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Studio & Recording > Preamps > Channel Strips > ART Voice Channel

ART Voice Channel

Item ID: VoiceChannel

Class A Tube Channel Strip with Dynamics and EQ Processing and Digital Connectivity

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From Our Research Team:

A Quality Tube Preamp with Channel Strip Features and Digital Outputs!

The ART Voice Channel tube channel strip gives you the tools you need to put quality sound into your analog or digital recording device at optimium quality, all in one package. The Voice Channel provides Class A tube preamp quality and clean gain with an integrated dynamics processor and semi-parametric EQ, as well as a range of digital outputs for a versatile, powerful recording front-end. In addition, the EQ can be patched before or after the dynamics for added flexibility, and a separate insert jack lets you take advantage of even more routing options with the Voice Channel.

ART Voice Channel Stereo Tube Channel Strip with Digital Output at a Glance:
  • All-in-one solution
  • Versatile processor-routing
  • Range of outputs

All-in-one solution
Built to provide the ideal all-in-one input solution for analog or digital recording, the ART VoiceChannel is a true second-generation discrete Class-A tube microphone preamp capable of providing clean quiet gain while maintaining incredible transparency. An integrated fully variable powerful dynamics processor subtly controls transients and noise of the most demanding sources while the VoiceChannel's semi-parametric EQ offers wide tune-ability.

Versatile processor-routing
For added versatility the EQ can be patched before OR after the dynamics processor while separate insertion jacks allow you quick quiet in-line connectivity to external signal processing gear immediately after the Mic preamp, before the EQ and dynamics processor in the signal path. Another insert patch point exists just before the A/D converters.

Range of outputs
Choose between a wide range of outputs including balanced analog output, 44.1 KHz to 192 KHz AES/EBU, S/PDIF, ADAT and USB. Both analog and digital meters provide a detailed indication of audio levels.

ART Voice Channel Stereo Tube Channel Strip with Digital Outputs Features:
  • Ideal input solution for any recording application.
  • Tube Microphone Preamplifier with Selectable plate Voltage and Variable Input Impedance
  • Exceptional warmth and definition from proven ART Tube Preamp design
  • Smooth musical sounding dynamics control including Compressor / Expander / De-Esser / Gate
  • Powerful Parametric EQ selectable Pre or Post Compressor in signal path
  • Flexible digital connectivity including ADAT Lite-pipe / AES/EBU / S/PDIF / TOSLink Digital Output supports 44.1 to 192 KHz Sample Rates
  • USB direct-connect to computer or laptop
  • Attack Time: 250 uSec. to 100 mSec
  • Boost and Cut/Frequency Band: +12 dB on each band
  • Compression Ratio: 1:1 to 20:1
  • Dimensions: (DWH in inches) 9.17 x 19 x 3.5
  • EQ Frequency Bands: Low Frequency: 50/150 Hz Selectable
  • MID 1 Frequency: 100 Hz to 3kHz continuously variable
  • MID 2 Frequency: 500 Hz to 15kHz continuously variable
  • High Frequency: 5K/15kHz Selectable
  • Equivalent Input Noise: -130 dBu, Input shorted, Max gain, A weighted
  • Frequency Response: 16Hz - 42kHz -1dB@96kHz
  • Total Harmonic Distortion: 1kHz - less than .015% typical
  • Weight: 10.5lbs/4.8kg

The ART Voice Channel gives you a Class A quality tube preamp with onboard dynamics and EQ processing, plus digital output!
Specification Detail
Preamp Type Tube
Number of Channels 1
Frequency Response 12Hz-100kHz (A/A)
Phantom Power Yes
EQ Yes
Compressor Yes
Other Processing Expander/Gate
Analog Inputs 2 x Combo (XLR/TRS)
Analog Outputs 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/4" (Mic Pre Out)
Digital Inputs 1 x ADAT (Optical)
Digital Outputs 1 x AES/EBU (XLR), 1 x S/PDIF (Coax), 1 x S/PDIF (Optical)
Other I/O 1 x Word Clock In (BNC), 1 x Word Clock Out (BNC), 1 x 1/4" (Insert), 2 x 1/4" (A/D Inserts)
Computer Connectivity 1 x USB
Rackmount Spaces 2U
Height 3.5"
Depth 9.17"
Width 19"
Weight 10.5 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number VoiceChannel

Voice Channel Image Gallery

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Reviews

based on 13 reviews

Cheap and Powerful

by from Milwaukee, WI
May 16, 2013
Music Background: Home recording, guitarist, hobbyist
Tons of outputs, solid metal knobs and both analog and digital meters. I needed hands on EQ, De-esser and a noise gate. I found three I was interested in but was attracted to the Art due to the amunt ... read more [+]of bang for the buck.

I recorded in a spare room in my house that sits on a busy and noisy street. After I flattened the file I showed it to some friends. They asked me what studio recorded this. Big smiles!!

Set this thing up right and it won't do you wrong. Glad I bought this. close [-]

the best

by D.J. Twilite from natchitoches, la
April 18, 2013
Music Background: recording engineer, live sound engineer, producer, d.j.
if u want a professional sound for a cheaper price then this is it. The name speaks for its self. U won't be disappointed. I've used art pro channel for years and just upgraded to the voice channel an... read more [+]d im glad i did. close [-]

Ahhhhh....

by Brent from Atlanta, GA
January 3, 2013
Music Background: Semi-pro musician & home studio owner
At last...a piece of gear that lives up to the hype without breaking the bank! I got Voice Channel and one of ART's M3 condenser mics and the sound is AMAZING. My sE mic and Presonus Audiobox VSL44 ... read more [+]now have some serious competition in my project studio. I haven't touched all of the capabilities of the new ART tools but what I have done is miles above my previous recordings. The Voice Channel is a magic box...even my ok voice came out shimmering and clear in the mix. The EQ, compression, de-esser and expander /gate functions help vocals cut through. Add a touch of reverb, delay from my TC Electronic or Lexicon and I've got some good things cooking. I've had some other ART products ( MP Project Series preamp and the TPSII dual preamp)...all have been durable and do what they advertise. I've sung through UA and Avalons in other studios and while this isn't quite that pure, I also have a few more grand in my pocket too. Get this!!! close [-]

Better than dbx or Presonus

by Jimmy Rodgers from Boise, ID
July 9, 2012
Music Background: Sound Engineer
I bought the dbx 286s and the Presonus Studio Channel and the ART Voice Channel blew them all away! The sound is both rich and warm and the EQ is just right for voice overs.

The additi... read more [+]on of the expander gate makes it a slam dunk over the Presonus (though I usually prefer Presonus as a brand). I ended up returning my dbx and buying a 2nd Voice channel.

Also, the fact that this has a direct audio output via USB makes it a extremely versatile in the studio. close [-]

Love it

by from
June 4, 2012
Music Background: Pro musician, Hobbyist home studio
I really like it. This is the second most expensive preamp I own, so I can't compare it to high end gear, but I think it sounds great. I am a big fan of channel strip style gear. It's so easy to get a... read more [+] good sound quickly. I have to do demo videos / screencasts, so I primarily use this for recording spoken voice now. I love that it has a built in ADC. Just plug it in to your computer with USB and it appears as a sound device. Rather than turning a rack full of equipment and a mixer on (and raising the temperature of my room about 8 degrees), I can just turn this on when I need to record a voiceover. Having 2 outputs on the back makes it easy to duplicate the output to my headphones. The expander with a variable threshold makes it easy to reduce background noise without affecting the sound too much. I was not a huge fan of the gate, but I didn't need to use it. The de-esser is nice to have. The EQ sounds good to me and it is quick to dial in the sound. The metering is fantastic. The connections are very flexible: 2 outputs comes in handy, and there is a separate preamp output if you want to replace the EQ/compression later when you have more control. I really have to max out the gain when I use it with my RE20, but that is a notoriously low output mic. I just ordered a Cloudlifter CL-1, which should fix that problem. The gain makes a big jump at the end of the knob, not an even increase like farther down. Other than that the build quality seems very solid. I wish the low pass filter was variable, and a variable ratio on the expander would be nice, but you can only fit so many knobs on a piece of gear. One of my favorite pieces of gear all things considered. close [-]
Read more reviews

I am amazed at the level of customer serivce I received for my first order. Great Job! The entire process was smooth and efficient. I also loved the candy touch. What a lovely treat!


Mary Ann, Point Pleasant Boro, NJ

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See Also: ART , ART Channel Strips

ART Voice Channel

Today's Payment: $159.66
Includes $10 processing fee
Payment 2: $149.66
In approx. 30 days
Payment 3: $149.66
In approx. 60 days

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