From jake92028@yahoo.com Fri Oct 17 11:36:47 2003
Subject:ART TPS tube preamp checkout

The 2-channel TPS I ordered was delivered late yesterday afternoon
(Thursday). I had all evening and into the night to check it out. I
tweaked it primarily with my Electro in stereo, its volume knob at 12
o'clock. The TPS did boost the signal way up easily without needing
much gain, increasing the level to my sound system both in Normal
mode and +20dB mode. I had to use quite a bit more Output level in
Normal mode to get the same level sound as +20dB more; very low L/R
output from the Electro.

To make the tube work to near-distortion/overdrive levels, input Gain
had to be increased and Output level lowered in both modes. With
careful adjustments in both Normal ('hot' mic or instrument level
input) mode and +20dB ('weak' mic or low instrument level input); I
was able to get pretty good tube effect. The sound was warmer and
could be pushed to 'breakup' level using the 16 pre-tweaked per
instrument or voice presets.

Significant drawbacks showed up while I tried various settings. For
one thing, with my input cables connected to the front channels of
the TPS, the Gain and Output knobs are right next to the jacks making
it hard to adjust the knobs as my fingers can't move freely between
them and the inputs. I had to reach in to turn them a little at a
time with my fingertips - annoying and would be hard to tweak
settings live.

The real drawback to the TPS tube sound is not that it doesn't
provide the effect; it does. But the Gain and Output level knobs
need fine tuning and small manipulations to hit just the right spot
close to the sound I want: These knobs are too small for the careful
tweaking that's needed. At almost-there 'tube effect' level an exact
balance has to be maintained between Gain and Output; not practical
with the controls available for live performance. If the Gain output
overshoots by a tiny amount, the result is complete signal breakup
and almost trumpet-like blaring distortion. So I'm sending it back
or selling it to someone who might find it useful for mics in a home
studio = set the exact levels for two discrete mic's - then don't
touch the knobs.

I read Steve Hayes' post and also got an e-mail from him, so I called
Speakeasy this morning. He made me an offer I couldn't refuse.
They're going to make me a rackmount Stereo Dual Shotglass, two In's
and two Outs, with a level control to adjust the output for different
amps, powered speakers, or PA. I can use a stereo 'sub'-mixer (own a
couple of vintage Mackie 1202's) to EQ and match levels for my
best 'sound engine' keyboards on separate stereo channels. The
mixer's stereo mains will connect to the Speakeasy stereo inputs,
then to whatever sound system is 'on deck.'

I think after the research I did and a practical 'studio' trial of
the best low-cost mic preamp I could find: It's no longer a goal
worth pursuing for 'pro' results ..."Been there, done that."

Walter