ART Dual Tube EQ

Although I'm not impressed with Art's Tube MP, this duel Tube EQ is a winner. Easy to use and well laid out. It's essentally a two channel tube EQ, which can be either used in mono (one channel at a time) or with both channels. It uses two 12AX7 tubes which are located towards the back center of the unit.

The Low frequency control and Low-Mid frequency controls overlap, as does the Low-Mid and High-Mid frequency controls. For Bass, kick, snare, acoustic, electric guitars and vocals, the High Shift switch kicked in at 6Khz is where it sounds best, with the 18KHz setting ideal for cymbals, ect.
The unit is quiet in going through the consoles onboard pres or using an external pre and going into the Dual Tube EQ and using the output to your recording source. The important point here is to make sure that you acheive unity gain, meaning that when in BYPASS your sound source level matches that of the EQ's OUPUT level, which can either be increased or decreased. It will ensure quiet operation of the unit. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that the Duel EQ sounds better than the Massenburg units I've used the studio. The coloration and control over harsh EQ spots is simply fantastic. Simply put, there is no rough spot on a track that cannot be treated with this unit. On running bass direct through an external mic pre and using the Dual Tube EQ, it is right up there with the sweet warm tones of Neve EQ's found on the 8028 and other consoles. Frankly, the ART sounds less harsh than the SSL 4000 G EQ modules. I used the ART on a variety of instruments from bass, acoustic, vocals, kick, snare and I was impressed. This is a great sounding unit. With some good mic pres like API, Focusrite or Neve, don't be surprised if you find yourself bypassing your console's onboard EQ's. My only critisism is the inferior plastic switches and the two tubes that have one slot for ventilation in the back of the unit. Also there are two rubber grommets that at the back of the unit where the tips of each tube protrude through each grommet, so be careful when connecting low and high impedance cables in the back of the unit, because the tips of the tubes could be hit and broken. There should be a protector over the tips and MORE vents, since the unit is completely sealed in aluminum. the 1/4 inch and XLR ins and out also could be made of better materials.

I'm in the midst of a mixing session and have not had this unit long enough to know how it will hold up.

Never dealt with ART.

This is an incredible sounding Tube EQ and I prefer it over most onboard digital EQs including the SSL G EQs. Hopefully ART will break out with better quality switches, 1/4" and XLR ins and outs and add some ventilation for the tubes. This PRO SOUNDING unit deserves better. It's a winner.