Focusrite Platinum Voicemaster Pro vs. ART Voice Channel Tube Mic Preamp

alvagoldbook · 20th November 2008

Thinking of getting one of these two pres for me low end studio. A Focusrite Platinum Voicemaster Pro or a ART Voice Channel Tube Mic Preamp. Price isn't an issue, just looking for the product that is superior for rock and folk vocal applications. Cast your vote.

Slikjmuzik · 21st November 2008

I've heard both and have recommended both to people looking for a channel strip under a grand, since you said rock vocals, i say the ART...it'll sound even better if you swap out the tubes. I like the Pro MPA with the Pro VLA and I use the VLA for guitars as well. Art makes good stuff for cheap. That's not to say that Focusrite doesn't make good stuff, cuz the platinum series preamp is darn nice, but it's a bit thin for me. Mind you, I have an Octopre with an adat card that I use all the time to for Toms and snare....not too shabby.

JMc · 21st November 2008

Until Focusrite improves the design of their pass-through function switches, I would AVOID the Voicemaster Platinum Pro unless you view it as a disposable item. The switches that light up in red tend to get dirty and foul just outside the warranty by a year or two at most. There is a shop in Vegas that has practically turned replacing these switches (with more of the same garbage switches) into a cottage industry. They are a PIA to get to and not easily serviced.

abomb77 · 13th April 2009

bump, im considering the same 2! what did you go for in the end?

rivalrysound · 13th April 2009

I agree, the ART is way better for rock vocals while the voicemaster is centered more towards rap/ hip hop and the likes.

Weasel9992 · 14th April 2009

Since I absolutely *hated* the VM Pro, I'll recommend the Pro Channel. I have a couple of MPA Gold preamps and a couple of VLA Pro Compressors, and if the Pro Channel is anywhere near as good it'll blow the doors off the VM Pro.

Frank

rty5150 · 14th April 2009

yikes, for the price of these 2, look into the chameleon labs 7602. way better strip...i mean, it is a neve clone. the VMP is ok, not fabulous. it seems your looking for a swiss army knife pre. the CL 7602 won't give you as many bells and whistles, but will give you great tone and character. if that still doesn't get you hot and bothered, look at the rnp and rnc combo. 2 channels of way better that ART and focusrite platinum.

rich

RockFarmStudios · 21st November 2009

Has anyone tried the tube swap on a ART Voice Channel Tube Mic Preamp?

I have one and would be interested in knowing what tube was used as the stock replacement.

OceanMan · 21st November 2009

Just got my art voice channel in today, havent had a chance to use it yet. will being trying it out tommorow on my sm7b, ill let you know what i think/try and throw some sample up if you want XP

FredYeah · 21st November 2009

I have a Voicemaster Pro and a ART MPA Gold. I bought my ART from RTR on the forum here, and it has a JJ and a Tesla tube. (I think) Since I hooked it up, I haven't touched the Voicemaster since. Im selling it. But not to you... Get the ART.

I dont know if the pre you mentioned has the same plate voltage. If not, than it will sound way different than a MPA GOLD, so then please forget about this post

20th November 2008	#1
alvagoldbook Gear maniac Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 191 Thread Starter	Focusrite Platinum Voicemaster Pro vs. ART Voice Channel Tube Mic Preamp Thinking of getting one of these two pres for me low end studio. A Focusrite Platinum Voicemaster Pro or a ART Voice Channel Tube Mic Preamp. Price isn't an issue, just looking for the product that is superior for rock and folk vocal applications. Cast your vote.

21st November 2008	#2
Slikjmuzik Lives for gear Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 2,337	I've heard both and have recommended both to people looking for a channel strip under a grand, since you said rock vocals, i say the ART...it'll sound even better if you swap out the tubes. I like the Pro MPA with the Pro VLA and I use the VLA for guitars as well. Art makes good stuff for cheap. That's not to say that Focusrite doesn't make good stuff, cuz the platinum series preamp is darn nice, but it's a bit thin for me. Mind you, I have an Octopre with an adat card that I use all the time to for Toms and snare....not too shabby. __________________ Julian Ear Candy Studios www.earcandystudios.com It's the indian, not the arrow...

21st November 2008	#3
JMc Gear addict Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Boss Angeles Posts: 455	Until Focusrite improves the design of their pass-through function switches, I would AVOID the Voicemaster Platinum Pro unless you view it as a disposable item. The switches that light up in red tend to get dirty and foul just outside the warranty by a year or two at most. There is a shop in Vegas that has practically turned replacing these switches (with more of the same garbage switches) into a cottage industry. They are a PIA to get to and not easily serviced. __________________ "This is not some psychotic episode - but a cleansing moment of clarity."

14th April 2009	#6
Weasel9992 Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Savannah, GA Posts: 4,339	Since I absolutely hated the VM Pro, I'll recommend the Pro Channel. I have a couple of MPA Gold preamps and a couple of VLA Pro Compressors, and if the Pro Channel is anywhere near as good it'll blow the doors off the VM Pro. Frank __________________ Frank

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13th April 2009	#4
abomb77 Gear interested Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 9	bump, im considering the same 2! what did you go for in the end?

13th April 2009	#5
rivalrysound Gear nut Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 116	I agree, the ART is way better for rock vocals while the voicemaster is centered more towards rap/ hip hop and the likes.

14th April 2009	#7
rty5150 Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: LR,AR Posts: 2,808	yikes, for the price of these 2, look into the chameleon labs 7602. way better strip...i mean, it is a neve clone. the VMP is ok, not fabulous. it seems your looking for a swiss army knife pre. the CL 7602 won't give you as many bells and whistles, but will give you great tone and character. if that still doesn't get you hot and bothered, look at the rnp and rnc combo. 2 channels of way better that ART and focusrite platinum. rich

21st November 2009	#8
RockFarmStudios Gear interested Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 1	Has anyone tried the tube swap on a ART Voice Channel Tube Mic Preamp? I have one and would be interested in knowing what tube was used as the stock replacement.

21st November 2009	#9
OceanMan Gear addict Join Date: May 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 460	Just got my art voice channel in today, havent had a chance to use it yet. will being trying it out tommorow on my sm7b, ill let you know what i think/try and throw some sample up if you want XP

21st November 2009	#10
FredYeah Gear addict Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 478	I have a Voicemaster Pro and a ART MPA Gold. I bought my ART from RTR on the forum here, and it has a JJ and a Tesla tube. (I think) Since I hooked it up, I haven't touched the Voicemaster since. Im selling it. But not to you... Get the ART. I dont know if the pre you mentioned has the same plate voltage. If not, than it will sound way different than a MPA GOLD, so then please forget about this post

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