Need "rack" advice-- ? preamp?

[sirDaniel]

I haven't had a rack setup in a while. I tripped upon a Mesa 295 simulclas stereo poweramp and a Marshall JCM900 1960A 4x12 for an unheard of price. I was wondering what a groovin preamp would be seeing as I have 2 spaces left in the rack. BTW, this is got MAJOR balls 4x6L6 and 4xEL34 in the same amp!!!! It would be nice to have the effects built in. Maybe like a digitech 2120??

Throw me some suggestions....

[silentman]

I just got a NOS 2112 which I'm really diggin. The 2120 is the next generation. Marshall JMP1's are very cool and can be had for not too much $. Mesa Triaxis are more $. If you are on the lookout for more 80s relics, ADA MP1 is a good choice. No effects in any of these last 3 (MP1 has chorus only), but a single space rack unit like a Digitech 256xl will run you less than $100.

[Guest galejt]

Sir

Respectfully request you refer to Brewmaster's icon for "rack" advice.

V/r Jim

[savethematches]

+1 for the ADA MP1. I've had several of these over the years and still love them.

[HAMERMAN]

I have a 2101, a 2112 (upgraded to a 2120), a Pod 2.0 and a Pod XT. I have also owned a MP-1.

Here is my opinion on them all:

2101:

+ Best distortion of them all. The heavy distortion is done in two stages and each is adjustable. Very good effects, especially when they have the optional second S-disc processor board. If you want freaky sounds and sick distortion this is the one to go with.

- Only a so-so clean sound. The effects are very complex to program and there is no real patch editor available and never will be. The Control one is a must. Crappy through headphones.

2112/2120:

+ Good distortion, very nice clean sound. Nice options with 2 preamp paths, you can use a CC pedal to smoothly go from clean to distorted and anywhere in the middle. You can vary effect parameters at the same time. An excellent PC patch editor is available. Excellent display that shows a lot of information.

- Distortion not as good as the 2101. Effects are not as configurable as the 2101 (though they are easier to program - even without the patch editor). The Control one is a must. Crappy through headphones.

MP1:

+ Does the marshall sound well, clean is pretty good. Very easy to use.

- Pretty limited range of sounds and only one effect (Chorus) IIRC. Crappy through headphones.

Pod 2.0:

+ Cheap. Easy to program, with or without PC editor. Lots of useful sounds.

- Limited effects. IMHO not really a contended now that the Pod XT is out. Sounds good through headphones.

Pod XT (would also apply for XT Pro):

+ Sounds great and has a lot of sound shaping options to dial things in. The models do sound a lot like the real things. Has USB output for direct to PC recording. Sounds good through headphones. Easy to program, with or without PC editor. The best "feel" of any of the preamps I have listed.

- Can be hard to dial in - but so worth it! Effects can be controlled via CC but with a lot less flexibility than the 2120. The Pedalboard is a must, and they are pricey.

I will duck for cover after this statement but I would go with the Pod XT all day long. It sounds great and when used with the Floorboard controller you really get the best of the rack and pedal worlds combined. Basically take a look at the manuals and see of the modeled amps and effects (including model packs if needed) float your boat. If they do then you are all set. If there are a few essential effects missing then you can still use it with a pedal or two. If a bunch are missing then maybe it's not a good fit for you.

Let us know what you decide.

[edgar_allan_poe]

Pod XT (would also apply for XT Pro):

+ Sounds great and has a lot of sound shaping options to dial things in. The models do sound a lot like the real things. Has USB output for direct to PC recording. Sounds good through headphones. Easy to program, with or without PC editor. The best "feel" of any of the preamps I have listed.

- Can be hard to dial in - but so worth it! Effects can be controlled via CC but with a lot less flexibility than the 2120. The Pedalboard is a must, and they are pricey.

I will duck for cover after this statement but I would go with the Pod XT all day long. It sounds great and when used with the Floorboard controller you really get the best of the rack and pedal worlds combined. Basically take a look at the manuals and see of the modeled amps and effects (including model packs if needed) float your boat. If they do then you are all set. If there are a few essential effects missing then you can still use it with a pedal or two. If a bunch are missing then maybe it's not a good fit for you.

Let us know what you decide.

Big +1

I used a Pod Pro with that exact Poweramp into a Soldano 4x12 and was able to get *killer* sounds. IMHO, that Poweramp is the bast that Mesa Made. The EL34s make a huge amount of difference, especially when run in class A mode. I got tons of compliments on that setup, I just didn't need all of those sounds or effects. It was like killing a fly with a sledgehammer.

[sirDaniel]

Well, I do have a tonelab sitting around, but I didn't know if that would be a good match.

Poe, how did you run it? Stereo? simul? it's a beast fershur. Looks like could fall off an airplane and survive. Or even more; a UPS shipment!!

[hardheartedbill]

click the link, buy the unit, thank me later

http://thegearpage.net/board/showthread.ph...threadid=101239

[seeker]

Look at a Rocktron Piranha too; it's great. I've got one, so I am a bit biased. It's one a space rack so you could pop in a dedicated effects rack unit.

[kurtsstuff]

Well.....To me...The all in one gadgets are just that...Gadgets...get yourself a dedicated tube preamp that does one thing and does it well...Marshall JMP-1, VHT valvulator, Boogie Triaxis (although the boogie is not my fav) Haflers and even the Carvin Quad X is cool. Ya always want to start with a killin dry sound and add wetness to taste later...

[edgar_allan_poe]

Poe, how did you run it? Stereo? simul? it's a beast fershur

I ran it stereo in order to get the most out of the effects. The effects of the Pod are not great, but very good for live use. For recording they just dont pass the test IMHO. I would sometimes run it in simul at practice.

That is one *loud* mutha.

[Hamer95USA]

Hey sirdaniel,

You want this:

This is a 3TM modded ADA MP-1 preamp by ADA Depot. This circuitboard is based upon amp modder/ maker Todd Langner's original 3TM mod circuitboard for Paul Gilbert. Instead of the stock 2 12AX7 preamp tube circuitboard, it has 3 12AX7 preamp tubes. The circuitboard also has an EQ mod added to it. The EQ mod allows the user to fine tune the mid to low frequency balance control & mid/low to high frequency balance control. Turning the mid to low frequency balance control clockwise adds more beef and turning mid/low to high frequency balance control clockwise makes the tone brighter. The EQ problems associated with the previous stock versions now are eliminated with the EQ mod now.

The clean tube channel now overdrives easily and become very "brown" sounding, the distorted tube channel has tons of gain and the solid state channel has that great sounding Roland JC-120 sound that I love.

savethematches Posted on Sep 12 2005, 06:35 AM +1 for the ADA MP1. I've had several of these over the years and still love them.

I've had my original one for 12 years now, had it modded with a 3TM mod and upgraded the software & hardware. Now it's a new preamp with a killer tube crunch, a very brown sounding clean tube channel, EQ mod, noise mod, software upgrade, new lithium battery and battery holder (user serviceable), new input jack and a rear input jack conversion (originally a line input jack). I also bought a used 3TM modded MP-1 preamp from board member kurtsstuff with the same mods mentioned above.

If you see these used 3TM modded ADA MP-1 preamps up for sale. Get one. It's truly a weapon of mass destruction.

Guitar George

[tralfax19645]

Hi,

What about a boogie quad preamp? Or a fender RPG-1, if you can ever find one ,which I cant, but if i ever do I am gonna buy it.

Rob

[Scottcrud]

A boogie quad is four spaces but a boogie studio preamp is two and sounds awesome! A real nice clean channel and a real nice chunk/shred channel. And if you decide to sell the 2:95 let me know.

[sonja]

The VHT GP-3 is another fine preamp that really kicks. 3ch switchable by MIDI input.

The Boogie Quad is actually 3 rack spaces only ;-)

Sonja

[five thumbs]

Hi I have used a Marshall JMP 1 since 1994 and it is awesome! i got it "used" for £300, it has never let me down in the 11 years ive had it, its been bashed around by airport baggage handlers and even tumbled down the carousel on its side (to my dismay) ant stanstead airport, still worked fine,

i did briefly use the ADA, that was a great pre amp too, but not quite what i was after,

cheers

5 thumbs

[SteveB]

POD XT has some great sounds in it, although it usually takes a bit of tweaking to match the patches to your setup. If you go that route the XT/Live is cheaper and more convenient than buying the XT and a floorboard.

I've also been tempted to try the Egnator designed Randall modular preamps....

[sirDaniel]

great ideas here. i have much to think about. I hooked up the tonelab to it and realize I can do better. It's decent, but some of these are very tempting. Yes HHB, i hear ya.

which one will be allowed by the MUSE in April?

[MCChris]

which one will be allowed by the MUSE in April?

Whichever one is loudest.

[sirDaniel]

which one will be allowed by the MUSE in April?

Whichever one is loudest.

I've been looking for something to play the "lead" on the 18 amp wildthing jam. I may have found it...

[hardheartedbill]

all that heavy rock I post is w/ the PV preamp and a cheap cab simulator, through a real amp and cab it's truly frightening ( like an armadillo in your trousers! )

[sirDaniel]

( like an armadillo in your trousers! )

woah, post a jpeg please...

[kizanski]

( like an armadillo in your trousers! )

woah, post a jpeg please...

No. Please don't.

[tralfax19645]

Hi,

A scored a killer preamp today, Its a Kitty Hawk Quattro. I saw it on e bay listed as broken,(got it CHEEEP) and I remember GP giving this unit rave reveiws in the 80s (I think). They were 1k+ new,if I remember right.

It took a little TLC to get it going, but man I have to say it smokes. Its going to need some new pots and such, but this is a definate keeper. No midi at all but it is still 4 very useable modes. All tube, no op amps or clipping diodes.

Glad I hung onto my peavey midipro.

Rob

[tomteriffic]

Hi,

A scored a killer preamp today, Its a Kitty Hawk Quattro. I saw it on e bay listed as broken,(got it CHEEEP) and I remember GP giving this unit rave reveiws in the 80s (I think). They were 1k+ new,if I remember right.

It took a little TLC to get it going, but man I have to say it smokes. Its going to need some new pots and such, but this is a definate keeper. No midi at all but it is still 4 very useable modes. All tube, no op amps or clipping diodes.

Glad I hung onto my peavey midipro.

Rob

Those Kittyhawk amps were great sounding, but, as you noted, had reliability issues. I passed on a 60 watt 1 x 12 combo locally recently for that reason.