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How do I use my Preamp properly?

I own a ART TPS II, with a neumann TLM 103 and Mbox. I was wondering for the ART, if I’m recording rap vocals with the TLM 103, what should I set the input gain, Impedance and all the other knobs. Any help is appreciated

First you should be congratulated on understanding the need for a preamp. Allot of people just connect the microphone to their mixer or recorder.
Unfortunately I cannot give a precise answer because of the amount of variables. A preamp should be set to accommodate the input needs of the recorder and drive the microphone. Talent with a powerful voice will need less gain then talent with a weak voice. Looking at the Art TPS II I see 7 Adjustments.
1- Gain. This is where you set the level of the signal from the microphone. Watch the meter on your TPS and set for as close to 0 as posible without going over.
2- Output. this is where you set the level going to the recorder. Watch the meter on your recorder and follow the same rules.
3-This is an odd adjustment to have on a pre.Personally I don’t like it. You will need to check the manual on the microphone and adjust it to the correct value for the microphone. I believe it’s ART’s way of acomadating extreamly cheap microphones. You will not find this adjustment on professional microphone preamps.
4-Gain Switch. Is a -30 db attenuator for the gain setting. I’d always start with it in or on. If you can’t get enough gain turn it off. 30 db is allot.
5- Phantom- Turns on power needed to drive condenser
microphones. You can leave it on all the time.
6-Phase. Inverts the sine wave. This is done to eliminate microphones from interacting in a final output or mix. You should not need to use this.
7- Tube voicing. This is basically an EQ with presets. As opposed to having a Bass / Treble they give you a preset knob. This really limits the ability to EQ.

All in all you will be better with this preamp then none. I’d prompt you to shop around a bit however if your after a pro recording sound. You will find preamps that cost over $ 10,000.00 that have less adjustments then the ART TPS II in pro studios.

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