Introduction
The ART TubeMix is a handy tool that makes sound better. It’s good for musicians, podcasters, and people who love good audio. It’s small but does a lot of things to make your sound just right.
Design and Build
- Compact Build: The TubeMix’s compact design makes it portable and convenient for various setups.
- Sturdy Construction: Its durable build ensures reliability and longevity, suitable for both studio and on-the-go use.
Features
- Versatile Inputs: Multiple inputs accommodate various audio sources such as microphones, instruments, and line-level devices.
- Tube Preamp: The inclusion of a tube preamp enriches the sound, adding warmth and character to the audio.
- Flexible EQ Controls: Precise EQ adjustments allow users to fine-tune audio frequencies according to their preferences.
Performance
- Enhanced Sound Quality: The TubeMix delivers exceptional audio quality, particularly enhancing vocals and instrument recordings.
- Low Noise Operation: Maintains minimal noise levels, preserving the clarity of audio signals even at higher gain settings.
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- Versatile inputs for diverse audio sources
- Tube preamp adds warmth to audio
- Precise EQ controls for tailored sound
- Enhanced sound quality and low noise operation
Cons
- Lack of digital connectivity options
- Limited effects or processing features
- May require additional accessories for certain setups
Conclusion
The ART TubeMix is a small, tough mixer preamp that’s great for musicians, podcasters, and sound lovers. It has different inputs, a tube preamp for extra warmth, and precise EQ controls to make sound better. But it doesn’t have many digital connections or fancy effects, so it’s better for simpler setups.
C.F.R.Junior –
only 2 lines / mix down into computer so .. does not allow you to multi track live
its a great looking machine ~ very heavy ~ prob. due to the tubes
there is no led/ light in it so its not easy to read the gauges
Matt Cornett –
I am using the TubeMix as the center of a DAW-less music setup, recording to an old Tascam cassette 4-track recorder. I use a variety of synthesizers, guitars, drum machines, and microphones with the TubeMix. The workflow is intuitive, the EQ is musical and useful, and the DI input amp simulation is much better than expected. Finally, the preamp tube is not a gimmick. You can’t overdrive the tube, but it does make a positive difference, particularly when playing a bass DI into the tube. I hear a slight boost to the lower mids and slight roll off of the high end when the tube is engaged. Amazing bang for the buck if you want a small format analog mixer!
WTFcooldown –
A good product. The tube preamp’s tone is warm and full. I am really very satisfied with this product.
Paul H. –
No inputs show up on DAW. Had to break out my old USB interface. 🙁
Aaron Burr –
Es absurdo que no envíen el cable necesario para conectar a la computadora.
danwade –
Absolutely awesome mixer and audio interface, I have a little apartment studio set up, and this thing lets me track everything short of drums. Love the effects loop and trim knob is super useful. Would be cool if the VU meters were lit. That would be so sweet-looking and easier to read.
Tad R –
I really love this little thing for the main task I set it to: taking in audio from my ancient PS3, playing Rocksmith 2014. I’m a little bit of a latecomer to the game, but I’m a total addict now. Before I got this little guy, I was using a Focusrite Scarlett and then I tried my mackie mixer (both with nice Shure headphones). The sounds coming from the PS3 were super harsh and my ears would fatigue with both of the prior audio solutions I tried. With this little tube mixer, I can listen comfortably and play my game until my fingertips bleed or until my back gives out from playing the guitar while standing. I’m excited to hear how it handles instruments and my vocal mics… but haven’t tried anything with that stuff yet. I have a feeling it will be buttery and fantastic.
Tad R –
I had been looking for a compact mixer to record to my laptop as opposed to directly to my old fostex 8-track recorder for a couple months now. I looked at the major brands as well as off brands on eBay. My main need was the USB interface, 3 band equalizer and at least one XLR input.
Some models had extras that I could use, other models didn’t have those features but had other features that I could use and it became a game of Want vs. Need. It became a much more complicated search than I initially thought.
Then I saw the ART tube mix. Just seeing it I knew that was the one I was going to buy however I felt I needed to do more research on other makes and models just to be sure. I shouldn’t have bothered and bought it as soon as I saw it.
The tube mix looks to be an old school piece of equipment with the VU meters and the real wood sides as well as an assignable 12 ax7 tube adding to the mix. I think it looks great on my table.
It is very versatile and has all the inputs and outputs and equalizer that I need plus a little more. The dials are sturdy don’t feel like they’re going to fall off, the buttons feel to be quality, giving that positive and sturdy “click” and the metal chassis is a quality build and appears to be able to stand up to some use.
I love that the headphone jack is on the front of the unit not on the top so your headphone cable won’t get tangled with other input lines or interfere when you are operating buttons or knobs, just a little touch that I appreciate.
I was able to record to audacity on my laptop using the USB interface with little messing about or reading of the manual. It was a pretty straightforward and simple setup but if you do need the manual, it is actually well-written and informative should you need it.
I like how this unit looks, I like how this unit operates and I am very happy that I eventually bought it after looking at other units that I probably would not be as happy with.
Amazon Customer –
The sound from a Rode NT microphone came out very harsh, and the mids were starved. This was when all EQ knobs were at 0. It was not usable for recording. The response with all QC knobs at 0 should sound good, because the EQ knobs are just for tweaking. Even for home recording was not usable.