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.

 

[legend71]

I wanted an ADA so bad when I was a kid. Never had the cash for it. I thought the switching of sounds on it was so cool. Now I can get one but I seem to want simple amps now and simple pedals. I guess I got old hahah. Jimi Hazel used an ADA and I was a big fan back then.

 

[grrr_me_scary]

They are both great preamps but my personal preference would be the JMP-1.

I have used one for 20+ years, and I had learned to dial in the JMP-1 to get stellar guitar tones out of the unit by tube swapping the preamp tubes.

Anyone that didn't like the JMP-1 probably didn't swap out those preamp tubes.

It makes a HUGE difference.

I had purchased a used one three years ago from Reverb, and it sounded "HORRIBLE" to me until I swapped out the preamp tubes, and redialed in the settings on the unit with the new preamp tubes.

The clean is nothing exceptional until you place an EQ unit in the effects loop, then you can get some great clean tones (I would never use the effects loop for anything except for an EQ).

In a few weeks, I'll be taking out the MP-1 to compare with the JMP-1, and it's possible I might feel differently since our tastes, and even hearing, changes over time, so I'll update here anything that might help someone decide to try one (or both).

 

[Greazygeo]

Never had a JMP-1 but have had a few MP-1’s. The cleans are great. The gain tones don’t sound Marshall to me at all. The first one I bought brand new. It was better than the Kasha Rockmod 1. Both had a similar smooth attack I didn’t like. MP-1 is very noisy too, had to use a Hush with it.
Bought another one a few years ago…didn’t sound any better to me so away it went too.

 

[heath]

I've owned the ADA mp1 for about 21 years now. Like most preamps it is going to be VERY dependent on what power amp you plug it through. Probably my favorite preamp. It does that Nuno/Paul Gilbert sound in spades in it's stock variety. Noisy, but some great tones.

Mine has been modded a few times now. The first mod I tried was the 3.666 mod which turned it into a very modern recto-ish sound. I eventually decided I wanted a more british voice from it, so I did the mod 4.2 mod without removing the main board changes from the 3.6 mod. I called it the 4.6 mod. This was my main preamp for years and sounded like a boosted 5150 III blue channel, but with a distinct marshall snarl in the upper mids.

Unfortunately, the transformer failed and it has proven difficult to find parts to fix it. Luckily, I have a few tonex captures of it from before it died.

 

[eero]

to the OP these are my 0,2:
I've owned the JMP-1 for over 30 years. IME the trick with cleans, both 1 and 2, is to significantly increase the gain control, I mean like 15-16, and set the output to balance.
Also, as mentioned, the choice of power amp is crucial.
I think maybe the weak link in your whole rig might be the Marshall 20/20, for me was the Mesa 20/20 (too boxy)
best of luck

 

[jabps]

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.

To me, rack pre's/power amps didn't feel "connected" when you played them side by side with an amp. On their own they sound fine but in comparison with an amp head, it's just a little different. That's what happened to me with the OG 5150, had all this rack gear, good friend bought the OG and I played them side by side for several hours. Went an ordered an OG the next day.

 

[harddriver]

To me, rack pre's/power amps didn't feel "connected" when you played them side by side with an amp. On their own they sound fine but in comparison with an amp head, it's just a little different. That's what happened to me with the OG 5150, had all this rack gear, good friend bought the OG and I played them side by side for several hours. Went an ordered an OG the next day.

Exactly my experience with every rack Preamp and separate power amp setup I've owned and played through. As you stated the rack preamp setup always had that disconnected feel like it wasn't interacting with the power amp section like it does in a regular where the power amp is hardwired to the preamp circuitry.

I never could put my finger on it I jest knew it was missing something overall versus my regular amp setups.

I've played the JMP preamps and I felt they were kinda flat sounding not all that impressive when compared to a standard amp. I do kinda like the ADA MP1 tones and thought about picking one up but I'm pretty happy with all my amps and they get all the tones I like. My Luthier loves his MP1's.

 

[Shask]

Exactly my experience with every rack Preamp and separate power amp setup I've owned and played through. As you stated the rack preamp setup always had that disconnected feel like it wasn't interacting with the power amp section like it does in a regular where the power amp is hardwired to the preamp circuitry.

I never could put my finger on it I jest knew it was missing something overall versus my regular amp setups.

I've played the JMP preamps and I felt they were kinda flat sounding not all that impressive when compared to a standard amp. I do kinda like the ADA MP1 tones and thought about picking one up but I'm pretty happy with all my amps and they get all the tones I like. My Luthier loves his MP1's.

I find rack systems to be tighter and clearer, and heads to be bigger and fatter.

Depending on my mood I prefer one or the other. My Syn-2 into a 100w power amp gets a tightness and clarity my full heads cant get, at least not without boost pedals and EQs.

 

[fek]

Always wanted the ADA MP-1. Almost went full ADA as a graduation present to myself back in the day. Bought a Tremoverb half stack brand new instead. Good choice looking back on it. I like the simplicity of knobs I guess.

 

[Monkey Man]

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.

Best damned chorus effect I've ever heard in a hardware unit.

 

[ultimatemetalguitartones]

I had both and preferred the ADA. That being said, the Mesa Boogie Quad owns them both. More organic, articulate and raw sounding. If you are looking for a cheap alternative, get the ISP Theta preamp.

 

[Little B]

The jmp1 and ada thru a vht classic power amp is thee bomb.On certain days I actually prefer that over my 2203 and 2210 jcm heads.
---the " disconnected feel" that some experience can absolutely be 98.9% gone if you have the right tubes,and the right poweramp bringing it all together. ---
I've experienced that disconnection before too- decades ago,many moons ago when I first jumped into rack gear via late 80s.I was lucky to acquire a 2203,2210 and slo back then.
Here's some setups I've acquired that I actually prefer over said heads at times:
-X88r into a vht 2150
-Mesa quad or triaxis into a strategy 400 or 500
-ada 3tm or jmp1 into a vht 2100 or 2-50-2