VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Frank F · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 7:30 pm Post subject:

Charles, et al,

Just a quick note: many times the problem with noise in even some of the best pre's are related to the tubes. I recently suggested an inexpensive ART MPA Gold to a fellow VO artist. Following, is the criteria I mentioned:

You might look into an ART MPA Gold, but switch the tubes out to Tung-Sol 12AX7 tubes instead of the 12AX7 tubes used in the stock unit. The 12AX7’s originally supplied by ART are cheap Chinese tubes and you would/will hear some hiss. And, add some studio quality cables like those from Evidence Audio to make this unit sing. If you can find some metal knobs to replace the plastic ones the unit has, this upgrade would also make this unit “feel” better.

This unit can be used in either the Solid State mode or in the tube mode, with the tube upgrade – the tube mode would definitely be a good choice.

This is more of a musician’s preamp, but with some TLC and some playing with the settings; the ART could be a good choice for VO. Oh, and you do not need to go with the $100.00 upgrade to the Digital MPA (you can find the MPA Gold for a few dollars less elsewhere, but it’s your choice**).

**(I had placed a link to an ART from a popular website supplier in the email I sent to this fellow VO artist)

With the Aphex the same thing applies. look to find what tubes will work better with the unit. A simple upgrade, to be sure, but the tube change cn make a big difference in many of the lower priced or less quality units.

Toodles

F2
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Charles Nove · Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 1:33 am Post subject:

Interesting! Certainly it sounds like a Tube type hiss. But I'm not going to get into experimenting with changing tubes. I'd like to think that a respectable manufacturer would make a good choice in the first place.
Here, we're using the wonderfully quiet Gefell M930 mics and the difference between Mic 1 running through a Focusrite pre and Mic 2 on the Aphex is pretty stark. The 230 has already been struck out of front line service. I'll do a little more offline experimentation with it but, on performance to date, I fear it is heading for the big studio in the sky.
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Philip Banks · Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 2:30 am Post subject:

Never quite understood the change everything mentality. I bought a Land Rover, removed the engine and swapped the body for a Toyota Landcruiser. I think Land Rovers are great but they're too much like Landcruisers, well mine is.

Frank F · Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 2:38 am Post subject:

Aural Exciter 45 · Guest

Frank... I don't hesitate to get inside a PC and swap things out... but never considered tube quality and possible replacement tubes for my 230. Just want to make sure I understand you correctly. Are you saying to buy all of the tubes you mentioned... and try them in different combinations to see which sound best. I don't have prominent sibiliance but already have my 230 de-esser at max. So I'm guessing I could forego the tube that increases sibilance.

Also, have you actually done any tube swapping in the 230 and if so how easy or difficult was it?

Thanks for your guidance.

Frank F · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 7:24 pm Post subject:

Lance Blair · M&M Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 2281 Location: Atlanta

Tube swapping is crucial with many sub-$1000 tube preamps because they usually come stock with junk tubes. Everything is only as good as its weakest link, and I find it mind-boggling that some manufacturers think it's okay to sell a preamp with a sub-par tube inside.

For under $20, I recommend JJ (bright with sheen) and Tung-Sol (upfront sound) for vo.

I did the 5-minute tube swap in my ART MPA Gold preamp, and I like the sound a lot now for some narration, although I stick with my Speck for most reads. I did a A/B test with the stock Chinese tubes, and the stock tube sound was nasty. I also use the pre now for my synths and other instruments. BTW, the ART MPA with tube upgrades does a similar thing for bright mics like the TLM 103 that the UA pres (etc.) can do. It can really tame any harshness. One more thing about the MPA - it comes with sweepable HPF and Input Impedance which is remarkable for the low price.

Just remember...unplug the unit, and wear gloves! Smile

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Frank F · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 8:54 pm Post subject:

Lance Blair · M&M Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 2281 Location: Atlanta

I'd unplug it, not just turn it off. You never know these days... Smile

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Frank F · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:30 pm Post subject:

Oh my!

FF
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Gp · Guest

Want to know all about tubes... here you go. This will tell you what tubes make what kind of sound too. https://www.tubeworld.com/12ax7.htm You can buy a lot of cheap tubes that won't sound much better. Be careful what you buy, Vintage tubes are really popular right now and are at a premium. You can get some great tube for not too much money too.