Gain Control; Impedance Control; Low Cut Control; Tilt Eq Control - Art SOLO MPA User Manual

Multivoice tube preamplifier
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3. Gain Control

This control optimizes the input signal level before the tube gain is applied. Both Microphone and Instrument input gains
remain the same and are affected by this adjustment. Input gain can be adjusted from 0dB (for line level signals) to 40dB
of gain. The analog meter is used to see the effects of the input gain setting. Additional gain is available via the Gain
switch (+20dB) and the Master Output control (+15dB) for a maximum of 75dB total.
The combination of these controls allows the user to adjust the signal level through the tube section, providing more or less "tube"
sound as needed. To obtain more "tube' sound, increase input gain, use the +20dB Gain switch and less Analog output gain.
Both the microphone and instrument inputs are optimized for their respective sources as far as signal levels and
noise performance. Running most of the gain on the input generally provides the best performance of the Solo MPA.
Refer to the section titled "Obtaining the best noise performance with the Solo MPA for more detailed instructions on
setting the Input Gain control for the best results.

4. Impedance Control

This knob controls the Mic/line input amplifier impedance. This function allows variable voicing of any microphone. Refer
to the section titled "Adjusting the Input Impedance" for more information on making the most of this function.
The ¼-inch instrument input is NOT affected by this control, and remains high (>1M ohm) impedance.

5. Low Cut Control

The Low-Cut Filter is a single tuned High Pass Filter that is frequency tunable. The input signal can be filtered to remove "pops" or oth-
er extraneous low frequency information. This control moves the rolloff frequency from 10 Hz (fully CCW) to 200 Hz (fully CW). Since it
is single tuned, it preserves some low frequency content so its use is less obtrusive. It is especially useful in close mic'd applications.

6. Tilt EQ Control

The Tilt EQ control can be used to emphasize a high presence or low-end warmth in the audio signal.

7. Voice Control

Solid State/Tube
The Voice control can be used to blend the Solid-State and Tube stages.

8. Gain Switch

The Gain switch is used in conjunction with the input gain control to adjust signal levels through the Solo MPA. When de-
pressed, the tube circuit provides 20dB more gain in the signal path. This also has the effect of driving the tube harder and
making the tube the dominant source of gain and overload character.

9. Phantom Switch

Phantom power on the microphone input is turned on and off with this switch. Depressing the switch will power condenser
microphones and other 48volt phantom powered devices. Phantom power is supplied to pins 2 and 3 of the input jack.
NOTE: Dynamic microphones are NOT affected by Phantom power, although it should be turned off when using
dynamic microphones or line level inputs.
Note: It's suggested to mute the output of the Solo MPA when engaging or disengaging phantom power, this will help
prevent damage to other equipment connected to the Solo MPA.

10. Phase Switch

The Phase switch, when engaged, will invert the phase of the audio signal. The Phase switch is located after the tube cir-
cuit in the signal path, so you can hear slight differences between different phase selections in the "normal" plate voltage
mode near saturation. There are a number of reasons why adjusting the phase is needed these include, wiring errors and
inversions in some audio equipment. Some microphones sound different depending on the phase chosen.
If two microphones are out of phase, they may cancel at various frequencies (depending on the distance between
them). If this happens, try changing the phase of one of the microphones and see if there is an improvement.

11. VU Meter

The analog meter is used for monitoring signal levels at the balanced output as well as previous stages.

12. Meter Trim

The Meter Trim is used to adjust the Meter's "0" point. This may change if the unit is NOT mounted with the front panel
perpendicular to the floor.
Using a small flat-blade screwdriver you can mechanically fine-tune the meter indicator position if, for example, it does
not rest at the leftmost position when the unit is OFF.
The Output level of the Solo MPA can be monitored by selecting the function you want displayed on the VU meter.

13. Master Output Control

The output signal level at the rear output jacks is adjusted by this control. It can provide from +15dB of gain (fully clock-
wise) to completely muted. You can see the effects of this adjustment reflected in the analog meter.
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