It is with great sorrow that I declare my brand new ART Tube MP, DEAD.
I was supposed to write a short review on this preamp, but I've committed a small error that came with dire consequences...
So how did this happen? What kind of stupid mistake kills a brand new preamp?
Well, if you've read my article about LBC Shipping Cart, I ordered a microphone and this preamp from the United States and shipped it here in the Philippines. When it finally arrived, out of excitement I immediately used the preamp's stock power adaptor to power the device.
NOT GOOD.
The device worked fine for a few seconds, then I heard a small "poof!" sound as it just.. died on me. Then I realised what I've done, but it was too late. I forgot to consider one very important thing when it comes to dealing with imported electronics. Voltage.
Power outlets in the United States are typically 120V, and so all their electronics come with 120V power supplies/adaptors. However, in some other countries including the Philippines, power outlets are 220V.
I was supposed to write a short review on this preamp, but I've committed a small error that came with dire consequences...
So how did this happen? What kind of stupid mistake kills a brand new preamp?
Well, if you've read my article about LBC Shipping Cart, I ordered a microphone and this preamp from the United States and shipped it here in the Philippines. When it finally arrived, out of excitement I immediately used the preamp's stock power adaptor to power the device.
NOT GOOD.
The device worked fine for a few seconds, then I heard a small "poof!" sound as it just.. died on me. Then I realised what I've done, but it was too late. I forgot to consider one very important thing when it comes to dealing with imported electronics. Voltage.
120V vs 220V Outlets
Power outlets in the United States are typically 120V, and so all their electronics come with 120V power supplies/adaptors. However, in some other countries including the Philippines, power outlets are 220V.
Voltages need to match, and so do a number of other things. I'm no expert, so I'll just refer to this guide if you want to know how to check the labels on your power adaptors.
Not just for using recording gear, but for all electronics you use.
Lesson Learned
I've learned the hard way you can't just plug anything in just because the pieces fit together. I once tried to use a phone charger to power my Casio keyboard and, poof!, I busted one of its speakers. I could smell something burning when I hurriedly unplugged. At least the whole thing didn't die, just the one speaker.
I made that same mistake again and paid for it dearly.
I made that same mistake again and paid for it dearly.
