ART USB Dual Pre Amp - What Do You Think?

[whynotus]

I'm looking for a stealth pre amp to go with my Korg MR-1 instead of using my UA-5 and came accross this ARt Unit. It looks great, small, XLR imputs a peak light, USB connect, dule L-R adjusts for both in and out, powered by 9V, USB or external supply and for only $79.00. What's the catch? Has anyone used this and can they give any feedback. Bill

Link:


http://www.performanceaudio.com/cgi/product_view.cgi?products_id=13616

[DSatz]

The portable ART preamps that I've tested have had high distortion and a haphazard gain structure. Their "overload" indicators are unreliable since they don't sense overload of any circuit stage before the output--I once measured 20+% THD on an ART preamp before the "overload" light came on. A live recording could be ruined and you wouldn't even know it until you got the recording home to listen to.

On the other hand, the phantom powering circuits in the units I've tested have been OK for microphones such as Schoeps and Neumann (i.e. less than about 5 mA), which is better than a lot of other portable preamps in that one respect.

--best regards

[sunjan]

I'm looking for a stealth pre amp to go with my Korg MR-1 instead of using my UA-5 and came accross this ARt Unit. It looks great, small, XLR imputs a peak light, USB connect, dule L-R adjusts for both in and out, powered by 9V, USB or external supply and for only $79.00.

Don't know abt being discontinued, there are lots of these on Google shopping...

The only advantage compared to the UA-5 is smaller form factor and more flexible powering options. Quality wise, I'd go with UA-5 all the way. Or Naiant littlebox if you can afford it.

But for stealth, do you really need P48? Otherwise, go for a Church pre instead.

[yug du nord]

I'll have a sample of km140's > ART Dual Pre > MT soon...... 

[Neilyboy]

Someone here on the board just sold one on ebay and it went for 10 bucks... so if you are low on $$ its better than nothing..

Neil