ART Tube MP overdriven?

Tommy el Gato · #1 04-30-2008, 03:02 PM

In my search for more transparent alternatives to a Sansamp Bass driver, I happened upon the ART Tube Mic Preamp and, because I've never heard one before, I'd like to know if anyone here has any experience with trying to overload them. I expect that it probably doesn't do what I'm looking for (bassically a lower gain version of a geddy lee-type grind.) even with a tube exchange, but I might buy one anyways and use something else for my drive sounds.

Thoughts?

bongomania · #2 04-30-2008, 04:50 PM

In general mic pre's are not designed to overdrive well at all, not even with a tube swap. There may be an exception out there somewhere, but every tube mic pre I've used or read about was designed only for clean sound, and they make a horrible noise when you clip them. It's largely due to the design of the circuit- a tube can be operated many different ways. So you're best off buying a device that was actually designed for overdrive.

If you just want it for clean sound, lots of bassists use mic preamps for clean sound.

PunkerTrav · #3 04-30-2008, 04:53 PM

+1.

I have the ART Tube MP Studio, FWIW. It does a great clean sound but if you're looking for tube grit it just isn't the right piece for you.

Basshole · #4 04-30-2008, 04:59 PM

I have one of the ART Preamps, but haven't had much of a chance to use it yet, or experiment with different tubes. Someone reported to have had good results with a Tung-sol 5751 tube on this forum previously.

Tommy el Gato · #5 04-30-2008, 05:30 PM

Thanks for the input. I still expect myself to purchase one eventually for clean purposes, I just wanted to hear what some of you all had to say on the subject so that I don't find myself thoroughly disappointed on the subject of overdrive.

Rick Brienzo · #6 04-30-2008, 06:10 PM

I have one and have overdriven it quite a bit. It's pretty farty and crusty sounding if that makes any sense. It's not Geddy sounding. I love it for clean though.

If you can find one get a Budda Phat Bass. To me it's the most natural, organic sounding overdrive in a pedal that I have found.

grooVWy · #7 04-30-2008, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommy el Gato

In my search for more transparent alternatives to a Sansamp Bass driver, I happened upon the ART Tube Mic Preamp and, because I've never heard one before, I'd like to know if anyone here has any experience with trying to overload them. I expect that it probably doesn't do what I'm looking for (bassically a lower gain version of a geddy lee-type grind.) even with a tube exchange, but I might buy one anyways and use something else for my drive sounds.

Thoughts?

I just A/B´ed that in studio with PreSonus TubePre and in my ear Presonus sound fitted better for bass. Overdrives nicely as well. About Geddy Lee sound. I can´t say can you get it with it.

eutgard · #8 05-01-2008, 02:22 AM

Some discussion about ODing ART Tube Pre at Questions for ART Studio V3 Mic Preamp users

My current setup

Stock Jay Turser JTB 401

ART Tube Pre - input gain at 4 o'clock

output gain at 8 o'clock

OPL in

Markbass F1

Omni 10.5 + 12

Warm, round & light brown tone but nobody in my band knows difference between ART on & off

grooVWy · #9 05-01-2008, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eutgard

Warm, round & light brown tone but nobody in my band knows difference between ART on & off

I think my bandmates would notice when I hit brown notes

Just kidding mate.

insomniac2295 · #10 11-03-2008, 05:15 PM

I own an ART tube MP Studio and I use it with a Peavey Classic 120 tube power amp. All I can say is the type of distorted tone I can get out of this is just plain old dirty

It has a +20db gain button so you can switch back and forth easily between clean and distorted. you can also get a nice subtle grind out of it if you push it enough without the +20db button on.