ADA MP-1 user reviews ( 8/10) - 10 user reviews

• 04/06/11

  iamqman's review "80's rock preamp"

  Characteristics

  What can I say about this preamp that hasn't been said already throughout various rock records during the 80's and early 90's? One of the most famous bands to use this was Skid Row. They used it pretty much through out their first two albums. Basically anyone during that time who was recording with Michael Wagener was going to use this unit. Bands such as Extreme and the guitar player from that band Nuno Bettencourt used this extensively for the Pornograffitti album and the tour that followed. Since the early 90's many hard rock players and bedroom rock players have bought into this unit. It has a great 80's tone and being able to switch via midi makes it something useful for live gigging operation.
  
  
  
  Another artist who was famous for playing this unit was Paul Gilbert. He is more know for his skills and not tone as much used this and in my opinion had the best tone during this point in his career.
  
  
  
  One of the down falls of this unit was how noisy it was. There is website that offers modifications to it that make it more usable and less noisy. There is a host of possible mods that you could perform to this preamp.

  Utilization

  The unit is pretty easy to figure out. It has the same function that a normal tube amp has but it is all digitally control. It does have tubes in it which made it sound like a real amp. It also came with a footswitch back in the day. These are harder to find now a days.

  Sounds

  The sound from this unit is Marshall like in the gain structure and feel. It has a very high midrange 80's tone that make it sort of a one trick pony. It does have a good clean channel in it but the thing lives in the high gain territory.
  
  
  
  It really scream when coupled with a Super Strat guitar. It was like the two were made for each other. It will sound good with a Les Paul as well, but something about the voicing just wants a Charvel plugged into it.

  Overall Opinion

  This is a fun preamp that can give you a great sounding Marshall tone great for hard rock and metal. You can run this in the effects loop of a JCM 800 or another effects loop of a Marshall style guitar amp and you will get a great hair metal rock tone.
  
  
  
  You can get these used on ebay all day long. They are usually priced around the $250 mark. So go for more and some for less but that is nice medium for the going rate. I would recommend this preamp to anyone wanting a nice 80's hard rock tone. You might want to get the thing modded for less noise and a cleaner clean channel.
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• 03/16/11

  Hatsubai's review "Famous 80s tones in 1U"

  Characteristics

  The ADA MP1 was one of the first heavily versatile preamps to ever be released. It was featured on many albums and used by a wide range of famous guitarists such as Paul Gilbert and Nuno Bettencourt. Housed in a 1U chassis, the preamp has quite a few features, including full MIDI integration. It runs on two 12AX7 preamp tubes and has three main voicings -- Solid State, Clean and Distortion.

  Utilization

  The unit is nicely laid out, but one of the main issues with it is that the numbers tend to jump too much. The front and rear input jacks also sound different, although there is a mod to fix this. The LCD is easy to read, and scrolling through the menu is no problem at all. When MIDI'd up, everything works flawlessly, and the units have proven to be fairly reliable throughout the years. Some people have issues with the buttons, LCDs leaking or LEDs burning out, but quite a few have survived these past few decades. There is also an extremely helpful forum dedicated to these specific units.

  Sounds

  Sound wise, the device emulates the typical hotrodded Marshall sound found so prominently throughout the 80s. Stock, the unit sounds extremely midrange heavy. There is a decent amount of gain on tap, but it's not a ton. Boosting it helps keep it nice and tight, but it then has a problem with getting too thin. Even paired with a good poweramp, I was never able to get a fully satisfying tone out of this device. It was either too boxy, too thin or just wasn't doing it for me. The tube clean is pretty good, and the SS clean actually sounds very close to the JC120, which I enjoyed.

  Overall Opinion

  Some people seem to like this preamp, but I was never able to fully jive with it. They used to be real cheap on the used market, but the prices have gone up a bit. I thought my JCM800 could do a much better gain tone than this ever could, and I'd take that over the MP1 despite the MP1 being a lot more versatile.
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• 10/25/10

  SlapKid's review ( translated ) Improve this translation "Uh ..."

  Characteristics

  I have this stuff ready, must have at least 20 years, 2 lights inside (I can not see at all how we could save a third as space is limited!), MIDI and all that ...
  
  Tested by pure curiosity, a witness of an era nonetheless!
  
  There is a loop that can be programmed with the sound itself is really nice because avoids a second MIDI device ...
  
  The headphone output is specified for 600 ohms or more, I know not what they had on zoreilles has the time but it had to be serious!
  
  There is an exit acdc9v next to the MIDI, very convenient to power the pedals without having to carry more, not tested yet (I do not see how one can take issue AC and DC at a time, not the mode of So much the worse job). Edit: this record is an entry, you put out a 9v adapter that sends the juice to crank compatible with phantom power plug twelve o'clock 7broches ... damn! But we can tinker who leaves the ADA 7broches phantom and happens to most pedals 5broches DC9V sheet, it is cleaner anyway!
  
  
  
  However no control input is zero especially for the time (my multis and ibanez dod 90 years have one).
  
  The machine worked directly with my pedal midi yamaha archisimple (MFC05), very good point because I know bugger all!
  
  
  
  Edit importantly, this machine was defective, 2 bad resistors soldered so I can repeat the sound category ...

  Utilization

  No button that turns except the master volume, push that hidden under a thick layer of blue plastic ... horrifying, but it still works without a hitch.
  
  No need for user manual is pretty much done as an interface, rather logically, nothing to do with these unbelievers Rocktron (grr!), so we push and we understand what is happening.
  
  
  
  There are apparently two levels of distortion (the two tubes?) And an equalizer, plus a chorus, analog necessarily. Crude but workable is already taken it to the enemy!
  
  
  
  The first floor is pitted, sour limit, while the second round is more punchy. The brand brings a lot of noise, of course, will choose the lamps very own (often incompatible with handsome gain ...), I think the effects loop is designed for a noise gate (from a noon can multieffect deal with delays and reverbs-company). Nevertheless ...
  
  
  
  With two loops of additional effects that gear would have been really great, there was room and then asked the stratospheric price allowed without further ...

  Sounds

  Of course, where I had expected I was not deceived, but the chorus is really beautiful.
  
  The rest is good, cleans are warm, and clarity of the camera is obvious, good analog very rich.
  
  
  
  The overdrive is not bad at all, I think we can get everything except the marked compression combined with little gain (I think screamin blues ts7). But it's really good sound, very subtle and dynamic.
  
  
  
  The EQ does not seem to offer frequency range of mediums, which is a shame. Also I think it is passive, not very precise or drastic.
  
  
  
  The distos are fine, with lots of plum seem like much, much noise, too.
  
  The rhythmic sound super hard, but it is the reaction of the machine at bluffing game that is fast and direct. When the solo, the sustain is daunting, the heat too, and it remains fairly accurate, but should apply ... Very medium, not a penny for numetal (good!).
  
  
  
  I use a vig eruption in emg hz, which knock out level lot.

  Overall Opinion

  I love the warm sound dynamic and clear, the programmable loop, the phantom power for the integrated crankset noon, the relative simplicity of the thing.
  
  
  
  With my favorite compressor upstream (just for looks, no boost) is nickel, as I'm done.
  
  For the residual noise distortion hard, hard to say because my tubes are good Electroharmonix level gain and grain but maybe a bit noisy at last I know.
  
  
  
  When the plane of the modified 3tubes, I do not see how having the space available there.
  
  Of course, the gain could rise, but with the passive equalizer it will not do if we want the mesa recto et al.
  
  Finally, price or are the best metal pedal is not worth touching in ada and risking everything blow up!
  
  Provided to an output jack on the remote control pedal and steer through noon on a clear example, or simply manually.
  
  
  
  I'm glad I got to know this machine, which piqued my curiosity, which two days later edit:
  
  I went flipping through the site adadepot to get better acquainted with the innards of the machine. The modified 3-tube is simple, just change it MiniPrint really well seen. But as the noise goes up must make changes to the noise, and there is more tricky since it must operate in the large print and on the PSU, not the short sentence I think.
  
  The only change that catches my attention is the rectifier/5150 mode, because it is very simple (just a few resistors / condos to change the MiniPrint) ultraéconomique and reversible. The sound becomes more mesa, softer, and the noise goes away. Interesting!
  
  
  
  ... But useless in my opinion, given the comparative day line6 cons ada. This is the spider4 hp 30w with eminence legend 121. I play the ada law in the entry in, so without power amp and hp. I play the spider right in the guitar input ...
  
  The results are clear, the ADA is pretty rough and noisy, there is little blues in it so that both the spider.
  
  The clean, especially the big distos are very clearly above question sharp definition and speed. When the noise is simply there is none. For rhythmic egg is standing ko, sorry for the clan pure analog!
  
  Add the onboard effects honest, the tap tempo on the remote control, preset change fast, and I do not really see no reason s'enquiquiner with ada.
  
  Finally, I redo it all with 150w power just to see. I'll post if there are changes of course.
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• 02/09/08

  Dark974's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  The ADA MP1 preamp is a programmable 1U has 3 channels.
  
  Originally, it has two channels dedicated to clean lamps and tube distortion.
  
  Personally, I did modify 3TM (addition of a third tube) by ordering a kit from adadepot for about € 150 if you are not a penguin too soldering iron, it does!
  
  
  
  Side connections, it is very complete: 2 outputs, a line-out, a headphone, a mono effects loop. Of course it is equipped with the proper MIDI connectors (IN, OUT and THROUGH).
  
  
  
  One big downside, there is no input on the back .... How are what those who play on a big rack full well, eh? -1 On this point!
  
  Fortunately, a modification (available adadepot her too, and I intend to do soon) is to identify line output for input into (whew!!)

  Utilization

  The config ....... stupid, if only one is used to tamper with a rack, but again, we are light years of the complexity of a processor lexicon and others ...
  
  The instruction manual provides accurate and useful, including mapping MIDI sound a little bit obscure (and again!) After it rolls alone!
  
  
  
  As for editing sounds, well, when you buy this preamp (used, alas!) That we love the "nag vintage", the great big heavy metal for 80 years, girls , beer, but I digress ..... So yes, we get easily a good sound if you do not buy this preamp by chance and we know what we want!

  Sounds

  If it suits my style of music ..... LOL, I think everyone will understand that I fell for MP1 for the sound it delivers: Metallica (good times huh!) , Iron Maiden ....... But with 3TM mod, it comes dangerously close to the shores of modern and I find myself sometimes to make me a little or a Dream Theater Symphony X (well, I try .. ... but it will eventually come!)
  
  
  
  Side gear: Gibson SG + John Suhr pickups (SSH + and DSV, a pure killing, had a tone zone and air norton before), MXR Phase 90, Boss AW2, Boss DC3, MP1, TC Electronic G-Major, VHT 2/50/2, VHT Fat Bottom 1x12, 1x12 Marshall mounted V30. All controlled by a Ground Control GCX +. To get a good sound, good stuff must have!
  
  
  
  The sound itself is excellent, the sound is clean in the spirit of Metallica "And Justice For All", but set well, we can push a little treble to get something a little more slamming, without feel to play on a twin reverb, be reasonable!
  
  Channel Tube Clean, well I passed my hand is not my thing, others will speak better than me.
  
  Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh the disto ...... just great! Although fairly loaded medium is obtained through the eequalo (very effective way) a very wide range of sounds, it's really stunning!
  
  
  
  The 3TM mod plays great, sounds become more aggressive, more loaded with harmonics, short, but happiness!

  Overall Opinion

  3 years of MP1, and I am not pr ^ t to stop. It may be reproached her clean a bit limited in terms of sound but for the features, is the Triax, and there it is too much in the same price range as detailed ..... that kills, it does not cost preamp ONLY € 300.
  
  The first time I got it, I plugged in the loop of an ENGL Savage, I still remember the head that my buddy is in finding that MP1 (No change) buried in the preamp his savage as anything ..... .....
  
  Then I had the opportunity to test various preamp: RockMaster Peavey, Rocktron Pirnha, there's no picture, the MP1 is in front, excellent value for money, its killing in this dark tale of input on the back , RAS.
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• 12/29/06

  fendermaiden's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  So I summarized it in a preamp rack 19 ".
  
  It's light, all with 128 preset midifier recordable.
  
  The classic 3-channel preamp twelve o'clock what .....

  Utilization

  Usage is Assé easy as it is minimalist.
  
  CAD we chose the channel transistor clean, clean and light distortion is adjusted and recorded ok j'usque
  
  the no worries.
  
  
  
  Getting a good sound .... good question I put me two hours to find my disto j'peu but say it as I wanted, I clean my least had trouble finding because I am less demanding.
  
  but overall it still sounds good preamp that is not crap.
  
  
  
  the manual is clear, even though I in U.S. version.

  Sounds

  Well then we go into details, the date he preamp, so it's going to be corny I speak especially of the distortion is not playing but the hard neo metal or thrash n'heavy of 80 or 90 years .
  
  As hardosse sound suits me quite see skid row they used this preamp.
  
  
  
  The sound of the ada law is very clean and precise distortion is quite British in the soul but with more gain.
  
  
  
  The transistor is a clean very deadly type JC-120 even at the beginning I struggled to do something.
  
  
  
  The lamp is a clean as a clean marshall jcm 900 style that saturates quickly and it's not my cup of tea.
  
  
  
  edit: I made the change on my 3666 ada and it completely changed the sound, it is now a pre-amp that sounds in the line of the rectifier mesa boogie but cleaner, the grain is very close and frankly I find my config huge.
  
  
  
  If you hesitate to do any modifications do not hesitate.

  Overall Opinion

  I have been using it much, but I have already made some repeated over and he will make his first concert on Tuesday.
  
  
  
  what I like most is the distortion that is very even and 80 when the clean suits me perfectly, what I like least not really know when I even studied for a while more to choose the preamp that suits me the most, bought on ebay 190 + 35 + 45 euro post euro + 15 euro customs tranfo vien of the United States because it is in very good condition it cost me 285 euro and is valid with the I do it again this time it sounds very good choice for a hard style heavy metal Thrash was the former.
  
  
  
  It also sounds a marvel in the other style but I play as hard (dsl).
  
  
  
  It's still the pro stuff ....
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• 05/14/04

  rondecuba's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  This is an ADA MP-1 with vitamin update available at www.adadepot.com. It mainly consists in adding a third tube, which need to replace all the original circuit!
  
  
  
  There are also other more minor modifications. For a complete list, the site offers a form very detailed.
  
  
  
  The purpose of the maneuver is to increase the saturation level, and the preamp to sound more "lights".
  
  
  
  Otherwise, same functions as a normal MP1
  
  
  
  I do put a note 8 as because it becomes one of the few preamps on the market generated distortion with 3 lamps.

  Utilization

  SAR rating of this is an MP1, so very simple to program.

  Sounds

  The MP1 has three channels:
  
  
  
  The clean channel transistor does not change at all. It's a close enough amps roland (JC-120). Compared to most modern preamps, it blows a little, but finding a good compromise in the settings, it is doing very well. on the other hand, attention has not to saturate the channel because it not for that at all.
  
  
  
  The channel "tube clean" him to radically Chagne transformers in a channel very close to the saturation of the marshall of the first album of Van Halen. By pushing the gain 1 and 2 to 4, there was already a well saturated. If you push at maximum there are too many blows in against, but with such gain is normal.
  
  
  
  The channel "tube clean" allows against difficult thing to have a clear sound. At best, very auvec can gain and the volume of the guitar down, it's playable but not really satisfactory. For blues sounds, it's not ideal either. I have not found the moment of setting that allows for a clear sound with little attack, and that saturates nicely on the louder notes. But for all that goes to AC / DC Van Halen, it's perfect.
  
  
  
  The channel "distortion" sounds more modern, less of personality that the channel "tube clean." This is a more happening everywhere well suited to metal. With a little EQ it really behind Scult sound that is sought.

  Overall Opinion

  I had this preamp three weeks ago.
  
  
  
  For distortion, it beats my JMP-1 and my MP-2. My pro gap remains very best for the distortion to the trash pantera (albeit a good equalizer, the MP-1 lot should get closer). But for large distortion lamps, the MP-1 by hand.
  
  
  
  If you are metal, what preamp should please you. With a G-major and a power amp, there is plenty to do.
  
  
  
  Personally, I need a wider variety of sounds clear and half saturated so I'll use it with the pro gap which is very good at it.
  
  
  
  For 425 euros for a preamp seriously modified by enthusiasts, offering a huge saturation, it is a very good investment
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• 04/27/04

  lagrelle's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Tube preamp (2x12AX7) canux three (solid state clean, clean tube and tube distortion), 4-band EQ gain settings + 2 + a bonus chorus (depth and rate).
  
  For the rest two outputs, a headphone jack, a volume generally taken midday.

  Utilization

  Frankly for a c its simple, not as much as an amp head, but only on my voodu.

  Sounds

  The clean offers many possibilities with its two channels. I do not really tested but the results are good, with a chorus that goes by itself. Remains to be seen what happens with a stratum.
  
  Note the channel tube that acts as crunch when you push the gain.
  
  Distal side, woof it hard. Frankly at Pm we did not go by halves: all gains to 10, EQ dug. A Vigier Marilyn in EMG 81, as on my Lag equipped tone zone, it sends a very serious, the slap, the sound is very powerful and something I enjoy, the palm mute remain crisp and sharp, well compressed as should the class.

  Overall Opinion

  Thank you to Pm for its MP-1, frankly I tried again and it really kills his mother.
  
  I think I found a preamp to the sound that suited me, and super fast to program.
  
  One downside: the equalization is effective, but pales next to that of GP3, or my voodu valve, while sounding more light, however.
  
  However no problem blowing to report.
  
  Good going, considering the price of the machine, these few flaws are soon forgotten.
  
  9.5/10 for real metalheads, for others this preamp has less interest.
  
  
  
  Addition from 27/04:
  
  I ran the MP-1 much of the weekend, and have particularly compared to voodu valve:
  
  Result: a saturation of the voodu sharper but more "digital" and less extensive. The ADA has a large distortion, but sounds very medium with my guitar (the fault of the Tone Zone). Once I put an EQ or changed the tone zone, the sound should be even better.
  
  Last, this one negative: Can not set the volume on this machine. If you want a saturation of crazy, we push everything to the bottom, if you want to enter a nod to a clear later, we are left with significant differences in volume.
  
  Therefore correct in the end rather 9 / 10 as 9.5 given the price.
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• 12/29/03

  Lô83's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  See more notice o)

  Utilization

  Very easy to ACCS. There are not hundreds of paramtres and quickly found the sound that is sought.
  
  There is a button with a paramtre Arrows + - to change the parameter. We add a button to record and tour is played.
  
  It's simple and effective

  Sounds

  Personally, I rather play the blues rock and funk ... the sound is top. But the MP1 can do lots of other things. He has a great sound for all that is metal. A big patatte and his own. It's not the mesa boogie but I think it's better than the marshall. I liken a Soldano (a bit less).
  
  There are three channels. Clear with a transistor, a light crunch and distortion lamp. Personally, I use the transistor channel for clean sounds, trs crystal (with a little delay or reverb is little nickel wing). For lgrement crunchy sounds, the first channel lamp is very well and pushing a little gain was a super fast rock'n'roll's trs. With my Les Paul, it was soon in a book that navigates between ZZ Top and AC / DC. I use the second channel trs little saturated for rhythm. It's really fat and goes for pieces that have couil ... We play from time to time and will Antisocial trs well. For lead sounds, please choose from the two channel lamp, turn up the rolls and berthe o)
  
  Intgr chorus is not bad, it is still necessary to use it: o)

  Overall Opinion

  I have 7 years and it is indestructible. It came down to a table at a concert before ... the rack morfler pramp but did not budge ... not even a lamp pter
  
  I love this preamp and if he let me go I do not know what I will do: o (
  
  We do find more and I do not know of that could suit me replaceable (by Triax, but the must j'conomise).
  
  If you find one of OCCAZ, Do not hesitate.
  
  I add a Derrire Quadraverb and frankly, I rack my n'changerai for anything
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• 07/11/03

  rowerfox's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  - Prampli lamps (two 12AX7) 19 "1U
  
  - 3 channels (solid state, tube tube clean and distortion)
  
  - Fx-loop
  
  - Headphone
  
  - MIDI IN, THROUGH and OUT
  
  - Rglages: OD1, OD2, master gain, bass, mid, treble, presence
  
  - Chorus (rate and depth)

  Utilization

  I played before on a Triaxis Mesa / Boogie and operation is identical. The SETTING THE trs's are simple, you select The argument change (eg prsence) and press either the Arrows up to increase or on the fl che down to reduce ;-) ;-) ;-)
  
  
  
  Easy!

  Sounds

  My guitar is an Ibanez rotten with two EMG (81, 85), I play rock / metal. And amazing!
  
  For the first time in my life, I GROSSON the Discoveries ... EMG + ADA MP1, here is the recipe for happiness!
  
  
  
  As for clean sounds, I use the channel Solid State, the sound is more crystalline.
  
  For crunch, nothing like the Clean Tube with a lot of gain, and we get the brunt of crunch.
  
  Finally, the distortion is Tube Disto with Master Gain block and balance it!
  
  
  
  In addition, you can play with the chorus to color and clean distos.

  Overall Opinion

  Attention, I'm going to har by the Community Audiofanzine: MP1 exploded on the Triaxis! DSOL the ptits, but it's not just Mesa / Boogie in life :-)
  
  
  
  The sound of the ADA MP1 is simply monstrous, like a potato I had ever heard!
  
  
  
  The only problem is the buzz, it blows a little too I got. I think a acqurir Hush shortly to address this problem.
  
  
  
  This pramp is exceptional for two reasons: first, its price, then the original kernel, which I do not have the same sound all the fans of Mesa. I had a good time on my Triaxis, now I pramp Discoveries THE ...
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• 01/14/03

  Abecker255's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Prampli lamps (2 x 12AX7)
  
  Connection between 6.35 Jack mono, Stereo output in 4 db
  
  2 overdrive, EQ + medium severe acute prsence loop insert a chorus effect

  Utilization

  Simple configuration
  
  the sounds of the factory pousss extreme as always, but when looking around, there are fast
  
  the manual is fairly brief, but sufficient

  Sounds

  Perfect for rock style Toto.
  
  Use with Korg A2
  
  Saturated and crunch sounds, its clear warm light trs enjoyable
  
  I prfre sounds saturated own

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for 10 years
  
  one default rel: it blows a lot. I added a Rocktron Husk to clean
  
  Another good choice I think: JMP1, cleaner
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