sent to both this connector and the AES EBU output but it is recommended that you not use both at the same time as the AES E...

Page 17: ...until there is sufficient level This procedure optimizes the gain elements to provide the widest dynamic range possible Adjusting the Input Impedance The same microphone can sound different on variou...

Page 18: ...ries It is recommended you start with the Digital Level control centered Adjust the input gain and 20dB switch such that the digital meter holds peaks at 3dB and occasionally hits the red 0dB LED This...

Page 19: ...change is a slight increase in level in the HIGH setting The Normal setting produces a smooth transition from very clean low levels up to a round satu rated clipping on peaks This setting is reminisc...

Page 20: ...to CH1 Face the front of the figure 8 pickup mic to the left side and connect it to the CH2 input refer to figure 4 Depress the M S switch and center both of the Output Gain con trols Adjust the Inpu...

Page 21: ...sions This warranty does not apply in the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result of unauthorized alterations or repairs This warranty is void if the serial number is altered de faced o...

Page 22: ...ult go to www artproaudio com You may contact Cus tomer Service for more assistance or directly request a Return Authorization for service in the resources area of the website 3 If you are returning t...

Page 23: ...u XLR Output Impedance 47 Ohms XLR Maximum Gain 70dB Meter Calibration 0 VU 4dBu output 4dB mode 0 VU 10dBV output 10dB mode High Pass Filter single pole 10 200 Hz adjustable Power Requirements USA 10...

Page 24: ...21 www artproaudio com E mail cserve artproaudio com DIGITAL MPA II 216 5004 201h...

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