ART Pro Audio Voice Channel - Tube Channel Input Strip with EQ Processing and Digital Connectivity

The preamp section of the VoiceChannel is engineered with a Class-A tube design, featuring variable input impedance and selectable tube plate voltage. This combination results in exceptionally versatile microphone preamplifiers, renowned for their ability to deliver warmth, presence, and clarity. The integration of the 12AX7A vacuum tube ensures controlled overload characteristics, enhancing the audio with musical warmth while maintaining a wide dynamic range and exceptional sonic detail.

Variable input impedance allows for optimization across a broad range of microphone sources, fundamentally altering the microphone's performance and character. This feature unlocks a myriad of sonic possibilities, whether using modern or vintage condenser, ribbon, or dynamic microphones. The infinitely variable impedance control enables precise tuning, ensuring optimal performance tailored to each microphone's unique characteristics.

The selectable tube voltage function further enhances flexibility by providing a choice between high plate voltage for maximum output with minimal noise and distortion, or reduced plate voltage for increased warmth and tube character.

Moreover, the VoiceChannel offers comprehensive dynamic control through its integrated compressor, de-esser, and expander. Unlike many channel strip processors, every aspect of the dynamics control is easily adjustable from the front panel, including threshold, ratio, attack, release, de-esser frequency and level, and expander/gate threshold.

The semi-parametric EQ provides extensive tone shaping capabilities, allowing for precise adjustments to suit any audio source. Additionally, the EQ can be conveniently patched before or after the dynamics processor with a simple button press on the front panel, eliminating the need for manual re-patching.

For seamless integration into any recording setup, the VoiceChannel offers multiple connectivity options, including balanced analog outputs, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, ADAT digital outputs, and USB connectivity for direct connection to computers or laptops. Furthermore, comprehensive metering ensures precise monitoring of audio levels at all times.

With its combination of advanced features, unparalleled versatility, and exceptional sound quality, the ART VoiceChannel stands as a cornerstone in professional audio recording environments, offering a comprehensive solution for capturing pristine vocals and instruments with unmatched detail and clarity.

Features

• Ideal input solution for any recording application
• Fully Featured Tube Microphone Preamplifier with Selectable plate Voltage and Variable Input Impedance
• Exceptional warmth and definition from proven ART Tube Preamp design
• Smooth musical sounding dynamics control including Compressor / Expander / De-Esser / Gate
• Powerful Parametric EQ selectable Pre or Post Compressor in signal path
• Flexible digital connectivity including ADAT Lite-pipe / AES/EBU / S/PDIF / TOSLink Digital Output supports 44.1 to 192 KHz Sample Rates
• USB direct-connect to computer or laptop

Specifications

Input Impedance

• Mic: 150 to 3.4K Ohms, variable
• Line: 20K Ohms
• Instrument: 2.5M Ohms
• Preamp Insert: 7.5K Ohms
• A/D Inserts: 10K Ohms

Output Impedance

• Balanced Outputs: 200 Ohms balanced
• Preamp Output: 100 Ohms
• A/D Inserts: 510 Ohms

Frequency Response

• Analog In to Analog Out: 12 Hz to 100 KHz +0, -1 dB
• Analog In to Digital Out (@ 44.1 KHz sample rate): 12 Hz to 20 KHz +0, -1 dB
• Analog In to Digital Out (@ 96 KHz sample rate): 16 Hz to 42 KHz +0, -1 dB

THD

• 1 KHz: < .015% typical
• 20 to 20 KHz: < .033% typical

Equivalent Input Noise

• Mic/Line: -130 dBu, Input shorted, Max gain, "A" weighted
• Instrument: -105 dBu, Input shorted, Max gain, "A" weighted

Maximum Input Level

• Mic/Line: +18 dBu balanced with PAD
• Instrument: +15 dBu

Maximum Gain

• Mic: 70 dB (XLR to balanced output)
• Instrument: 40 dB (1/4" to balanced output)

Maximum Output level

• Balanced: +20 dBu
• Unbalanced: +20 dBu

Output Level At Meter 0 VU: +4 dBu

Preamp

• Microphone Gain: 0 dB to +60 dB
• Instrument Gain: +3 dB to +40 dB
• Low Cut Filter: 100 Hz, 1-pole, 6 dB/Octave

EQ

• Boost/Cut: +12 dB on each band
• Low Freq. Tuning: 50/150 Hz Selectable
• MID 1 Freq. Tuning: 100 Hz to 3 KHz continuously variable
• MID 2 Freq. Tuning: 500 Hz to 15 KHz continuously variable
• High Freq. Tuning: 5K/15 KHz Selectable

Compressor/Limiter

• Attack Time: 250 uSec. to 100 mSec.
• Release Time: 100 mSec to 3 Sec.
• De-esser Tuning: 2.5 KHz to 15 KHz continuously variable
• Compression Ratio: 1:1 to 20:1
• Expander Slope: 1:1.5

Digital section

• Wordclock Range: 30 KHz to 204 KHz
• Sample Rates: 44.1 KHz, 48 KHz, 88.2 KHz, 96 KHz, 176 KHz, 192 KHz
• A/D Dynamic Range: 106 dB "A" weighted
• USB A/D Dynamic Range: 94 dB "A" weighted