PRODUCT
TESTS
ART TubeMix 5-Channel Mixer with USB Interface
By Adam Gallant
A
pplied Research and Technol-
ogy (ART) has greatly expanded
its USB line this year. Here, we’re
reviewing one of those additions:
ART’s TubeMix five-channel mixer with as-
signable tubes and USB functionality. The
unit boasts a wide variety of features and
takes full advantage of what ART is per-
haps 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 phan-
tom 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 ad-
dition 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 con-
nected 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 com-
22 PROFESSIONAL SOUND
prehensive, 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 head-
phones 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 pre-
ferred audio software. The drivers are PC
and Mac compatible and were automati-
cally 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 neces-
sary routing options.
With wood paneling and classic-looking
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 select-
able 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 plus-
ses, 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 (approxi-
mately $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
great-sounding audio.
Adam Gallant has worked in all facets of
digital audio production, from music compo-
sition to location and post audio for television
and film. He currently owns and operates The
Hill Sound Studio in Charlottetown, PE.