ART USB Dual Pre Review
2-channel Audio Interface
- 2 Input/2 Output
- Phantom Power
- Portable
- 3 Powering Options
- Mac OS
- Windows
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 2,403 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the ART USB Dual Pre. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the ART USB Dual Pre. For example, 80% of 147 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the ART USB Dual Pre have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 71 Reviews
Decent Audio Interface for the price.
ART USB Dual Pre - USB 1.1 Digital Audio Interface with Dual Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by Recorder J on B&H Photo Video
I use this interface to record myself playing alto recorder (woodwind instrument), along with the computer playing MIDI accompaniment. Since this is a two channel device, I can record the mic and computer generated accomp. on two separate channels. I use Audacity - which is a free, open-source program for recording sound and doing basic audio processing (filtering, basic mixing, etc.) Useful features: Separate gain adjustments for each channel, each channel can supply phantom power for condenser mics, each channel can take XLR or mono phone plugs. There is a headphone output with separate volume adjustment, as well as an audio out in the form of two mono jacks. I would have preferred this to have a USB 2.0 connection, instead of the 1.1, but I haven't had any problems recording two channels at 44.1 kHz. If this was a 4 channel or more audio interface, I wouldn't buy it unless it had a USB 2.0 connection. I do end up needing to crank the gain fairly high and keep the mic very close to the window of the recorder, but there is a lot less noise than when I tried recording with a USB mic. I am no audiophile, but I end up doing a LOT LESS audio noise removal with this device and a fairly decent (though not expensive) condenser mic. (I bought the C-2 matched stereo condenser mics from Behringer. This set up works very well for my purposes. As far as set up on the computer, I had to make sure I selected the USB audio interface in the recording section in Sounds and Audio devices setup in control panel (Windows XP), and the RealTek sound for the output (the realtek choice is basically the on-board sound card). This allowed the computer to play the MIDI accomp through the stereo headphone out, which I plugged into one of the inputs on this device, and then my mic into the other. This allowed Audacity to record a stereo signal, with one channel the MIDI music, and the other channel was my instrument. I did have to search on the internet for how to do a Quick mix which is a feature of Audacity. It is listed in a menu item, but there are a couple of steps in getting this process correct. Again I am very pleased with what this device does for me and my setup. The price was about the most reasonable for a 2 channel audio interface for my laptop. The pre-amps and phantom power work great. If you just need to record two separate channels of music into your computer (Like voice and guitar, or instrument and background music, etc. ) this is the perfect device. If you think you may need more inputs fairly soon, then you may need to look for a 4 channel device. If 2 channels is all you will ever need, this is the perfect device at a terrific price. ... More
Robust, quiet, and affordable
ART USB Dual Pre - USB 1.1 Digital Audio Interface with Dual Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by Jeff on B&H Photo Video
I'm making a documentary film with a very low budget. I attempted to use a Zoom H1 to record my audio, but found the recordings were too noisy from wind in the outdoors (where the majority of my film takes place). The addition of a fuzzy windscreen helped a little, but not enough. I finally purchased a good, inexpensive shotgun microphone (the MXL 300), the Rode Blimp and Mini Boom Pole, and the Art USB Dual-Pre to power the microphone. The Art USB Dual-Pre is a solid, well-crafted device. The sound quality of the pre-amps is superb, adding little to no noise. I confess I love it's rather old-fashioned knobs and buttons. It is primarily designed to power your microphone and feed the signal to your computer via USB, a function that works beautifully (note: set gain to 0 when using it to send a signal to the USB--you'll have all the gain you need an no noise). But I've been using it in the field by feeding the signal from the monitor jack to my Zoom H1's line input. After experimenting I'm able to set good levels on the H1 and the resulting recordings are terrific. Essentially, the Art USB Dual-Pre allows me to have a quality audio interface for about a third of the price of the well-known competition. The downside is simple: the set-up that I'm using is complex and awkward. I have a small bag that I put the H1 and Dual-Pre into after setting levels and hitting record and that helps to keep it manageable. However, despite the difficulties, the resulting audio has been superb. Would I rather have an actual field mixer?--yes, if I had the money. But for the price and the quality, the added complexity of using the Art USB Dual-Pre with my Zoom H1 is worth putting up with. The final result is that I've been able to get good audio for my film with the budget I have. ... More
Great deal for low-budget filmmakers
ART USB Dual Pre - USB 1.1 Digital Audio Interface with Dual Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by Juan Palmer on B&H Photo Video
I got this item instead of a Juicedlink mainly because of the price. When it arrived I had some trouble setting it up (I just needed spliter cables) which made me frustrated at first but once I got it all worked out it has been working great. I run an audio-technica atr-6550 through it, set the gain to 8db then into the t3i where I cut the audio down like 3 or 4 clicks before 0 and I have no noise at all. The audio sounds very clean and has a nice tone. Even though the mic is not really great, using this preamp really makes a difference and definitely makes the audio useable for short films and documentaries. Once I have money for a better mic I can only assume I will be even more pleased with the results. The audio monitoring through the headphone jack is pretty good but not great. It definitely beats not having one at all and even when I was in noisey conditions I was still able to set the levels correctly with little trouble.I only give it 4 stars (would really do 4.5) because of the lack of detailed instructions in the manual and because it is not real easy to mount with a camera. I was able to fix this by making a box to hold the preamp and I can attach the box onto my shoulder rig or onto a tripod. It took some time but when it was all said and done I still had spent about $ less than if I got the Juicedlink.Overall I think its a great product for low budget filmmakers. It does also help to have some knowledge of construction and using tools as well as basic knowledge of audio equipment/cables.p.s. Going above 30Db40Db added some noise and gave the audio I strange tone. I would recommend staying below 30 if you can. ... More
Solid Hardware that gets the job done
ART USB Dual Pre - USB 1.1 Digital Audio Interface with Dual Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by Gus Production Manager on B&H Photo Video
I'm a big fan of the ART Tech USB Dual Pre. We're using it currently as an interface for recording audio with our screen captures for software training and it really shines in this capacity. The audio is crystal clear and setup is brainless and painless!We'll tranisition it to field production in a couple months and see how it fairs outside the studio. It's a good size while not being terrible huge and it has some weight giving it a solid feel. It has solid connections as well as latency free recording which helps a lot when working with different talent and monitoring them in real-time or providing headphones while monitoring. It's a great cost effective solution for your recording needs in the field or in the studio. We're using 1 usb cable to power the unit, the mic (phantom power) and send the signal to the computer and no problems I've even plugged my guitar directly into it and had great results.Don't be a dummy and hook this thing up to a non powered USB hub and expect awesome sound. It will come close but you'll get some. Also know what you're plugging into. I've used this live into a board and it needs to be sent to a line level or gain will be introduced thus adding noise to the signal. As long as you know how to use it this thing will help you get your jobs done with less headache. ... More
Really good, except...
ART USB Dual Pre - USB 1.1 Digital Audio Interface with Dual Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by Nyk on B&H Photo Video
From a sonic point of view, this is really rather decent, however: NOTE: I have two of these pres, and both exhibit the same issues. The battery compartment/wiring is really badly designed. The door is fiddly, and the wires might last maybe single-digit battery changes before coming off at the board. They are only soldered directly, with no strain relief. Why? Why not a slide-to-make contact arrangement? The presence battery door suggests you could use it, and perhaps on a camera, but the poor design precludes this, unless you are handy and can make a D-tap (with regulator as it ceilings at 12v), etc., or use Sony NP-F outboard battery. I had that stuff lying around, but if not, the great price might be canceled out. RF rejection: You may not encounter this, but despite a really nice aluminum extruded casing, and although fine in other situations, for some reason this preamp picked up pulsing from our wireless FF, even though replacing it with a lowly Zoom H4 exactly the same cables & position) eliminated the problem. Phantom power: Takes a long time (many seconds) to engage, and makes a loud hiss-storm as it charges up. Additionally, although the main power button has a light, the phantom does not. Also, both units have now decided to be very noisy with phantom power, causing us to use internal battery mics. No 416s, etc. So, despite best efforts, I cannot get this to function for production, and due to the phantom noise/failure (after only about 6 months of occasional use) I can't see how it could be recommended for anything, except that power light still shines ridiculously brightly! ... More
Ads
Perfect for Small Recording Jobs
ART USB Dual Pre - USB 1.1 Digital Audio Interface with Dual Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by Small Town Music Man on B&H Photo Video
For the money, this is a great little system. It plugs right into my Windows Vista computer with no issues, and Audacity recognized it without any problem at all. So far I have not had any complaints about the headphones being too quiet like I read in some reviews. But I use small in-ear earbuds, which could make a difference. I also bought this to use as a preamp with my Canon T2i. I have not tried out that functionality yet, but others have had good success. The phantom power works great using USB. Using the 9 volt battery power source added a slight bit of noise to the headphones. I have not tried recording while using the battery to see if it puts noise in the recording signal. I have been using it with an AKG c1000s microphone and have gotten very good results. The phantom power works great! I don't have the power adapter to use it as a standalone box, but having the three power sources available is very convenient. I especially like the USB power option as I primarily bought it for use with my computer. I have been using it as an external sound card and the sound is great out of it. It has stopped working a couple of times, and I had to unplug the USB cable and replug it. I'm not sure if that's my computer's fault or the box's fault. I am very happy with my purchase. It's all I need to basic recording and you really cannot beat the price or the power for the size. ... More
Handy Product
ART USB Dual Pre - USB 1.1 Digital Audio Interface with Dual Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by Paul on B&H Photo Video
Once in a while you come across a handy product that fills a unique need. In this case, the task was to mix the audio signals to and from a laptop computer hosting a Skype video chat for a large audience. The Dual Pre's mix included laptop audio and an external condenser mic, and the outputs included operator headphones and a direct box connected to a wireless body pack. Result: An interactive Skype presentation using a video projector connected to a laptop, with audio monitoring of both sides of the conversation through the hall's PA system. Among the handy features of the ART USB Dual Pre: - Balanced and unbalanced inputs - Variety of connections - Input gain controls, output level and mix controls - 9v battery option for untethered operation Two important points: - Do not confuse this product with the tube model - I did not test the device for recording Although I would generally not include ART products in professional applications, in this case it has provided a reliable solution to a unique audio challenge. At this low price, it's worth having one around as a go-to box for unexpected situations. ... More
Generic Sounding Interface
ART USB Dual Pre - USB 1.1 Digital Audio Interface with Dual Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by Matteo on B&H Photo Video
I am a musician and an audio engineer. I use this in studio and I bring a number of AIs (Audio Interfaces)to my A1 jobs runing live sound mostly for canvention / corporate. I often have to play entrance music requested by the PM or speakers. I try different ones - like the Tascam US322, Presonus Audio Box and Berhinger Uphoria. The ART was the least expensive. Its preamps are compatible with the Presonus, But the Audio Box has more options. Its TRS out, so no balance. The pres in the Euphoria are the best (Midas). My fav to work with is the Tascam as it has the most control and bundled programs. The ART for the price is the most durable and the most basic. No modern bundled materials. It shows up as generic interface on PCs. And thats what it is. generic. But it does the job for basic application. for basic - the price is right and will suit you. ... More
Great preamp for video production
ART USB Dual Pre - USB 1.1 Digital Audio Interface with Dual Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by PLC on B&H Photo Video
I use this little preamp in my video production, to provide phantom power and/or clean gain to a variety of microphones, from shotguns (i.e. AT-897) to camera-mounted mics (i.e. videomic pro, using the Rode 1/8 to XLR adapter). The gain is extremely clean up to about 42db (out of a possible 48db). The unit also provides a 1/8 headphone out for monitoring, as an addded bonus. The unit gives the options of linking it to an external recorder (Tascam DR-40) using 1/4 TRS cables or going straight into the camera using a 1/4 TRS to 1/8 mini jack cable. The only issue I had to overcome with the unit is the mounting options. I ended up removing the plastic feet, and using industrial grade velcro between the preamp and a cheap baseplate for 15mm rod rigs. Overall, a way better bang for the buck than the Juicedlink units, if you can overcome the mounting challenges. ... More
In line with other reviews...
ART USB Dual Pre - USB 1.1 Digital Audio Interface with Dual Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by Christopher on B&H Photo Video
The battery compartment is, as others have said, kind of a joke. The compartment is covered with a metal plate, which is screwed into the frame. Once you get that open, it is literally a cardboard sleeve and wires with a 9V battery receiver at the end. If you get a battery in there, it's a lot of work to yank it back out. Without the cardboard sleeve, the inner guts of the device are exposed. A battery could feasibly be pushed in too far and end up loose, rattling around somewhere in the device housing. I had high hopes for the battery powered option. But now I will probably be powering this with a mobile power bank. So far that's working fine. Using it for a brass instrument condenser mic. I also found, similar to other reviewers, that the headphone monitor will only output to one side. If I want stereo I have to use the 1/4 output. It's Balanced which I suppose makes more sense - though I thought it was generally understood that a headphone monitor output would be stereo, even if simulated (same mono out to L and R). ... More
Great as a field mixer (DSLR)
ART USB Dual Pre - USB 1.1 Digital Audio Interface with Dual Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by johnpooley3 on B&H Photo Video
First off, don't bother plugging in the USB port, there is so much noise its unusable. Instead, take the analog outputs, and plug it into the 3.5mm TRS inputs found on most computers, and simply use this as a preamp. Second, pack some needle nose pliers in your kit, because this plows through 9v batteries, and they are very difficult to remove. A couple things that should be noted is that the female XLR connectors on the front are not locking, and that the TRS outputs on the back are balanced. This can act as a preamp to be placed near your microphone, if you are running out a couple hundred feet of cable, with proper adapters from TRS to XLR for the outputs. The monitor plug in addition to the outputs is very helpful for DSLR recording, where the cameras generally do not have a headphone output. This system can even be used to plug into a phone, if you're short an external recorder, and want to put a great amount of distance between your microphone and your camera. ... More
I good Preamp for live performances
ART USB Dual Pre - USB 1.1 Digital Audio Interface with Dual Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by SunFire on B&H Photo Video
I did many events where it is crucial to get proximity from people doing a speech while I'm filming with my DSLR. The USB Dual Pre is robust for live applications with appropriate use. After adding a compressor/limiter in Audacity, it makes possible to do a good editing at 16 bit and 48 kHz with the direct signal from a microphone. If plug in a console, it is better to apply compression with it instead of Audacity. In both ways the signal is good for the price when set correctly in Windows or Mac as explain in thr manual. Although, the LED's indicators work only with jack inputs and not XLR. I noticed that after pluging my own DI and bass in the preamp. When they light up... It is too late for the signal. Also, I do not recommend the integrated DI in the Dual Pre because it ridiculously increases noise in the signal. In conclusion, it is by far the best preamps quality/price on the market for live application because it is easy to use with any software, his robust case and his fast and easy integration on the field. It would be better with Neutrik dual inputs and a 1/4'' phone ouput. ... More
Works as expected
ART USB Dual Pre - USB 1.1 Digital Audio Interface with Dual Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
I'm powering it from USB, and have the gains set to 0dB since I'm digitizing a line-level input. So far, this little box is working just fine, and I do not notice any additional noise over the background of our worship sanctuary. I also love the direct feed-thru of the headphone jack, which I used to patch our XLR audio feed into the unbalanced input of a telephone system's music-on-hold + intercom input. ps: It works fine in Linux for web audio streaming.
Versatile - You Get a Lot for Your Money
ART USB Dual Pre - USB 1.1 Digital Audio Interface with Dual Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by Seabright on B&H Photo Video
I have so many uses for this thing that I wish I'd known about it before. I bought this dual pre-amp/interface so I could record to my computer and still use my nice condenser mics. It's simple and works great for that, drawing it's power from the USB connection. It's also compact enough that I can keep it with me for odd gigs where the sound system may be lacking phantom power, or puts out less than 48v. I'm an acoustic musician, but I use an electric lap steel for dobro practice at night. Now, I plug it into this little guy and listen through headphones. ALL of this can be done anywhere, if you use the 9v battery option. The price is great and I keep wanting to buy another one, even though I don't really need it! ... More
Simple, solid and reliable!
ART USB Dual Pre - USB 1.1 Digital Audio Interface with Dual Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by AudioFreak on B&H Photo Video
I was looking for a 2in 2out interface that was tiny and without the price tag of an Apogee Duet. Of course we're not talking about the same class of converters and preamps, but as an alternative playback device when you need a quality balanced output instead of the headphone jack of your computer, it's perfect. I use it as my travel interface when I'm installing and tuning pro audio sound systems and it works flawlessly!
Great for portable DSLR recording
ART USB Dual Pre - USB 1.1 Digital Audio Interface with Dual Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by Joshua D. on B&H Photo Video
Its a great mobile pre-amp, super small as far as these things go. the knobs are real smooth, but it seems there is an extra spike towards then end of the gain knobs. its laid out nicely, I mounted it on my DLSR rig and can monitor the levels on the fly. The 9v battery last for a while, even powering two phantom powered mics. Running stereo out of the box, plugged into my 60D it only picks up left channel on the camera (but both L and R mics are on that channel), not sure why, but a quick fix in Final Cut. Only bad feature of this pre-amp is that is doesn't do well with picking up bass. its a cheap solid-state amp so its understandable, but sorta annoying that I have to post EQ everything. Minus the low bass, its a great pre-amp thats pretty quiet. and for it being so portable you can't beat the price. ... More
Digital artifacts (noise)
ART USB Dual Pre - USB 1.1 Digital Audio Interface with Dual Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by Daniel on B&H Photo Video
It seemed to work fine at first, until I listened carefully and heard a faint but noticeable digital artifact repeating every four and a half seconds or so. When you know it's there, it's impossible to overlook, and it's all you hear when you play back your recording. I emailed [email protected] to try to find out if the unit might be defective, but of course I never got a reply. I suspect the digital artifact is caused by a poorly shielded microprocessor inside the unit. Aside from the noise, the quality of the recording through USB seems poor when compared to recording through my low-budget Zoom H2n. I replaced it with a Rolls MP13 which seems to be completely analog, so no digital noise. ... More
Super Satifaction with this product
ART USB Dual Pre - USB 1.1 Digital Audio Interface with Dual Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by teratech on B&H Photo Video
Two of these digital preamps were used in the construction of my first surround sound microphone array internet appliance. The first stream from the appliance using this preamp went online May 15, 2011 and will be available very soon at @. I have been operating these preamps for 24 hours straight and they are working great. The construction of the unit appears very professional. Operating at about 44db of gain, there was little noise in the stream. However going from 44db to 48 db, the amplifier noise became apparent. If you are looking for a low cost, high qaulity preamp for your computer, this is the preamp to buy. ... More
Not bad for the price, but...
ART USB Dual Pre - USB 1.1 Digital Audio Interface with Dual Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by DSLRmovie on B&H Photo Video
Overall, it's not bad for the price, but the battery compartment isn't sealed from rest of the unit and the connector to the 9 volt battery is not very durable or heavy duty. Plus it was hard to get the battery into the battery compartment. You have to squish the wires that connect to it and push it in and hope not to hit anything that might break it.
Nice piece of equipmetn
ART USB Dual Pre - USB 1.1 Digital Audio Interface with Dual Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by Mightyfletch on B&H Photo Video
For the price, this is a fantastic device. I can't hear any noise through my studio monitor headphones until i ramp up the gain so high it would distort anyway if I tried to play anything through it. So, essentially a great buy. It interfaces well with my 2007 Macbook Pro with MAC OSX 10.6. Instrument plugins in the same position as the xlr inputs make it compact.
