ADA MP-1 vs Marshall JMP-1

[jabps]

I tried to like the JMP-1 but could not get nice distortion tones out of it. Different voicings/modes of a Mesa 2:90 did not help it either. Triaxis I liked a lot… would be interesting to test out the MP-1!

I just needed more out of the JMP-1 and at that time I didn't want the core Marshall tone. Not to mention I was dead set against using OD's to get more. The Triaxis was to wholly for me which has always been more problem with Mesa in general.

Again, a good OD probably fixes issues with both but my frame of mind at that time, I just wasn't going to do it. Oddly that's carried over even to today as I prefer amps where I do not need an OD for anything.

 

[jabps]

Had both. Both were solid. Neither was exceptional. That said, most preamps leave something to be desired IMO.

I don't disagree and which has been my hesitation with the Synergy stuff. Closest I found though was the Langner pre-amps. Running that through the Peavey Stereo 120 power amp was beastly. That said though, the moment I dialed in a 5150, it was everything I ever wanted in high gain at that time, the rack pre and power amps were history.

 

[Jakem]

I just needed more out of the JMP-1 and at that time I didn't want the core Marshall tone. Not to mention I was dead set against using OD's to get more. The Triaxis was to wholly for me which has always been more problem with Mesa in general.

Again, a good OD probably fixes issues with both but my frame of mind at that time, I just wasn't going to do it. Oddly that's carried over even to today as I prefer amps where I do not need an OD for anything.

Indeed, I was also against using boosts or similar with a preamp/amp to get tone I liked.

 

[Kordoba]

I used ADA rigs back in the day. I sold them, except my MP-2 which still works last I checked.

I wouldn't pay too much for a MP-1 or JMP-1 today unless you want authentic late '80s tones.

I'd buy a Fractal or Helix; even the ISP Theta Pro is a better option IMO (I have the Pro and MSX, Michael Sweet versions)

Never played the Micheal Sweet ISP, but there are some good clips out there. Would like to grab one at some point.

 

[Jakem]

Had both. Both were solid. Neither was exceptional. That said, most preamps leave something to be desired IMO.

My experience has been the same. I was able to test my old Triaxis/2:90 rack rig against my friend’s MarkIV for hours and whilst the tone was in the same ballpark the rack rig’s feel was not the same; it was missing bounce/chewiness the IV had. I don’t know how to better describe it.

 

[rsm]

Never played the Micheal Sweet ISP, but there are some good clips out there. Would like to grab one at some point.

I got the ISP Theta Pro Micheal Sweet for a great price in like new condition. It's '80s hair and thrash in a box. I liked it enough that I went looking for the smaller, newer MSX and found one open box or used - also at a great price.

Both are like a rack preamp and effects in a floorboard. The cab sims are limited but sound good. I use them like a preamp/effects without the cab sim into my Engl E850/100 power amp and a pair of Engl Pro 2x12 cabs.

 

[Kordoba]

I got the ISP Theta Pro Micheal Sweet for a great price in like new condition. It's '80s hair and thrash in a box. I liked it enough that I went looking for the smaller, newer MSX and found one open box or used - also at a great price.

Both are like a rack preamp and effects in a floorboard. The cab sims are limited but sound good. I use them like a preamp/effects without the cab sim into my Engl E850/100 power amp and a pair of Engl Pro 2x12 cabs.

Is the MSX lacking any features from the bigger box?

 

[Rackman]

These days I would just grab a Synergy Syn- 2.

Yup - if you want Marhshall get a Syn-2 with a JMP or JCM800 module and either a SLOII, Killer Kali, or Uberschall for high gain. You'll have a 4-channel setup that beats any of the named rack units and any released Marshall preamp section to date.