I've been doing some research into the Art MPA II Tube Pre Amp and wondering if anyone has one or used one and are they any good for improving vocal quality?
fyi ive done thousand of vocal tracks over the years useing everything from a 50 buck art to very high end commercial studio consoles and outboard pre's. maybe others will disagree but comparing the final mixes i would say the consumer buying your song from my tests anyway is more interested if the song floats their boat. in conclusion imho assuming the pre is working correctly i would say the trick is how the vocals are treated post recording.
if you doubt me there is a highly entertaining lengthy thread on gearspace.com where audio examples are posted re 50 buck art versus higher cost fare to see if people could tell the diff without knowing which was which. the reveal was a hoot. just search gearspace for it.
if you are concerned just rent a bunch of pre's for a week from a gear store and record vocs with each to compare.this should assuage your concerns. do your own tests.
in summary i believe there are other things to worry about other than the pre. for more info you tube has lots of comparisons. now i'm gonna go do some vocs on an old germanium transistor pre..lol. ps also on gearspace is a hilarious thread comparing the legendary diy 5 dollar pre versus high end stuff.
happiness.
om 🇨🇦 🇬🇧
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 03/15/2405:15 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
I've been doing some research into the Art MPA II Tube Pre Amp and wondering if anyone has one or used one and are they any good for improving vocal quality?
I guess I'd first have to ask, what kind of Mic are you using?
That could make a lot of difference in any answers I could offer, and I would hope it would affect others input as well. Also, what did you have previously to compare it to? Since you asked if it might 'improve' the vocals, that is a comparison that would need the starting point. A vs B ..
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
I boughnt one of these quite a while ago https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/behringer-mic100 it gets good writeups and is amazingly cheap but frankly i stoppped using it as the recorded tracks were not significantly enhanced and I get good results using eq and other fx quite sparingly on a signal from a condenser mic straightr into the behringer UMC204HD which i presmu has much the same preamps but without the tube.
very nice. kudos for finding that. i'm gonna try to find time to test it. there are many free channel strips on the net if one googles 'channel strip vst plugin.'
happiness
om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
fyi ive done thousand of vocal tracks over the years useing everything from a 50 buck art to very high end commercial studio consoles and outboard pre's. maybe others will disagree but comparing the final mixes i would say the consumer buying your song from my tests anyway is more interested if the song floats their boat. in conclusion imho assuming the pre is working correctly i would say the trick is how the vocals are treated post recording.
if you doubt me there is a highly entertaining lengthy thread on gearspace.com where audio examples are posted re 50 buck art versus higher cost fare to see if people could tell the diff without knowing which was which. the reveal was a hoot. just search gearspace for it.
if you are concerned just rent a bunch of pre's for a week from a gear store and record vocs with each to compare.this should assuage your concerns. do your own tests.
in summary i believe there are other things to worry about other than the pre. for more info you tube has lots of comparisons. now i'm gonna go do some vocs on an old germanium transistor pre..lol. ps also on gearspace is a hilarious thread comparing the legendary diy 5 dollar pre versus high end stuff.
happiness.
om 🇨🇦 🇬🇧
Thanks for your reply. I'm always keen to consider anything that improves my vocals. I lack confidence and am a perfectionist. I hear my vocal flaws and do my best to iron them out.
I've been doing some research into the Art MPA II Tube Pre Amp and wondering if anyone has one or used one and are they any good for improving vocal quality?
I guess I'd first have to ask, what kind of Mic are you using?
That could make a lot of difference in any answers I could offer, and I would hope it would affect others input as well. Also, what did you have previously to compare it to? Since you asked if it might 'improve' the vocals, that is a comparison that would need the starting point. A vs B ..
I have 2x mics I use for recording my vocals. Beyerdynamic M88TG + Rode K2
Thanks for that. I have LOADS of plug ins. Spent a few hundred ££ on WAVES plus a lovely Lexicon Reverb set of plugins and others including those from StudioOne.
So I bought one to try out of curiosity. I've used it on my Takamine & M88TG and on both multiple test recordings both sounded better in that recordings were fuller & warmer I would say. Presonus although clean sounding, sounds thinner by comparison. It's a keeper. Looks cool on my desk also!
Thanks for the update on your experience with it. Yes it does look cool. I'd be interested to know how the variable Impedance works in real life. Can it handle both a LCD and something like an SM-57 or SM-58 OK? An SM mic (or similar) would benefit from much different settings. It looks like each channel can have it's own impedance, so that would be nice.
Last edited by rharv; 03/18/2403:36 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
For those happy with current pre but no var imp feature...never used but art have a new product called rp1. it has a variable imp input. for ribbon and dynamic mics. so one can go i guess as follows mic to rp1 to next device in chain. it also is a signal booster. for more info see arts web site.
for other similar var imp gear and boosters. just google. eg i just came across alctron ?
hth.
om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
Thanks for the update on your experience with it. Yes it does look cool. I'd be interested to know how the variable Impedance works in real life. Can it handle both a LCD and something like an SM-57 or SM-58 OK? An SM mic (or similar) would benefit from much different settings. It looks like each channel can have it's own impedance, so that would be nice.
I've only played with it a little so far but have tried two mics - Beyerdynamic M88TG and Rode K2. Both have a 200 impedance. I've cranked it up higher on both and lowered down to 100. I'm not sure how I would explain the difference? Its subtle. To me my mics sound warmer around 100. Pushing it higher (600+) and there seems to be more detail and the volume seems to increase slightly. I think I prefer the warmer effect if that's what you call it?
I used those mics as a reference because their reported impedance is lower than a lot of them.
"Rated impedance is 150Ω (310Ω actual) for connection to microphone inputs rated low impedance"
The others probably appear louder and clearer when higher because that is the impedance they expect. Starving a mic is different than giving it too much, so the two mics you used and the two mics I mentioned would likely show different results to the ear.
So many SM-57 and 58's out there still in use, but many interfaces do not have a way to adjust for them. I have a separate preamp that works just fine, and if I insert it before the interface it's fine. But having an interface that did it in the first place is a nice feature. That said, my Preamp also offers the additive tube feature .. so works a treat on other stuff as well.
If that ART has an 'instrument' in switch, may be fun to se what your guitar or bass sounds like through it.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean