Guitar Preamp options?

[rsm]

I'm looking at rack guitar preamp options for my G-System direct board. I have a JMP-1 and an ADA MP-2; I've owned MP-1's and PSA 1.1 before.

My current short list:

1) Engl E530 (Pros: 1U, two channels with two voicings really all I need; cons: no MIDI / presets)
2) Mesa Triaxis (Pros: 1U, many voicings, MIDI, and presets; cons: not really a big Mesa fan, used and still around $1K; V2 with or without Phat Mod?)
3) Engle E570 (has everything and more - i.e., overkill for now, and it's expensive and 2U)
4) Voodoo Lab Preamp (not sure if the updated MIDI version will be released or when?)
5) Rocktron Gainiac 2 or Voodu Valve? I don't know much about these?


Anything else to consider?

Looking for good cleans and high-gain; if the crunch / low gain is good even better or if the clean takes pedals well (OD, Dist, Fuzz) that is good too. 1 U with recording/speaker sim outs required.

What is a good price on a Triaxis these days? Around $1200?

 

[millhouse]

You can go ahead and mark the Voodoo Lab preamp off the list if you are wanting the new one. I emailed them a couple of months ago, and was told, "No time in the foreseeable future." If you want the original one, there have been a couple on eBay as of late going for just below $400.

Jason

 

[Death by Uberschall]

Triaxis w/Phat Mod is a winner, I have one.

Rocktron Piranha would be my choice over the Ganiac 2 or Voodoo Valve. I have one.

 

[midnightlaundry]

I played an MP-1 than went to a Triaxis. My playing improved a ton because I learned to play a real amp, instead of having a truckload of fuzzy solid state distortion under my fingers to carry the notes.

 

[rsm]

Thanks.

Does the Phat Mod give more gain, these predate the dual rects IIRC?

On the Piranha...what do you like about it vs. the Ganiac 2? Even at $400 used, for a bit more I can get a new Engl E530 (with a 30 day return policy).

I used an MQ-1 graphic EQ with my MP-1 to shape/sharpen the tone to my liking, I prefer the MP-2 as there are more gain variations and a secondary EQ stage. I'm looking for something more modern than the MP-2 and JMP-1 I have.

What about the Engl E530?

 

[Spaceboy]

I was unimpressed with the E530 for high-gain, honestly. It was alright, but definitely leagues below the Engl heads. It was thin sounding, although clear as a bell. What about the Rockmaster?

 

[Death by Uberschall]

The Phat mod gets you closer to the Recto tones that were not in there from the factory.

The Gainiac is a simple 2-channel preamp, the Piranha is Midi switchable with preset abilities that get you many presets you can program. Much better sounding unit.

 

[JTyson]

If you can find one, a Langner DCP1 is the baddest pre I've ever heard. The gain channel is unbelievable. Great clean channel, a boost channel for leads w/fat control, and a midrange control that will rip your head clean off. My all-time fav preamp
no record outs though, and its 2u

 

[rsm]

thanks. 2U is fine, but I need recording outs since it will be part of a direct rig.

 

[Anonymous]

mako mak 4

 

[D-Nastee1]

Fish

 

[Spaceboy]

most di outs aren't that great on preamps but maybe look into a Palmer or two notes cab pedal

 

[robertkoa]

You should check out the Kasha Rockmod 3 - I'm going to at only $800 or less full 3 channel all tube .

And the Mako Mark 4 also -4 channels of all tube- not sure of the price but very reasonable.

 

[rsm]

Thanks for the info everyone. The Lagner, Mako and Fish are great suggestions...I'm keeping them on my list.

Kasha Rockmod 3 - that's a new one to me...I'll check it out too. Thanks

I've read mixed reviews on the E530, but most of the clips I've heard sounded fine to me.

I pulled the trigger on a Triaxis. Should be here early next week.

I suppose I should have asked if the Triaxis takes dirt pedals well before buying...guess I'll see first hand.

Probably "try" to sell my ADA MP-2, and maybe a few more things to offset this purchase. It was the heart of my main gigging rig back in the day, I'd hate to see it go (for any less than $400 that is! ).

 

[Death by Uberschall]

The Triaxis needs no boosting.

 

[verderacer]

I have a ADA 3TM and find it having as much gain as my Fortin modded Marshall, just different. They have some cross over points but the 3TM seems to have growl in the mid range that the Fortin does not.

 

[rsm]

The Triaxis needs no boosting.

But I have dirt pedals I dig, and would like to use.

 

[rsm]

I have a ADA 3TM and find it having as much gain as my Fortin modded Marshall, just different. They have some cross over points but the 3TM seems to have growl in the mid range that the Fortin does not.

Yes, I never opted for the 3TM on my MP-1's; interesting that this takes you into Fortin territory. I found the stock MP-1's lost some clarity at higher gain settings, does the 3TM help this any?

I have an MP-2 which relegated my MP-1 (and the MQ-1 I paired with it) to back up status, until I got my backup MP-2. At one time, I had at least three MP-1's all stock, and two MP-2's. The main MP-2 (which I still have), has the noise mod and a shortened power cord.

 

[jcj]

JMP-1?

 

[rsm]

JMP-1?

Got one, and the JFX-1 too. Sounds great, and it's a keeper, just looking for something different for me; not a big Mesa or Engl user so I started looking at their preamps, which got me to this point.

I think I was just GASing for a new tube preamp and found a plausible but lame excuse to get one. I'm happy with my direct G-System rig tones, but not the lack amp tone flexibility (I'm using Tech 21 Liverpool pedal as my "amp", and have to leave it on one setting or it will get interesting with my G-System patches)...and it seems I may be able to sell a few dirt pedals going to the Triaxis + G-System rig.