Kettner access preamp for thrash

[ultimatemetalguitartones]

Once again I've been looking for a preamp to be using through the fx loop of my mark III. Has anyone used the access preamp for 80s 90s thrash? How's the low end ? I ve read that the tones sit between a marshall and a boogie. Others say it's the poor man's triaxis lol

 

[Jack Luminous]

I had two H&K Access over the years (and a Triaxis too). The Access does sound great for 80s thrash or early 90s death-metal. Cynic first album, Focus, was recorded with an Access. Here's what I remember. First channel is solid-state clean, very clean but totally OK. Second channel is crunch up to VH if you engage the mid-boost (there's a programmble mid-boost per preset). Third channel goes all the way to death-metal. Not nearly as modern sounding (not as dry) as some recent things but really brutal. Tons of low-end if needed. The overall character is middle-ground between Marshall and Mesa... More kerrrang than a Mesa but less than a proper 2203.

 

[ultimatemetalguitartones]

I had two H&K Access over the years (and a Triaxis too). The Access does sound great for 80s thrash or early 90s death-metal. Cynic first album, Focus was recorded with an Access. Here's what I remember. First channel is solid-state clean, very clean but totally OK. Second channel is crunch up to VH if you engage the mid-boost (there's a programmble mid-boost per preset). Third channel goes all the way to death-metal. Not nearly as modern sounding (not as dry) as some recent things but really brutal. Tons of low-end if needed. The overall character is middle-ground between Marshall and Mesa... More kerrrang than a Mesa but less than a proper 2203.

Thx man! Do you remember which versions you had? The seller told me it's the 1st one. How does it compare to the triaxis? I used to have one and I really liked the green lead channel!

 

[Jack Luminous]

I had one of each version, soundmodule A then soundmodule B. To be honest, it wasn't that different. Soundmodule B had slightly more gain and sounded more modern but it wasn't like a night and day difference, just more of the same. It's different from the Triaxis in that you could do a convincing VH impersonation with the second channel of the Access, whereas the Triaxis is strictly Mesa. The Triaxis doesn't sound anywhere near a Marshall. It sounds really great but I guess an Access would give you more versatility with the Mark III.

 

[ultimatemetalguitartones]

I had one of each version, soundmodule A then soundmodule B. To be honest, it wasn't that different. Soundmodule B had slightly more gain and sounded more modern but it wasn't like a night and day difference, just more of the same. It's different from the Triaxis in that you could do a convincing VH impersonation with the second channel of the Access, whereas the Triaxis is strictly Mesa. The Triaxis doesn't sound anywhere near a Marshall. It sounds really great but I guess an Access would give you more versatility with the Mark III.

Thx a lot again! I think I should just pull the trigger! Worst case I will end up selling it!

 

[Dave L]

It is definitely a good preamp. Maybe not great, but since they sell for €300 or so they at least are a great value.

 

[ultimatemetalguitartones]

It is definitely a good preamp. Maybe not great, but since they sell for €300 or so they at least are a great value.

Yeah I just pulled the trigger and bought it! I'm gonna be posting some clips as soon as it arrives!

 

[Wayniac3]

I ran one back in the day.. .fully capable of thrash tones.

 

[Jack Luminous]

You won't be disappointed !

 

[ultimatemetalguitartones]

Thx a lot guys! Let's hope it will arrive soon enough! I'll be posting lots of clips!

 

[ultimatemetalguitartones]

Well here it is! 1st time recording this beast of a preamp!

 

[moltenmetalburn]

I just got a rocktron valvesonic plexi preamp for $319 all in. Does 80s thrash in spades.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rocktron-Valve ... 0171.m2965