The ART Solo Studio is a single-channel analogue channel strip combining microphone and instrument preamplification, switchable valve and solid-state signal paths, tone shaping and optical compression in a compact rackmount processor. Introduced as part of ART’s Solo Series in 2024, the ART Solo Studio brings together core elements of the Solo MPA preamplifier and Solo VLA compressor, providing a complete recording channel with input amplification, filtering, equalisation, dynamics processing and output control.
The ART Solo Studio provides microphone, line and high-impedance instrument input capability, allowing it to operate as both a recording channel and direct instrument interface. The preamplifier section provides up to 40 dB of input gain, while 48 V phantom power supports condenser microphones. A front-panel combo input provides convenient connection without requiring access to the rear of the rack.
One of the central features of the ART Solo Studio is its selectable Multi-Voice signal path. The unit can operate through a solid-state path or through a valve stage built around a hand-selected 12AT7 valve. This allows the user to select between the two amplification paths before the signal continues through the processing chain.
Tone shaping is provided by an 80 Hz high-pass filter and ART’s Tilt EQ. The high-pass filter can be engaged to remove low-frequency content below the required recording range, while the Tilt EQ provides a simplified means of altering the overall spectral balance of the signal.
The compressor section of the ART Solo Studio uses analogue optical isolators for gain control. Threshold, ratio, attack and release are independently adjustable, allowing the compressor to be configured for different programme material and dynamic requirements. Compression can also be bypassed when only the preamplifier and tone-shaping sections are required.
A pre-compression insert loop provides access to the signal path between the preamplifier and compressor sections. External processors can therefore be inserted after the ART Solo Studio preamplifier while retaining use of the internal compressor further along the signal chain.
Metering is provided by a backlit analogue VU meter. The meter can be switched between output level and gain reduction, allowing the ART Solo Studio to display either the final signal level or the amount of compression being applied.
Rear-panel connectivity includes balanced XLR and TRS inputs and outputs, together with the insert connections. The ART Solo Studio also provides selectable professional +4 dBu and consumer -10 dBV operating levels, allowing it to interface with different types of recording equipment.
The ART Solo Studio was introduced with the ART Solo Series at the 2024 Winter NAMM Show. ART formally announced the Solo Series on 1 May 2024, with the ART Solo Studio scheduled to follow the Solo MPA and Solo VLA during 2024.
Features
- Single-channel analogue microphone, line and instrument channel strip
- Selectable valve and solid-state signal paths
- Hand-selected 12AT7 valve
- 48 V switchable phantom power
- Analogue optical compression
- Variable threshold, ratio, attack and release controls
- Flexible Tilt EQ
- Switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter
- Pre-compression insert loop
- Backlit VU meter with output level and gain-reduction monitoring