Acme Audio MTP-66 Motown Tube Preamp

Tube Mic Preamp

CAP2: 0 £2,299.00
£1,915.83 ex VAT
Call or Email for availability.

The Acme Audio MTP-66 is an exceptional single-channel mic preamp and DI box designed to infuse your music with the iconic Motown sound. This all-tube DI device, originally conceptualized in 1966 by Motown Records' chief engineer, served as the backbone of numerous hits from 1966 to 1972, capturing the essence of legendary musicians like the Funk Brothers. Faithfully re-created from the original schematics, the MTP-66 features a killer mic preamp section and delivers a fat, harmonically rich bottom end, authoritative upper-midrange presence, and exciting tube sheen on the high end. By excluding phantom power, the device encourages using a tube, passive ribbon, and dynamic microphones, breathing new life into recordings and offering a funkier and more distinctive signal.

At a glance

  • 1-channel tube DI/mic preamp inspired by the Motown Input Box
  • Instrument-to-line-level tube preamp with microphone amp section
  • Mic pre with fixed-gain pentode; Acme Audio/Triad input transformer
  • Designed from the original Motown engineering schematics
  • Hand-selected tubes and CineMag output transformer
  • Rugged lunchbox chassis with retro blue finish

The Acme Audio MTP-66 is a remarkable single-channel mic preamp and DI box designed to infuse your music with the iconic Motown sound. Originally conceptualised by the chief engineer at Motown Records in 1966, this all-tube DI device was the backbone of the Motown sound that drove numerous hits from 1966 to 1972. From the legendary in-house rhythm section known as the Funk Brothers, to the unsung yet highly influential musicians like James Jamerson, Dennis Coffey, Bob Babbitt, Robert White, and Joe Messina, the MTP-66 captures the essence of their captivating music.

Acme Audio has faithfully re-created the Motown "Input Box" from the original schematics, adding a killer mic preamp section. Encased in a rugged lunchbox chassis with a stylish retro blue paint job, the MTP-66 delivers a fat, harmonically rich bottom end, authoritative upper-midrange presence, and an exciting tube sheen on the high end. If you're seeking that vibey vintage tube colour and punch for your music, the Acme Audio MTP-66 is a must-have addition to your studio setup.

Note: The MTP-66 does not provide phantom power. An external phantom power supply with a condenser or other microphones requiring 48-volt phantom power will be needed.

Faithful Recreations and Expanded Legacy of Motown's Sound

Manufactured by Acme Audio, this device has caused quite a stir in the professional music community due to its faithful re-creations of iconic Motown equipment. Its all-tube signal path, powered by hand-selected tubes driving a CineMag output transformer, further expands the rich legacy of Motown's sound. The MTP-66 functions as an instrument-to-line-level tube preamp and features a microphone preamp section based on an original Motown engineering design, incorporating a fixed-gain pentode with an Acme Audio/Triad input transformer. Moreover, this unit boasts adjustable input and output controls for precise sound tweaking, a feature not present in the original, granting you the perfect amount of drive and compression for your audio.

Unleashing the Distinctive Power of the MTP-66

The MTP-66 intentionally excludes phantom power, which may seem unusual to some users. However, this purposeful omission encourages the use of tube, passive ribbon, and dynamic microphones, ensuring a funkier and more distinctive signal. It breathes new life into dynamic and ribbon microphones, adding an exhilarating tube sheen on the high end, subtly scooping the lower mids, and enriching the bottom frequencies. Even passive ribbons, previously considered too dark for certain sources, find new uses with the MTP-66. Your brighter mics will also shine with renewed brilliance, as this device coaxes out the gloss on acoustic guitars, brings out beautiful stick presence on cymbals, and offers captivating crispness through its unique tube saturation.

Transformative DI Section and Vintage Tube Vibe

Regarding DI'd bass sounds, the MTP-66 goes above and beyond expectations. Its DI section impresses with a fat, harmonically rich bottom end and punchy upper-midrange presence, transforming a bass guitar into a commanding force that drives the track with authority. Moreover, when driven to its limits, the MTP-66 imparts the presence and sustain of a bass amp while adding body and interest to lacklustre instruments. Additionally, this device works wonders on analogue monosynths, making it an essential tool for professional users seeking a serious vintage tube vibe.

In conclusion, the Acme Audio MTP-66 is a must-have addition to any professional music studio. With its faithful re-creation of the Motown "Input Box" sound and its impressive tube preamp and DI capabilities, it caters to those who desire authentic vintage tones and unparalleled sonic possibilities. Elevate your music production with the Acme Audio MTP-66, and experience the magic the Motown sound can bring to your creative endeavours.

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