Applied Research and Technology, or ART, as they’re more commonly known, are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Tube MP, a compact and affordable valve preamp that was introduced in 1995 and remains part of their current product range.
The Tube MP was launched at a time when prices for valve-based mic preamps would typically run into the thousands, providing project studios with an affordable way to achieve the sought-after valve sound. It remained popular as new recording formats started to emerge, providing a cost-effective front end for digital tape and hard-disk recorders. Despite its small stature and modest price tag, the Tube MP was recognised at the prestigious TEC Awards in 1996, where it was nominated for Outstanding Technical Achievement in the Mic Preamplifier Technology category.
It remains a part of the company’s current line-up, and has gained four siblings: the Tube MP Studio V3; the Tube MP Project Series; the Tube MP PS USB, which pairs the preamp with an audio interface; and the Tube MP/C, which pairs the design with a compressor. It’s still a much-loved part of the company’s extensive product range, offering an accessible way to add a ‘character’ preamp to modern audio interfaces.
“What’s truly remarkable about the Tube MP is how it’s stayed relevant through three decades of massive progress in recording technology.” - Jeff Cowling, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Yorkville Sound
We reviewed the Tube MP back when it was released, click here to take a look at the article from SOS October 1995!
More information about the Tube MP can be found on the ART website.
