#FIRST SOUND REFERENCE QUALITY PREAMP II PRO#

This has only a 40dB range, but an extra 20dB of gain can be applied before the tube stage. The mic input is a solid-state design, with a rotary control to set the initial gain. A rear‑panel button allows the output level to be set to +4dBu or ‑10dBv, and the meter calibration automatically follows this setting. While the mic inputs and balanced XLR and TRS jack outputs are on the rear panel, a high‑impedance instrument input is conveniently positioned on the front panel, this taking precedence over the mic input when connected. Further LED bar-graph meters, labelled Tube Warmth and set between the VU meters, show the amount of tube drive being used.

#FIRST SOUND REFERENCE QUALITY PREAMP II PRO#

The Pro MPA2 certainly feels solid - it was rather heavier than I expected it to be when I lifted it - and the front panel looks stylish, with its detented, somewhat retro‑styled knobs and large, backlit, moving‑coil VU output meters that have adjustable calibration trims. Further tonal variety is offered by the ability to run the 12AX7 valves at low or high anode voltages. In this last role, channel one is used for the 'Mid' mic and channel two for the 'Sides'. The Pro MPA2 can be set up for dual‑mono, conventional stereo or M/S (Mid/Side) operation. The latter is something that can have a significant effect on the sound of the connected microphone in particular, many dynamic models, including passive ribbons, prefer to see a higher impedance.

Essentially, this device is a 2U-high, two‑channel mic preamp with switchable 48V phantom power and continuously variable input impedance. Is it too good to be true?ĪRT have a long‑standing reputation for delivering good, affordable audio processors, and their Pro MPA2 seems set to continue that tradition. This two‑channel tube preamp offers a range of useful features, and all for a very modest asking price.

First sound reference quality preamp ii