Dual-servo optical compressor brilliantly re-creates the sonic character of tube triodes.

The TAMPA is based on M-Audio's Temporal Harmonic Alignment technology, a revolutionary process that corrects the phase alignment of overtones to achieve the perceived warmth of tubes at a solid-state price. TAMPA includes a built-in, best-of-class dual optical-servo compressor/limiter and true VU meters to display output and compression gain. With S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital output (24 bit at up to 96kHz), it allows you to connect directly to recorders or sound cards remaining completely in the digital domain. Other features include a variable impedance input selector for optimal matching with vintage mics and professional Class A electronics throughout.

About Temporal Harmonic Alignment While most engineers agree that tube-based pre-amps sound better than solid state, tube-technology prices place these devices outside the reach of many musicians. The TAMPA engineering team began addressing this problem by evaluating what distinguishes tubes aurally. Unlike most solid state electronics, tube-based devices strike the ear as having such a warm sound because the added midrange harmonics have the same temporal (phase) relationship as natural mechanisms like strings, drumheads, and vocal chords. This results in a sweet spot that makes vocals, guitars, and other midrange-rich content sound especially pleasing. TAMPA's unique new Temporal Harmonic Alignment technology produces that same phase relationship found in both tubes and nature. And unlike tubes (or tube modeling), TAMPA's sweet spot spans the full audio spectrum.

About Dual Optical-Servo Compression 3 fundamental challenges plague engineers in designing compressors: distortion, noise, and accuracy. The VCA technology used in inexpensive compressors exhibits less than professional specs on all 3 counts. Simple optical-servo technology is much quieter and more accurate, yet has its own issues with distortion. The more expensive dual optical-servo technology is used in high-end compressors because it yields low noise, consistent accuracy, low distortion, and exceptional transparency. TAMPA incorporates both a dual optical-servo compressor/limiter and microphone/instrument pre-amp in one affordable package.

M-Audio TAMPA Professional Preamp/Compressor Features:

• Corrects phase alignment of overtones for tube warmth at a solid state price
• Best-of-class dual optical-servo compressor/limiter
• True VU meters display output and compression gain
• S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital output (24 bit at up to 96kHz)
• Variable impedance input selector for matching vintage mics
• Professional Class A electronics throughout

Now you can get the milky presence of tubes with the stability and affordability of solid state. Order today and take your studio up one big notch.

M-Audio TAMPA Professional Preamp/Compressor Specifications:

• Frequency response: 20Hz-40KHz (± 0.25dB)
• Available gain: 66dB
• Maximum analog output: +30dBu at soft clip
• Digital clip level: +30.5dBu
• Distortion: Increases with level until soft-clip occurs (0.5% max)
• Signal-to-noise: 110dB; A weighted (gain set to minimum)
• EIA noise rating: -127dBm; 600 ohms (gain set to maximum)
  
  

M-Audio TAMPA Professional Preamp/Compressor

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Average of 11 User Ratings

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Excellent Preamp

Posted by DoINeedANameForThis? from New York, NY on Mar 16, 2006

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Recording Engineer (semi-professionally)

Reviewer's Play Style: I'm a horrible musician, that's why I record

This, in my opinion, is the best preamp you will find for anywhere near this price. I own the Tampa, an FMR RNP and a Focusrite Red 7. The Tampa is quiet, which is nice. It does color the sound a bit with the "Temporal Harmonic Alignment", but not in a bad way. In fact, the sound is superb, especially when I think about what I paid for the red. If you are recording, use the analog outs. The A/D converter, while no Mytek, is ok but there is no wordclock in to sync it with other gear. That's why it got a 9 for features. In my opinion, they could have skipped the digital outs anyway. The compressor is top notch. It doesn't pump at all when properly set. For recording vocalsor guitar cabs, this, the proper mic, and decent converters are all you need. You can de-ess via software if necessary. I have used this with my AT4033CL and had no noise problems, though many posters have indicated some incompatability with Audio Technica mics. I have also used this with a Lawson L47MP (the old one) and a Studio projects C1 (I had to see what all the fuss was about). It has made every mic sound good. It's all a matter of taste, but ultimately, this product will set a good vocal in the mix that, while it may be colored a bit differently, will sound just as clear as a vocal recorded on a high end UA or Focusrite. This is one of the rare products that I would recommend getting so that you can get some decent A/D and D/A converters with the money you save. The Tampa will give you a pro sound, but that $*** dollar interface you are putting it into sure won't.

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Awesome Preamp

Posted by Dave from Chicagoland on Dec 26, 2005

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Home Recording

Reviewer's Play Style: Acoustic Rock and Metal

This is the best preamp I've owned for the money. It is extremely quiet, and the compressor adds just enough functionality during tracking. I run condenser, dynamic and ribbon mics thru this, and they all sound superb. Did I mention that it was quiet?

I only wish they made a two channel...guess I'll have to get another.

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David Katauskas

Posted by David Katauskas from Chicagoland on Dec 17, 2005

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Home Recording

Reviewer's Play Style: Acoustic, Rock, Metal

Very nice preamp that provides a lot of gain and little noise. The compressor is awesome. This thing just makes everything sound more alive. Great product for the price!

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Disappointed w this preamp

Posted by Great on Dec 12, 2005

Experience w/product: I have heard about it

Reviewer's Background: N/A

Reviewer's Play Style: N/A

I purchased this unit as to obtain better mic performance for my Roland VS240 CD. Within a few months, the vu meter light for the compressor failed. I am not sure that the compressor still works. The sound is pretty good, but not the ultimate solution - that to get fine mic performance (I use a AT 4050) you need to spend a lot more for a preamp. Sorry, but there is no low cost solution to getting pristine, clear mic recordings.

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i was just wowed

Posted by mr. nkobbs from texas on Mar 19, 2005

Experience w/product: I have heard about it

Reviewer's Background: engineer

Reviewer's Play Style: rock- country

when i herd this mic pre for the second time i knew it was a keeper. i dont know what i was thinking.its clear and warm. i would put this in the same rack as the big name pre-s.

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M-Audio TAMPA Professional Preamp/Compressor

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