Art Pro Channel II Professional Tube Microphone Preamp / Optical
The Pro Channel from ART is the latest offering from the world’s most popular tube dynamics processing manufacturer. ART engineers have combined the world-renowned Pro MPA, Pro VLA, and Tube EQ into a single product – creating the world’s best-sounding and most affordable professional recording channel. The Pro Channel features many new and exciting design enhancements to ART’s pro and home studio staples, including the addition of a tube circuit to the compressor module. The Pro Channel allows you to select between ART’s award winning optical/tube compressor or the coveted tube circuit (a design made popular by the sound of the old broadcast limiters – now costing thousands of dollars). The tube circuit is fast, fat and a bit aggressive, and is guaranteed to become a legend among compressors as has the Pro VLA. The four-band parametric equalizer has selectable Q for the two sweepable mid-bands. As with all design elements of the Pro Channel, these Q options were fine-tuned by some of the industry’s top studio and live-sound engineers. Likewise, all new additions were made without compromise to the sound of the original designs (Pro MPA, Pro VLA, Tube EQ), which have become standards in professional studios and FOH rigs around the globe. The Pro Channel defines the term “channel strip.” The Pro Channel is an impressive package from the world-wide leaders in tube dynamics signal-processing gear. Pick one up and catch your own tube-buzz at your favorite ART dealer today.
The Pro Channel from ART is the latest offering from the world’s most popular tube dynamics processing manufacturer. ART engineers have combined the world-renowned Pro MPA, Pro VLA, and Tube EQ into a single product – creating the world’s best-sounding and most affordable professional recording channel. The Pro Channel features many new and exciting design enhancements to ART’s pro and home studio staples, including the addition of a tube circuit to the compressor module. The Pro Channel allows you to select between ART’s award winning optical/tube compressor or the coveted tube circuit (a design made popular by the sound of the old broadcast limiters – now costing thousands of dollars). The tube circuit is fast, fat and a bit aggressive, and is guaranteed to become a legend among compressors as has the Pro VLA. The four-band parametric equalizer has selectable Q for the two sweepable mid-bands. As with all design elements of the Pro Channel, these Q options were fine-tuned by some of the industry’s top studio and live-sound engineers. Likewise, all new additions were made without compromise to the sound of the original designs (Pro MPA, Pro VLA, Tube EQ), which have become standards in professional studios and FOH rigs around the globe. The Pro Channel defines the term “channel strip.” The Pro Channel is an impressive package from the world-wide leaders in tube dynamics signal-processing gear. Pick one up and catch your own tube-buzz at your favorite ART dealer today.
The Pro Channel from ART is the latest offering from the world’s most popular tube dynamics processing manufacturer. ART engineers have combined the world-renowned Pro MPA, Pro VLA, and Tube EQ into a single product – creating the world’s best-sounding and most affordable professional recording channel. The Pro Channel features many new and exciting design enhancements to ART’s pro and home studio staples, including the addition of a tube circuit to the compressor module. The Pro Channel allows you to select between ART’s award winning optical/tube compressor or the coveted tube circuit (a design made popular by the sound of the old broadcast limiters – now costing thousands of dollars). The tube circuit is fast, fat and a bit aggressive, and is guaranteed to become a legend among compressors as has the Pro VLA. The four-band parametric equalizer has selectable Q for the two sweepable mid-bands. As with all design elements of the Pro Channel, these Q options were fine-tuned by some of the industry’s top studio and live-sound engineers. Likewise, all new additions were made without compromise to the sound of the original designs (Pro MPA, Pro VLA, Tube EQ), which have become standards in professional studios and FOH rigs around the globe. The Pro Channel defines the term “channel strip.” The Pro Channel is an impressive package from the world-wide leaders in tube dynamics signal-processing gear. Pick one up and catch your own tube-buzz at your favorite ART dealer today.
The Pro Channel from ART is the latest offering from the world’s most popular tube dynamics processing manufacturer. ART engineers have combined the world-renowned Pro MPA, Pro VLA, and Tube EQ into a single product – creating the world’s best-sounding and most affordable professional recording channel. The Pro Channel features many new and exciting design enhancements to ART’s pro and home studio staples, including the addition of a tube circuit to the compressor module. The Pro Channel allows you to select between ART’s award winning optical/tube compressor or the coveted tube circuit (a design made popular by the sound of the old broadcast limiters – now costing thousands of dollars). The tube circuit is fast, fat and a bit aggressive, and is guaranteed to become a legend among compressors as has the Pro VLA. The four-band parametric equalizer has selectable Q for the two sweepable mid-bands. As with all design elements of the Pro Channel, these Q options were fine-tuned by some of the industry’s top studio and live-sound engineers. Likewise, all new additions were made without compromise to the sound of the original designs (Pro MPA, Pro VLA, Tube EQ), which have become standards in professional studios and FOH rigs around the globe. The Pro Channel defines the term “channel strip.” The Pro Channel is an impressive package from the world-wide leaders in tube dynamics signal-processing gear. Pick one up and catch your own tube-buzz at your favorite ART dealer today.
in 3 offers
The lowest price for Art Pro Channel II Professional Tube Microphone Preamp / Optical right now is $621.34 at eBay.com.au, compared across 3 retailers.
The all-time low was $603.70 on 10 May 2026 — today's price is 3% above the lowest ever. This is at or near its all-time low — a good time to buy.
Prices last updated 8 June 2026.
Last updated at 08/06/2026 20:04:40
ART Pro Channel II - Rack Mountable Channel Strip with Tube Preamp + More
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Art Pro-channel Ii-channel Strip
Delivery $137.28
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
ART Pro Channel II Microphone Channel Strip with Tube Preamp + More
Delivery $19.58
originally posted on guitarcenter.com
I've used the PCII for several weeks and used it with a popular DAW and the results are great. The analog VU meter and LED meter underneath is a great combination for monitoring. The sound with the High Voltage Tube button on definitely makes vocals sound "bigger and warmer". The voltage plate is not as starved as they say and in no way will this compare to a $5k tube preamp but the difference in price for the sound you get is not worth it if you're just using it in a home studio. This is a hybrid amp so you get great gain and stability. I highly suggest using this with a good DAW that has a lot of audio effect devices and you'll find that you can create awesome "hiss-less" audio (minimal hiss, that is). On a quick note, the company is very responsible for taking ... MoreI've used the PCII for several weeks and used it with a popular DAW and the results are great. The analog VU meter and LED meter underneath is a great combination for monitoring. The sound with the High Voltage Tube button on definitely makes vocals sound "bigger and warmer". The voltage plate is not as starved as they say and in no way will this compare to a $5k tube preamp but the difference in price for the sound you get is not worth it if you're just using it in a home studio. This is a hybrid amp so you get great gain and stability. I highly suggest using this with a good DAW that has a lot of audio effect devices and you'll find that you can create awesome "hiss-less" audio (minimal hiss, that is). On a quick note, the company is very responsible for taking care of their customers which I don't always find with other devices on the market. I high suggest this for the balance in price and results.
originally posted on ebay.com
My long-term knowledge of preamps is somewhat limited but bear with me. The only channel strip type I have used enough to become very familiar with was my Focusrite, which cost twice as much and always delivered fine sounding tracks. This ART got good reviews, so I gave it a try. It compares very favorably to the Focusrite, I cannot detect any less quality in the sound department AND it has more flexibility in the settings for additional variety of character. There are only 2 quibbles I have with the item & they aren't major, but can be annoying. First of all, the manufacturers advertise that it can be set up to place the EQ before the dynamics processor, yet the manual makes no mention of how this is done. On the Focusrite it was merely a matter of pushing a ... MoreMy long-term knowledge of preamps is somewhat limited but bear with me. The only channel strip type I have used enough to become very familiar with was my Focusrite, which cost twice as much and always delivered fine sounding tracks. This ART got good reviews, so I gave it a try. It compares very favorably to the Focusrite, I cannot detect any less quality in the sound department AND it has more flexibility in the settings for additional variety of character. There are only 2 quibbles I have with the item & they aren't major, but can be annoying. First of all, the manufacturers advertise that it can be set up to place the EQ before the dynamics processor, yet the manual makes no mention of how this is done. On the Focusrite it was merely a matter of pushing a switch. I questioned the dealer in a follow-up to see if he knew. He wasn't able to tell me any more than I was able to speculate on my own, which was a combination of using the back panel patch connections and possibly the bypass switch(es) on the front. You see, there is no "patch point" at the exit of the EQ. He suggested using preamp output (I think he was referring to the output stage) which is after the EQ, and patching it back into the compressor. I haven't narrowed down the exact setup yet, but his advice wasn't thathelpful to me. Secondly, the main LED meter (beneath the large Vu meter) is positioned such that you need to mount the unit quite high, about eye-level. My rack is low, designed to be used sitting down. Even so, I had to lower & tilt the mic stand so that I could lay on the floor while singing in order to see the darn thing to set the level. The questions above are fairly silly. Yes, the sound quality is good. Easy to use? That all depends. For an experienced engineer, it is fairly easy but does have a lot of interdependent setting that affect each other and can be tricky to get the desired sound. But this is made up for by the great variety of sounds. For a beginner? Could very well be baffling! But hey, engineering is fun...so is learning! Lightweight? Heck no, but that's not necessarily a negative. It's far more substantial-feeling than my last unit and the fit and finish leave nothing to complain about. It has the look & feel of serious piece of equipment.
originally posted on musiciansfriend.com
This preamp is easy to use and easy to figure out, but the analog VU meter on mine wasn't calibrated. There's a trim adjustment accessible on the front panel to calibrate it which is nice as the tubes performance will drift as they age, but it should have been calibrated to at least ballpark accuracy at the factory. The LED meter works fine though, so this is really just picking nits and has no effect on using the preamp. I don't have any really quiet places I can test this for noise performance, but for my home studio use noise hasn't been an issue.EQ works the way it should.The compressor sounds pretty good and it's easy to tell how much it's reducing the signal and with the bypass switch A/B testing the sound is easy. I could wish for a lower ratio, but 2:1 ... MoreThis preamp is easy to use and easy to figure out, but the analog VU meter on mine wasn't calibrated. There's a trim adjustment accessible on the front panel to calibrate it which is nice as the tubes performance will drift as they age, but it should have been calibrated to at least ballpark accuracy at the factory. The LED meter works fine though, so this is really just picking nits and has no effect on using the preamp. I don't have any really quiet places I can test this for noise performance, but for my home studio use noise hasn't been an issue.EQ works the way it should.The compressor sounds pretty good and it's easy to tell how much it's reducing the signal and with the bypass switch A/B testing the sound is easy. I could wish for a lower ratio, but 2:1 is fine and it's easy to make it sound transparent.The variable input impedance is a cool feature, as is the high/low plate voltage for the preamp tube. They make more difference than I thought in the way my mic sounds, so there's a lot of "tuning" available with those controls.
| Preamp Type | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Frequency Response | 12Hz - 100kHz |
| Phantom Power | Yes |
| Rackmount Spaces | 2U |
ART Pro Channel II - Rack Mountable Channel Strip with Tube Preamp + More
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Art Pro-channel Ii-channel Strip
Delivery $137.28
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
ART Pro Channel II Microphone Channel Strip with Tube Preamp + More
Delivery $19.58
I've used the PCII for several weeks and used it with a popular DAW and the results are great. The analog VU meter and LED meter underneath is a great combination for monitoring. The sound with the High Voltage Tube button on definitely makes vocals sound "bigger and warmer". The voltage plate is not as starved as they say and in no way will this compare to a $5k tube preamp but the difference in price for the sound you get is not worth it if you're just using it in a home studio. This is a hybrid amp so you get great gain and stability. I highly suggest using this with a good DAW that has a lot of audio effect devices and you'll find that you can create awesome "hiss-less" audio (minimal hiss, that is). On a quick note, the company is very responsible for taking ... MoreI've used the PCII for several weeks and used it with a popular DAW and the results are great. The analog VU meter and LED meter underneath is a great combination for monitoring. The sound with the High Voltage Tube button on definitely makes vocals sound "bigger and warmer". The voltage plate is not as starved as they say and in no way will this compare to a $5k tube preamp but the difference in price for the sound you get is not worth it if you're just using it in a home studio. This is a hybrid amp so you get great gain and stability. I highly suggest using this with a good DAW that has a lot of audio effect devices and you'll find that you can create awesome "hiss-less" audio (minimal hiss, that is). On a quick note, the company is very responsible for taking care of their customers which I don't always find with other devices on the market. I high suggest this for the balance in price and results.
My long-term knowledge of preamps is somewhat limited but bear with me. The only channel strip type I have used enough to become very familiar with was my Focusrite, which cost twice as much and always delivered fine sounding tracks. This ART got good reviews, so I gave it a try. It compares very favorably to the Focusrite, I cannot detect any less quality in the sound department AND it has more flexibility in the settings for additional variety of character. There are only 2 quibbles I have with the item & they aren't major, but can be annoying. First of all, the manufacturers advertise that it can be set up to place the EQ before the dynamics processor, yet the manual makes no mention of how this is done. On the Focusrite it was merely a matter of pushing a ... MoreMy long-term knowledge of preamps is somewhat limited but bear with me. The only channel strip type I have used enough to become very familiar with was my Focusrite, which cost twice as much and always delivered fine sounding tracks. This ART got good reviews, so I gave it a try. It compares very favorably to the Focusrite, I cannot detect any less quality in the sound department AND it has more flexibility in the settings for additional variety of character. There are only 2 quibbles I have with the item & they aren't major, but can be annoying. First of all, the manufacturers advertise that it can be set up to place the EQ before the dynamics processor, yet the manual makes no mention of how this is done. On the Focusrite it was merely a matter of pushing a switch. I questioned the dealer in a follow-up to see if he knew. He wasn't able to tell me any more than I was able to speculate on my own, which was a combination of using the back panel patch connections and possibly the bypass switch(es) on the front. You see, there is no "patch point" at the exit of the EQ. He suggested using preamp output (I think he was referring to the output stage) which is after the EQ, and patching it back into the compressor. I haven't narrowed down the exact setup yet, but his advice wasn't thathelpful to me. Secondly, the main LED meter (beneath the large Vu meter) is positioned such that you need to mount the unit quite high, about eye-level. My rack is low, designed to be used sitting down. Even so, I had to lower & tilt the mic stand so that I could lay on the floor while singing in order to see the darn thing to set the level. The questions above are fairly silly. Yes, the sound quality is good. Easy to use? That all depends. For an experienced engineer, it is fairly easy but does have a lot of interdependent setting that affect each other and can be tricky to get the desired sound. But this is made up for by the great variety of sounds. For a beginner? Could very well be baffling! But hey, engineering is fun...so is learning! Lightweight? Heck no, but that's not necessarily a negative. It's far more substantial-feeling than my last unit and the fit and finish leave nothing to complain about. It has the look & feel of serious piece of equipment.
This preamp is easy to use and easy to figure out, but the analog VU meter on mine wasn't calibrated. There's a trim adjustment accessible on the front panel to calibrate it which is nice as the tubes performance will drift as they age, but it should have been calibrated to at least ballpark accuracy at the factory. The LED meter works fine though, so this is really just picking nits and has no effect on using the preamp. I don't have any really quiet places I can test this for noise performance, but for my home studio use noise hasn't been an issue.EQ works the way it should.The compressor sounds pretty good and it's easy to tell how much it's reducing the signal and with the bypass switch A/B testing the sound is easy. I could wish for a lower ratio, but 2:1 ... MoreThis preamp is easy to use and easy to figure out, but the analog VU meter on mine wasn't calibrated. There's a trim adjustment accessible on the front panel to calibrate it which is nice as the tubes performance will drift as they age, but it should have been calibrated to at least ballpark accuracy at the factory. The LED meter works fine though, so this is really just picking nits and has no effect on using the preamp. I don't have any really quiet places I can test this for noise performance, but for my home studio use noise hasn't been an issue.EQ works the way it should.The compressor sounds pretty good and it's easy to tell how much it's reducing the signal and with the bypass switch A/B testing the sound is easy. I could wish for a lower ratio, but 2:1 is fine and it's easy to make it sound transparent.The variable input impedance is a cool feature, as is the high/low plate voltage for the preamp tube. They make more difference than I thought in the way my mic sounds, so there's a lot of "tuning" available with those controls.
It's really too bad because, aside from the hums and buzzes that come and go, it's a lovely unit for a crazy good price. Built like a tank, full-featured, sweet sounding -- and all but useless to me.I spent some hours troubleshooting, tried it in three different buildings, finally ran it powered by a sine wave inverter with no other power on in the building. Each configuration yielded a different combination of hums and buzzes, depending on which buttons were pressed, ground lifts, and the position of the output volume knob.Oddly, the unbalanced output was generally quieter than the balanced -- perhaps this is why it sometimes gets favorable reviews. Or perhaps it's a quality control problem. In any case, I've discovered multiple reviews describing the same ... MoreIt's really too bad because, aside from the hums and buzzes that come and go, it's a lovely unit for a crazy good price. Built like a tank, full-featured, sweet sounding -- and all but useless to me.I spent some hours troubleshooting, tried it in three different buildings, finally ran it powered by a sine wave inverter with no other power on in the building. Each configuration yielded a different combination of hums and buzzes, depending on which buttons were pressed, ground lifts, and the position of the output volume knob.Oddly, the unbalanced output was generally quieter than the balanced -- perhaps this is why it sometimes gets favorable reviews. Or perhaps it's a quality control problem. In any case, I've discovered multiple reviews describing the same problem.When the hum was absent, the tube saturation was luscious. But it went back to the store...
This is a great performing unit, and at a good price. No problem with noise at all, do yourself a favor and don't hack resistors off the circuit board, the rumors behind this did not come from audio engineers who have access to the systems circuit design. And don't waste money changing the tubes, there will be no perceptional difference in a blind test beside a different gain curve. This is just an Internet thing some people can't resist. Circuit board, looks great, well made and solid, follows latest production standards of high quality equipment. Just learn how to use it properly, enjoy your new high quality equipment. Let you ears be the judge.
There are two resistors in the power supply that allow 120Hz signal to get onto the tube heater filaments - causing the hum that many people have problems with, particularly when these units are used at higher gains. You can't fix it by using balanced cables or hum eliminators, etc. But you can easily fix the problem at the source by snipping the two big 47ohm/5W resistors on the pcb (R245 & R41). Open the case, snip those resistors and the unit will have no hum or buzz. By the way, the original Pro Channel didn't have those resistors - they were added to the PCII - that's why the original PCs were quieter at high gain. I'd give the PCII 5 stars if it weren't for that design mistake in the power supply.
I've created a good sized bag of songs and figure it's time to see if this stuff is marketable. I purchased the first Pro Channel II ( PCII ) and it made lots of noise in the speaker/ daw, so I returned it and got my money back. Bought a different preamp that was hyped up big and matched my daw... but it did not seem to have as many features as this PCII, nor did I feel it made the sound as good, even though it was totally quiet.So I bought another PCII... This one is quieter with just a touch of hiss if you turn it up too much... so I'd say the hiss/ noise was manageable.I am a single singer/ acoustic guitar just beginning my recording(s). I'd say the PCII preamp has made the guitar sound vastly better, making the sounds clearer/ the control of the volume more ... MoreI've created a good sized bag of songs and figure it's time to see if this stuff is marketable. I purchased the first Pro Channel II ( PCII ) and it made lots of noise in the speaker/ daw, so I returned it and got my money back. Bought a different preamp that was hyped up big and matched my daw... but it did not seem to have as many features as this PCII, nor did I feel it made the sound as good, even though it was totally quiet.So I bought another PCII... This one is quieter with just a touch of hiss if you turn it up too much... so I'd say the hiss/ noise was manageable.I am a single singer/ acoustic guitar just beginning my recording(s). I'd say the PCII preamp has made the guitar sound vastly better, making the sounds clearer/ the control of the volume more controlled going into the daw... I felt the guitar sound was muddy and without definition before I bought the preamp.To sum it up... If you want a perfect preamp... you are going to pay a couple thousand ( more). If you have limited funds before you prove yourself, this is a good preamp for the job...Oh yeah, I've read one can change the China made tubes out for better. AND... They could have done better on the documentation, but it can be figured out.Steve Hightower
l PURCHASED TWO Channel 2'S used. From E-bay. They have many settings that makes for fun to experiment with. The price point is phenomenal as is its resale value.l wish it had a better compressor but that l'll get latter if l even need it for my voice. For now, could not be happier.
Having had good results with a previous ART preamp, this is then an upgrade. This unit has two tubes inside. These were generic "CHINA" tubes, I am replacing with high end tubes on order. It has a good build feel and a big, sexy VU meter as well as LEDs. To start with, this unit has a valuable feature of a knob to vary the impedance of the mic or line in. This lets you match different mics/guitars, they are not all the same impedance. Then there's optical compression (with an OUT switch) to keep levels in line for loud singers, etc. An LED segment shows the level of compression. The unit has 4 band EQ (with an OUT switch) to touch up the tone as it comes in. Signal can come in via the back XLR/ 1/4" or can come via a 1/4" jack in the front. Easy for guitars. This ... MoreHaving had good results with a previous ART preamp, this is then an upgrade. This unit has two tubes inside. These were generic "CHINA" tubes, I am replacing with high end tubes on order. It has a good build feel and a big, sexy VU meter as well as LEDs. To start with, this unit has a valuable feature of a knob to vary the impedance of the mic or line in. This lets you match different mics/guitars, they are not all the same impedance. Then there's optical compression (with an OUT switch) to keep levels in line for loud singers, etc. An LED segment shows the level of compression. The unit has 4 band EQ (with an OUT switch) to touch up the tone as it comes in. Signal can come in via the back XLR/ 1/4" or can come via a 1/4" jack in the front. Easy for guitars. This units competes with those at $1600 to $2600 and holds its own for sound quality which I found to be very good. It provides a great value at its price. You need this in front of your A to D interface in your home studio.
I had purchased the original Golden Age GA-47 tube microphone and was looking for a great preamp to match it. After hearing my singing voice my Sweetwater rep suggested a tube mic pre. He gave me some suggestions for a pre, so I started putting money aside for a purchase for over a thousand dollars. In the meantime, I was given an Art Pro Channel II and decided to try it with the GA-47. I have been in the recording industry for 40 years, and like many dismissed the ART brand. How could any gear at their price points produce a quality sound? MY SURPRISEAfter spending some time with the EQ and compressor, I was able to dial in an incredible vocal sound. It was big, fat, clean and lush. I should point out that this was accomplished with the original tubes. I have also ... MoreI had purchased the original Golden Age GA-47 tube microphone and was looking for a great preamp to match it. After hearing my singing voice my Sweetwater rep suggested a tube mic pre. He gave me some suggestions for a pre, so I started putting money aside for a purchase for over a thousand dollars. In the meantime, I was given an Art Pro Channel II and decided to try it with the GA-47. I have been in the recording industry for 40 years, and like many dismissed the ART brand. How could any gear at their price points produce a quality sound? MY SURPRISEAfter spending some time with the EQ and compressor, I was able to dial in an incredible vocal sound. It was big, fat, clean and lush. I should point out that this was accomplished with the original tubes. I have also used this on bass guitar and direct guitar with excellent results. I saw a used Pro Channel II from Sweetwater come up for sale here on Ebay, and purchased it. It arrived quickly and in excellent condition. It is always a pleasure to deal with these folks. If you are looking for a 47ish mic, the GA-47 is remarkable. If you are looking for a gift, try an ART Pro Channel II.
| Preamp Type | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Frequency Response | 12Hz - 100kHz |
| Phantom Power | Yes |
| Rackmount Spaces | 2U |
