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A Designs MP-2A

Item ID: MP2A

Classic Tube Preamp with Tone Switches, 60dB gain, 48V Phantom switch, Phase switch, VU meter, -20dB Pad, and hi-Z DI

Special Order, But We Can Get It Fast

Because of our great relationship with A Designs, we can usually get this special order item to you within a week or two. Please note that special orders are non-returnable and non-cancelable. Order online or call for more information.

Note: While most of the items we sell ship for free, this item does not qualify for free shipping due to special circumstances.

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  • Retail Price$2895.00
  • Sweetwater Savings-$300.00
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  • Sale Price:$2595.00
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From Our Research Team:

MP-2A Dual-channel Tube Mic Pre Offers Four Unique Colors

A Designs MP-2A Dual-channel tube mic pre - A Designs has recently emerged in the forefront of insider audio to rave reviews; "Stunning sound quality with serious bass response and a warm, airy top," "Adding the MP-2 to my Direct-to-Disk DAW was like finding the holy grail of warm analog sound. I use it on everything from bass to guitars to vocals to drum mics and more. Absolutely incredible." The A Designs MP-2A is an Input and Output transformer, classic tube preamp with tone switches that give you four unique preamp colors. For use with the modern crop of ribbon mics, the A Designs MP-2A provides 60dB gain along with a 48V phantom power switch, phase switch, a big VU meter, 20dB Pad, and a hi-Z DI instrument input. Bring the warmth and richness of analog to your recordings with A Designs MP-2A.

A-Designs Audio MP-2A at a Glance:
  • High-end tube, 2-channel preamplifier
  • Two Tone Switches, each with 2 positions (yielding 4 sounds)
  • Extreme sound quality for a reasonable price
  • Hand built in Southern California
  • High-end custom wound Transformers
  • Big VU meters for easy set up


The new MPA Series by A-Designs Audio sets a new benchmark in high-end performance preamps. Unlike traditional high-end tube units, the new MP-2A can change its sound to suit the application, via two switches delivering four different sounds. This is the first time that anyone has created a world class preamp that has more than one sound built in!

High-end tube, 2-channel preamp
The original MP-2 tube preamps have been a favorite of LA insiders for some time. Comparable to much more expensive tube preamps, A Designs now takes it a step further with the MP2"A" Series, adding tone switches to the same great sound they have become known for. It is now possible to get four distinct "world class" sounds from a single unit! This makes a single preamp much more useful in the studio and over time.

True Tube
The A-Designs Audio MP-2A is considered a "True Tube" preamplifier due to the fact that there are no ICs (Integrated Circuits), transistors, or and solid state design in the front-end or the back-end to color the audio signal path. The sonic signature of the MP-2A is composed of pure tubes, film capacitors and custom transformers, pure and simple. Handcrafted with point to point wiring the MP-2A a must for those that care about quality.

Custom wound transformers
Its surprising how few pro companies believe in transformers they way A Designs does. Transformers are the heart and soul of any preamp and greatly affect the sound. Careful attention is devoted to designing the transformer and its parts: changes in core material alloy yields different sounds; the windings, what wire, how many turns and how they are wrapped all affect the sound too. A Designs spends a lot of time to design a high end transformer that adds beauty to the sound. These special transformers are one of the key reasons the A Designs reputation has grown so rapidly.

Direct Instrument Inputs
One unique features of the MP-2A is the 1/4" "Direct In" for high-impedance instruments and sources. Unlike most companies, A Design Audio's direct input goes straight to the transformer for glorious tone! Vintage Guitars, basses, digital keyboards - everything including drum machines benefits from the unique character of the A Designs hi-Z input. This provides your with a valuable option of using the on board DI instead of purchasing an expensive tube/transformer based "Direct Box". If you are looking for that "Analog Tube Sound" for your instrument, the MP2A is ideal!

A Designs Audio MP-2A Features:
  • Dual channel XLR line inputs
  • Dual 1/4-inch hi-Z "direct to the transformer" inputs
  • Continuously variable gain control
  • 60dB Gain
  • Big VU Meters, Backlit
  • Switchable 48v Phantom power
  • Phase (invert) Switch
  • -20dB Pad Switch
  • Custom milled front panel
  • Two space Rackmount
  • Red Jewel Lamp Indicator for power
  • Balanced XLR outputs
  • Power supply with custom Toroidal Power Transformer
  • Rich full body analog tube sound

If you are looking for that "analog tube sound" for your instrument, the A Designs MP-2A is ideal!
Specification Detail
Preamp Type Tube
Number of Channels 2
Frequency Response 28Hz-60kHz
Phantom Power Yes
EQ No
Compression No
Analog Inputs 2 x XLR, 2 x1/4" (Hi-Z)
Analog Outputs 2 x XLR
Digital Inputs No Digital Inputs
Digital Outputs No Digital Outputs
Other I/O No Other I/O
Computer Connectivity No Computer Connectivity
Rackmount Spaces 2U
Height 3.5"
Depth 10"
Width 19"
Weight 18 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number MP2A

MP-2A Image Gallery

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Call toll-free (800) 222-4700 or E-mail us
What Does "Special Order" Mean?
A special-order product is one that we don't normally keep in stock. We order it from the manufacturer as soon as you order from us. We have great relationships with all the manufacturers we carry, so we can get your special order to you as fast as or faster than anyone else. Remember that special orders are non-returnable and non-cancelable, so make sure the item is right for you. A Sweetwater Sales Engineer can help you decide - call (800) 222-4700 for assistance!

Reviews

based on 5 reviews

Delicious 2 Channel Preamp

by Benjamin Trimpe from Seattle, WA
January 18, 2011
Music Background: Recording Engineer
This is an exceptional preamp. I use it daily along with a UA 610 and while the 610 is a little more forward sounding, everything I run through the MP-2A sit right there in the mix. I have found it to... read more [+] be a wonderful tool for people who want to achieve a less "modern" sound with their recordings. The two "Tone" switches are also very helpful..giving you a wider palette of tones to choose from. The first tone switch is very subtle and only slightly alters the color of the signal. The second tone switch is much more overt. It completely changes the character of the preamp, giving it a more forward, aggressive sound. At higher input levels, the tube distortion is gorgeous and very musical. I use this regularly for drum overheads, electric and acoustic guitars, vocals, etc.... It is also a wonderful for processing stereo keyboard signals...warming up digital signals, and fattening analog ones. If you are looking for a warm, two channel front end for you DAW or just want to get some extra tube channels in your arsenal, I highly recommend this unit. close [-]

Wondermous......

by Chuck Chambers from Watkinsville, GA
March 23, 2010
Music Background: Home Recording Engineer-esque person, Guitar Builder, Tube Amp and Pickup Builder
I've had the MP2A for about 1.5 years and I couldn't be more satisfied. I have a Pacifica as well and I use the MP2A when I want to add that big vintage tube sound that has just the right amount of w... read more [+]onderful compression. The reviewer from Jamaican reviewer should get in touch with A-Designs. I can say from experience they will bend over backwards to make sure that everything is working correctly and you are completely satisfied. A true dedication to producing the finest product possible. I couldn't be happier with my MP2A and Pacifica and would highly recommend both. close [-]

Just a great Pre

by Shelton from New Jersey
December 7, 2008
Music Background: Pro level tracking, mix engineer
I must echo the sentiments of the previous reviewer. I've owned mine for a couple of years now and must say it's one of the best kept secrets around as it relates to mic pre's. It is one of the best p... read more [+]re's I've had the pleasure of working with. If you try one you'll buy it. If you buy one, you'll LOVE it. KUDOS TO A-DESIGNS!!! close [-]

The Most Underrated Secret Love Weapon Ever

by Horsetooth Rock from Fort Collins, Colorado
September 6, 2008
Music Background: A.L. G.O.R.E. (Alcohol Loving Gear Obsessed Recording Enthusiast)
This is the most underrated piece of gear ever. You never hear anyone talking about it. Even the Pacifica gets more press. (I have a Pacifica - it's good but there's a reason this one is $600 more!)... read more [+] This is the most versatile, best sounding tube pre I have ever worked with. Turn up the gain and it's a wall of saturated tube tone. Flick a tone switch and it's a glassy, breath-y, sparkle machine. Plug in a guitar or bass and with a slight twist of the dial you can go right to 1972 London or 1956 Nashville, or, if you want experimental, you can get track CRUSHING tube distortion. Honestly, I could waste the rest of my life just plugging different instruments and singers in to this thing and twisting knobs. The versatility is amazing. I'll usually run this direct in to a 2-1176 but it easily produces enough natural compression that, as long as you're paying attention, you can go right to the DAW. Honestly, I could go on and on about this pre. If you're looking to go big and not have any regrets - this will definitely fit the bill. But, be warned this one is not transparent. It has lots and lots of flavors - all of them good. I have yet to meet an A Designs product that I don't absolutely love but this one takes the cake. close [-]

Love it...

by Kerro from Kingston, Jamaica
May 12, 2009
Music Background: Engineer, Producer, Sound Designer
first off, it sounds amazing! the tone switches offer really different textures, and i use them regularly. the MP2A is the main front end of my home studio (mp2a->onyx 1220 w/ FW->imac->logic pro), I ... read more [+]run eveything thru it (vocals, bass, acoustic/ elec. guitar, drum machine, keyboards) it just sounds nice. why 4 stars? well the gain knob on channel 2 became very fiddly which is a huge disappointment to me considering the cost of this unit. I've had it less than 6 months. it makes stereo micing a pain. the VUs are there so i pretty much match them up as best i can i don't even look at the knob anymore. shouldn't be a huge problem getting fixed but customer service will be of little to no use to me as I am in Jamaica. Not sure how hard its gonna be to get the gain knobs between channels calibrated again.

cut to the chase...if it were stolen or whatever I would buy another one if i could comfortably afford it. i wouldn't eat tinned food for a month for it though close [-]

Everything was exactly as promised. I was impressed with the phone call I received from your guy when I had just placed the order. He was very thorough and professional in every way. I love my new digital piano. Your wide selection and excellent service as well as your "3 Payment Plan" and the 2 year warranty sealed the deal for me on this purchase. No one else could come close.


Cecil, Mesquite, TX

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See Also: 2 Channel Preamps , A Designs , A Designs Dual-Channel Preamps

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