VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Monk

Pulled the trigger today on a new mic pre amp. Went for the Art MPA Gold, prices are coming down due to the upcoming April release of the MPA 2.

Also while I was shopping and money was burning a hole in my common sense, I bought a MXL 990 to add to my RE-20 and RE-11's in the mic closet.

No one's home now, had to share. Shopping for gear is fun.
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tackerman

bobsouer · Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 12:55 pm Post subject:

You got that right!
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Monk · Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 8:43 pm Post subject:

Usually stuff from Musicians friends shows up the next day. I feel like a kid, I'll be looking for the UPS truck all morning.

Then there will be the change of the tubes, the 48 hour burn in, then the testing... can't wait.

I usually order from my rep at Sweetwater, but alas, they were out of stock on the MPA Gold....
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Lance Blair · M&M Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 2281 Location: Atlanta

Enjoy your new purchases! Which tubes are you getting?

I'm an MXL fan for VO. I own a v67g as a travel mic and the M3 is great for male voices...I kinda like the 2003 as well. I'm interested in the v87 and v89 since they've finally made a low self-noise microphone.
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Monk · Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 9:49 pm Post subject:

I just ordered a set of Mullard Tubes (re-issue) and will give them a try for a while.
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Lance Blair · M&M Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 2281 Location: Atlanta

Enjoy the tubes! From the new production ones, I've heard decent things about the Mullards, and the JJs are good for a flat tone and the Tung Sols are great for a nice high and low end - kind of an overall smile curve.

Don't underestimate the "Input Impedance" dial on the ART MPA...it makes a lot of difference!
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Scott S. · Joined: 05 Nov 2008 Posts: 7 Location: Indiana

So, you've probably had a few days to mess around with your new toys. How are they?

I'm really thinking about getting an MXL 990 myself, so I'd really love to find out your opinion on it.

Monk · Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2009 11:58 am Post subject:

Actually due to be arriving tomorrow, the 5th. I'll change the tubes, let them cook and then let ya know!

Can't wait, can't wait... is that the ups truck? nope... wait wait wait...
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KaseyKruz · Club 300 Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 336 Location: Michigan

Jowillie · Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 1:02 pm Post subject:

Lance,
Let us know if you try that MXL V87.
Willie
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Monk · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 2:24 pm Post subject:

Okiedokie,

I've had the ART MPA Gold for a week now, let the tubes cook in and now to find it's sweet spot. That's going to take some tweaking. A B test of it against the Mackie 1604 pre's are dramatic. My RE-20 really changes through the ART.

Then I did tests with the MXL 990, and maybe I have to test more but I found it to be a muddy mic. It could be my voice is just not right for it. But it's low end response was slow and thick. Frown

I guess I shouldn't expect Neumann quality from a $59.95 condenser.

I'm also considering a different set of tubes in the ART, but I'll give them more time to settle in. They almost seem too warm and smooth, I have to add mids to my eq to get it back to being punchy.

I'll keep experimentin', however if anyone has any presets that they can recommend, I'll give them a try.
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Company, villainous company, hath been the spoil of me...

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David Swinehart · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 2:38 pm Post subject:

Glad you like the MPA - new gear is always fun!

I don't have any "magic" settings, but do have a locker of various condenser mic's I could loan you if you want to try a few of them to compare vs. the MXL...
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