The ART TubeOpto 8 8-Channel Tube Preamp features 8 fully featured Class-A tube microphone preamps, ADAT lite-pipe 24-Bit digital I/O and 8 balanced analog outputs. There are two additional instrument inputs on the front, as well as Pad, low-frequency roll off, and phase switches for each channel.

Also featured on every channel are input and output gain control dials for 70dB of clean gain with incredible sonic transparency, or for the tube stage to be dialed in for warming effects and soft clipping. The Art TubeOpto 8 is an ideal solution for adding quality mic-pres to your ART lite-pipe compatible digital recorder or DAW interface.

8-Channel ADAT I/O    Class-A Vacuum Tube Preamps    24-Bit Digital I/O    Pad & Phase Switches    Low Frequency Roll-Off Switches    2x 1/4" Phone Inputs

Eight Fully Featured Class-A Tube Mic Preamps

Eight Channels of ADAT lite-pipe Digital 24 Bit Audio I/O at 44.1 or 48kHz

Input Gain and Output Level Controls on Every Channel

Input Pad, Phase flip and Low Frequency Roll Off Switches on Every Channel

Two Additional Front Mounted High Impedance Instrument Line Inputs

Eight 1/4-inch TRS Balanced Outputs

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Will this device allow me to connect a TV's spdif output to a usb speaker? or does it need to be connected to a PC/Mac to work? I am hoping to connect my Bose Companion 5 speaker system to my TV.

A: I agree that the FiiO TAISHAN-D03K is probably the way to go. That's what I have hooked up between my TV and stereo system using a 3.5 interconnect. As mentioned, the ART USB is overkill with the phono preamp included.

Q: 2. Specs say max gain 48 db. Where would that be on the gain control? at +10? Additionally... how much gain is at 0 ?

A: The specs for the ART Precision Phono Preamp show a different maximum gain level rating for MC (Moving Coil) and MM (Moving Magnet) cartridges: 43 dB (MM) and 63 dB (MC). There is a switch on the front panel to select the input type and choose the cartridge style you will be using. You would then adjust the Gain Trim control and set it so that the Clip LED light stays green and only peaks occasionally as red. The actual gain levels will vary depending on the cartridge that is used and its specific output level.

Q: 3. Can I plug in a thumb drive to this unit and record vinyl directly on to the thumb drive? I ask so that I can use the the drive drive in my auto to listen to vinyl lps.

A: No

Q: 4. will this work with a phono level turntable without a preamp?

A: Yes--this IS a preamp. It has RCA jacks IN (left and right stereo) and preamp OUT (also RCA jacks). And USB OUT to your computer. And headphone OUT with a volume control in order to monitor. It is a standard stereo mini jack (3.5mm), not 1/4 inch. The headphone level control does not affect the level of the USB out. You can also select Phone or Line INPUT on the front panel, with a GAIN control. I use it to record from a turntable with magnetic cartridge to my MAC computer, while I monitor the audio from the turntable with a stereo headset. Works like a charm.

Q: 5. Does this work with Focusrite Control software?

A: This unit will show up as digital inputs in the Focusrite Control Software, when connected to the ADAT input of an a compatible Focusrite interface.

Q: 6. Does the RME QuadMic II 4-Channel Microphone Preamp include an external AC to DC power supply?

A: According to the published specifications in the Owner's manual (page 25), the RME QuadMic II features a power supply that is internally switching, 100-240V AC, 20 Watts.

Q: 7. excuse me my email is my question is i have a focusrite 14 and a program call samplitude prox 2 how do i connect them? and do i need it?, i need more gain and mor quality audio.

A: The TubeOpto8 is an 8 channel mic preamp. This unit features an optical ADAT digital output that carries all 8 channels. Unfortunately the Focusrite saffire Pro 14 does not have an ADAT input and would not be compatible.

Q: 8. When we record with Audacity it only records one side of the speaker on both tracks, ignoring the other side, meaning it is not stereo and only one side of the track can be heard. What is the problem, usb cable or usb output port from the preamp?

A: Check your computer settings - assuming Windows, go to Control Panel-Hardware and Sound-Sound-Recording. Select the USB Audio CODEC and click Properties, then Advanced. Make sure the Default Format is 2-channel. I do this every time I want to record something - most times the setting will be remembered, but every so often it will revert to 1-channel. Very annoying if I've recorded 5 albums before I notice!

Q: 9. I'm using Cubase as DAW and Fireface UC . Can I connect Art TubeOpto 8 to Fireface and control/record all to Cubase?

A: Yes you can. I recommend attaching the Art via the ADAT out optical port to the ADAT in port on the FireFace. That will send all 8 channels digitally to the FireFace for recording into Cubase.

Q: 10. does this come with a usb cable?

A: no