ROAD TEST
ART TubeMix 5-Channel Mixer with USB Interface
By Adam Gallant
Applied Research and Technology ( ART ) has greatly expanded its USB line this year . Here , we ’ re reviewing one of those additions : ART ’ s TubeMix five-channel mixer with assignable tubes and USB functionality . The unit boasts a wide variety of features and takes full advantage of what ART is perhaps best known for : tube preamps .
Features & Use The ART TubeMix is a USB audio interface that also serves as a five-input mixer . It contains two low-noise microphone preamp channels with selectable phantom power . Channels three and four are stereo line level inputs and the fifth channel features a high-impedance 1 / 4-in . instrument input . All five channels have independent three-band EQs , aux sends , and pan controls .
The TubeMix contains a dual-triode 12AX7 tube that can be applied to the input of channels one and two ( separately or simultaneously ) or the instrument channel ( five ) via a top panel switch . In addition to the tube option , the instrument channel has an amp simulation switch – a nice touch for guitar players looking for some quick harmonic colour , as the amp simulation is a very usable model of a guitar amp and speaker cabinet .
The three-band EQ sounds great with wide Q and fixed frequency points . We have 12 kHz on the top , 2.5 kHz on the mids , and 80 Hz on the low end . These frequency points are well thought out and ideal for addressing problem areas with voice , such as plosives in the low end or a lack of clarity in the highs .
The two aux sends and returns are available on all five channels and are connected via 1 / 4- in . TRS . Each channel also offers a pan pot and output level control for fine-tuning a stereo mix . All of the expected knobs , such as EQ and pan , are stepped at the 12 o ’ clock position .
The mixer ’ s analog routing is comprehensive , with controls for Aux Returns , USB Return , Main Mix Level , and Control Room / Headphones levels . All analog hardware outs are via independent 1 / 4-in . TRS that connect well and feel sturdy and rugged .
The built-in headphone amp is powerful and void of excess noise . Additional headphones can easily be routed via the aux outputs , main outs , or control room out depending on the desired configuration . The TubeMix would marry well with ART ’ s headphone amps for a live-off-the-floor session or performance recording .
The TubeMix also outputs stereo digital audio via USB 2.0 at 16 bits and either 44.1 K or 48 K sample rates to your preferred audio software . The drivers are PC and Mac compatible and were automatically installed on our studio ’ s Windows 10 system with ease . There is no additional software panel to worry about as the front panel of the hardware provides all necessary routing options . With wood paneling and classiclooking analog VU meters , the TubeMix has a refreshingly uncluttered and professional look . The black chassis has a glossy finish , is heavy , and the onboard text is white , easy to read , and intelligently laid out . For additional metering , ART has included a wide-range stereo LED meter with selectable source .
Summary As mentioned , this interface uses a very simple , plug-and-play USB driver with no proprietary control panel software . This ease of use makes the TubeMix ideal for a podcaster , gamer , or any video content creator needing an easy to use , desktop solution for their audio needs .
From a musician or engineer ’ s perspective , this unit has a lot of plusses , one of which is the ability to dial in latency-free input monitoring by blending the input with the USB return . Additionally , it makes a great option for anyone who might need to route audio to a PA while simultaneously streaming USB audio to and / or from a computer .
You would be hard pressed to find an audio interface at this price ( approximately $ 230 CAD ) that is as well equipped as the TubeMix . With tube colour , EQ , and an amp simulator , it ’ s clear ART has geared this unit towards hobbyists and musicians ; however , the format of this mixer makes it extremely versatile and a great fit for podcasters , gamecasters , and anyone creating content that warrants greatsounding audio .
Adam Gallant has worked in all facets of digital audio production , from music composition to location and post audio for television and film . He currently owns and operates The Hill Sound Studio in Charlottetown , PE .
20 • CANADIAN MUSICIAN