VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

DanG

Hi everyone, I am thinking of getting a tube mic and I have an ART MPA Gold tube 2 channel preamp.
My question is, does a tube mic and a tube preamp go well together in the signal chain? Is it a better sound?

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

Which tube mic? AT4060, yes...others probably not. I wouldn't pair an MXL v69me with it for example.

Which tubes do you have in your ART MPA Gold? It can make a big difference. I read that someone who took the MPA Gold appart that it's a complex preamp - one solid state stage followed by the tube stage followed by a final solid state output. So while it's a High Voltage tube stage, it's a hybrid preamp...and it's not the quietest one either.
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Frank F · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 10:34 am Post subject:

Tubes (pre's and mic's) together make a great combination. Think before you play much with the settings, because ti will take some tweaking to set everything properly - like any other microphone or pre-amp.

You will find the sound to be smooth, full, and solid using the tube combination.

But remember, every person has a different opinion - it is best to base your opinion on experience.

Toodles

F2
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DanG · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 10:46 am Post subject:

I was thinking about getting the MXL 960 Tube Mic. I read that it was better than the MXL V69. It has gotten really great reviews and is inexpensive which I am looking for. My budget is about $250.
The tubes that I have in the MPA Gold are, in channel 1 I have a JJ new stock and in channel 2 I have a Tung-Sol new stock.

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

Yeah, the 960 is a good mic and it would be fine with the MPA. It might sound great with your voice. Have you heard it on voices similar to yours?

But for under $250, I'd go with these solid state MXL mics to pair with the MPA:

M3 $249
v67g $119...but then get it modded at Oktava mod later for $179 more Wink

V88...loads of presence and heft
the new 2003a is a low self noise mic.

The M3 and V88 are great for voice. The 960 can be too, but the M3 and V88 are really right there for most male voices.

For tubes, I like the new Tung Sol...the JJ is nice but a bit flat. My MPA has an NOS Seimens in one, and the Tung Sol in 2...and the NOS is smoother, but the Tung Sol just sounds better with the MPA. Smooth isn't everything.
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DanG · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 11:40 am Post subject:

I have the MXL V67 which is a pretty good mic. This is the only mic I have right now.
If I would go with just the condensor mic and not the tube I would like to look into something other than a MXL since I already have one. Like to hear what other brands sound like in comparison to each other.
With the tube mic I would change the tube inside to a nos they say the mullards are great in this Mxl 960.

Gp · Guest

Tubes play fine with other tubes.

It's just like matching any other two items together. some work great and others not so great. It's just a matter of trying things and see what works best for you.
I'm not sure who it was that started the tube to tube is a bad thing rumor but bear in mind there is a lot of misinformation out there. When in doubt...try it for yourself.

PEACE!

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

There are plenty of tube-tube combos that rock and plenty of solid state chains that stink.

Maybe you should hang onto that v67g...check out Oktavamod and for $179 they'll turn your $119 mic into something excellent. I'm just about to send mine off to him next week and I'll report back with the results. What he can do with other mics is stellar.

However, you'll have to spend money on a replacement mic while the v67 is modded, so that might not work out that great.

How about a back-up v67g??? Smile

Instead of new gear, you could mod the v67g or get Tele or Mullard tubes for the ART MPA.
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DanG · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 1:28 am Post subject:

I went with the MXL 960 and should be getting it Thursday I will probably invest in a tube for it. I heard that the Mullard 12AT7 4024 are really nice in this mic. I was thinking on going that route.
Any other suggestions would be great.

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

Congrats and good luck! Hope you enjoy your new mic. Smile

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DanG · Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 1:21 am Post subject:

Thanks Lance, I just got it and this thing is a beast. I am going to try it out today.

todd ellis · Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 6:57 am Post subject:

i use a mullard in my mxl v69, and i think it sounds great.
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DanG · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 4:29 pm Post subject:

Alright I have the MXL 960 PLugged in through the power supply box and then in to my MPA Gold tube preamp.
Before I try this out do I need to hit the 48V phamptom power on my MPA
Gold to power this tube mic or do I not use the 48 phamptom power button because the mic is powered through it's own power source.
I don't want to do something that will mess it up.
The instruction book for the mic tells you nothing except to have it inverted that's it.

ricevoice · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 4:36 pm Post subject:

NO! If the tube mic has its own power supply you do not use the phantom on the pre.
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DanG · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 5:10 pm Post subject:

Thank you ricevoice for the info.
I am unable to try it out since my computer just keeps rebooting itself. when i sign on to windows it starts up for a bit and then it just reboots itself. I don't know what's going on. When I finally got up and running I plugged in my firebox and same thing happened it just started up windows again. Any clue on might be going on here?