All user reviews of 4/5 for the Mesa Boogie Quad Preamp

I'll just talk about the recording output, which I think is the main strength of this preamp.

By connecting any transistor amplifier (sound system, hi-fi, etc ...)
I get the same sound that my combo mesa, so no need to light amplification with a bored (I sold the combo):

1) a very low volume sounds trs, not like an amp so light
2) you can connect the sound system in concert live
3) recording without microphone

I've never seen another Systm that does not sound synthetic tube without amplification.

UTILIZATION

Lots of buttons looks like me 14 years

SOUNDS

It is an old Mesa Boogie, not at all a correction. For me it's not a prampli "high gain" and even a guitar will be a hard bourricaut him out of distos standards. Trs should say good for playing the heavy old metallica / megadeth no more.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 2 years.
Another default: it is not reliable trs (see forum) and difficult rpar (a specialist in lectronicien tube amps tried to explain why a story ... 'octocouple ... I understood nothing). Once a channel is stuck another it does not turn ... I must say that lugs around a lot! By contrast against an amp, almost no wear of the lamps. On mine I still have the old Telefunken with more than 20 years and still sounds as well.

I am sr other preamp are better than my quad, but it suits me so what good dpenser more money? Small deficits default I did not enlvent its wide range of his output and his magical recording!

(Originally written by aliascross/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Guitar preamp with eight 12AX7 tubes.

Two channels and six modes that can be used simultaneously!

Non-switchable FX loop

Main and Rec stereo outputs

UTILIZATION

The settings could be finer... especially the volume knobs!

Channel 2 is not so loud (volume) as channel 1! (it's enervating...)

SOUNDS

Like the previews review, I find this preamp works best when used directly with a mixer. The sound is really nice (better than a POD2, XT or X3) and very authentic. I compared this application with an amp + cabinet + mic setup and the sound is very similar.

It's obviously possible to get better results in the second application but you'll have to use several mics and fine tune their position.

This preamp gives rather average results with a power amp (VHT BB) + cabinets (NOS v30 and G12h100)... To be compared with a CAE 3+SE, which sounds much better in this configuration).

I give it a 10 when connected directly to a mixer and a 6 with an amp.

OVERALL OPINION

I recommend you to connect it directly to a mixer! In such a setup the sound is much better than with a CAA 3+SE plus a Palmer PGA-05. On the contrary, when connected to a power amp the 3+SE is great compared to the Quad...

So I give it a 10 when directly connected to a mixer and 6 with an amp.

(Originally written by aliascross/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Guitar preamp with eight 12AX7 tubes.

2 channels / 6 modes that can be used at the same time!

Non-switchable FX loop

Main and Rec stereo outputs

UTILIZATION

I find the settings could be finer... especially the volume knobs!

Channel 2 is not so loud (when it comes to volume) as channel 1! (it's annoying...)

SOUNDS

I find this preamp's MAIN advantage is when you use it directly with a mixer. The results sound really nice (better than a POD2, XT or X3) and quite believable. I did a comparison between the DI application and a setup with an amp + cabinet + mic, and the results are very similar.

You can surely get better results but you'll have to use several mics and adjust their position.

This preamp gives rather average results with a power amp (VHT BB) + cabinets (NOS v30 and G12h100)... Compared to a CAE 3+SE which sounds much better in this configuration).

I give it a 10 when directly connected to a mixer and 6 with an amp.

OVERALL OPINION

I recommend it for direct connection to a mixer! In this configuration, the sound is much better than with a 3+SE or a Palmer PGA-05 for example. On the contrary, the 3+SE is great with a power amp + cabinets.

So I give it a 10 when directly connected to a mixer and 6 with an amp.