Acme Audio Type MTP-66

The Motown Tube Preamp

The year is 1966. Deep in the heart and soul of Detroit, a young, ambitious chief Motown engineer is tasked by legendary producer Berry Gordy to design a better way to record multiple guitar and bass instruments at once, with minimal bleed and no isolation. His solution: the 5-channel Motown input box - dubbed the "Motown guitar amp" by its creator. James Jamerson's magnificent performances, as well as Dennis Coffey, Bob Babbit, Robert White, Joe Messina and many more, were captured through this circuit from 1966 to 1972, and now, the MTP-66 Motown Tube Preamp is available now from all our dealers.

Newest in the series of Acme Audio Manufacturing's line of faithful recreations of legendary Motown gear, this single-channel lunchbox preamp has been exactingly reborn using the original 1966 engineering schematics, and features an all-tube signal path, with hand selected tubes that drive a Cinamag output transformer. Besides being an instrument-to-line-level all-tube preamp, Acme Audio has added a microphone amp section that is also based on Motown Engineering's original designs, featuring a fixed gain pentode with the Acme Audio/Triad input transformer. Other key features include adjustable input and output controls (not made available on the original,) giving you the ability to adjust your sound to the desired amount of drive and compression.

• Authentic Motown Sound: Faithfully recreates the iconic tones of the original 1966 Motown "Input Box," delivering vintage warmth and character to your recordings.

• All-Tube Signal Path: Utilizes hand-selected tubes to provide rich harmonic content and natural compression, enhancing audio quality.

• Instrument and Microphone Preamplifier: Functions as both a high-quality instrument DI and a microphone preamp, offering versatility for various recording needs.

• Custom Transformers: Equipped with an Acme Audio/Triad input transformer and a CineMag output transformer for superior sound reproduction.

• Adjustable Input and Output Controls: Allows precise control over gain staging and tonal shaping, enabling users to achieve the desired amount of drive and compression.

• Rugged Lunchbox Chassis: Housed in a durable, retro-styled enclosure, ensuring reliability and aesthetic appeal in any studio setup.

• 15dB Microphone Input Pad: Includes a pad to accommodate high-output sources, preventing distortion and maintaining audio integrity.

• No Phantom Power: Designed without phantom power, encouraging the use of dynamic, ribbon, or externally powered condenser microphones for authentic vintage sound.

• Single-channel tube preamp and DI box

• Faithful re-creation of the 1966 Motown "Input Box"

• All-tube signal path with hand-selected tubes

• Instrument-to-line-level tube preamp

• Microphone preamp section based on original Motown designs

• Fixed-gain pentode mic preamp with Acme Audio/Triad input transformer

• Adjustable input and output controls for desired drive and compression

• 15dB microphone input pad

• Custom VU meter for level monitoring

• CineMag output transformer

• Rugged lunchbox chassis with retro blue finish

• No phantom power; external supply needed for condenser mics

• Dimensions: 7" (H) x 6" (D) x 10.24" (W)

• Weight: 11.5 lbs