Modern / Hi-Gain preamp recommendations..

  • Thread starter Thread starter Klark
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Klark

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My new CAE custom switcher allows me to switch back & forth from two different preamps. I love my Egnater M4 for cleaner and more classic tones, but I was not totally happy with the modular modern/hi-gain offerings. I don't want to spent $2500 on a Fish, or $1700 on a 3+, simply because my band does very little modern or hi-gain needed material. I'm looking for something hopefully under $1200. Must be under 2 rack spaces. So far, I've come up with the following list, and these are NOT in order of my preference. I have only owned an MP1 and MP2.

ADA MP1, MP2, etc..
Marshall JMP1, 9001, etc..
Mesa Triaxis, Recto Recording, Twin Tube, Studio, etc..
Rocktron ProGap, Pirahna, Voodoo Valve, Gainiac, etc..
Soldano SP77, X88R
Voodoo Lab Guitar Preamp
Peavey Rockmaster
Sansamp?
Carvin?

Keep in mind this will pretty much be strictly for modern & hi-gain stuff, so I left out stuff like the Tube Driver, Matchless GPR, GT Trio, etc..

I also left out stuff like the Rocktron Prophecy, and Digitech GSP stuff because they're entirely too elaborate for what I need.

Feel free to recommend anything else, as the above list is all I could think of right now..
 
which modules you own?

another option is replace you poweramp with a mesa 2:90 or 2:100 and use the "modern" option on those tones you need.
 
Check out the Mako Mak 4 that will be hitting the streets very soon.
 
For modern high gain tones (which I read to be tones from the last decade, not the 80's and 90's), I would definitely steer clear of the Marshall 9001, Mesa Quad/Studio and Soldano SP-77/X88. Those will largely give you 80's and 90's tones.

In your price range, I would recommend the Mesa Recto Recording ($700 used), a Rocktron Piranha ($400?) or maybe even an Engl e530 ($450?). A lot of people have a love/hate relationship with the Rocktron and Engl, so I would personally recommed the Recto. Even if you don't particularly like the 'Red' channel Recto tone, the Vintage Hi Gain might get you right where you want to be.

The Triaxis is probably more than you need given the limited tones you are looking for.

Good luck!
 
Klark,
for the money and to give you modern metal tones, I think you can't beat the Rockmaster. Ya it may sound like the typical high gain Peavey half cocked wah thing but man for the money it rips!
 
rlord1974":3c1h8bpj said:
For modern high gain tones (which I read to be tones from the last decade, not the 80's and 90's), I would definitely steer clear of the Marshall 9001, Mesa Quad/Studio and Soldano SP-77/X88. Those will largely give you 80's and 90's tones.

In your price range, I would recommend the Mesa Recto Recording ($700 used), a Rocktron Piranha ($400?) or maybe even an Engl e530 ($450?). A lot of people have a love/hate relationship with the Rocktron and Engl, so I would personally recommed the Recto. Even if you don't particularly like the 'Red' channel Recto tone, the Vintage Hi Gain might get you right where you want to be.

The Triaxis is probably more than you need given the limited tones you are looking for.

Good luck!
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That's kind of what I was thinking. "Modern" tones are hard, because not too many new rack preamps have been introduced this decade :lol: :LOL: At least non-modeling. A lot of the ones mentioned may not get that modern, even if they are high-gain.

The Recto Preamp is one of the only ones that came to my mind as well. It seems like most others are huge (Mako), or Digital Modeling.

I think Peters might be coming out with some rack preamps? I think I read that somewhere...
 
Shask":2y08zz4s said:
I think Peters might be coming out with some rack preamps? I think I read that somewhere...
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Oh dear! Why did you have to tell me that?! Just when I thought I was good to go for awhile.... :scared:
 
If you can find one, I'd look for a Rocktron Piranha. I used to have one, and wish I still did. It was great. Totally owns the triaxis, at about 1/3 the price. Put some hot preamp tubes in it, and it will scream! The sweepable mid band is, IMO, what makes that preamp so great, alowing you to really dial in the kind of gain you're looking for.

$.02
 
rlord1974":2ywrf8jm said:
Shask":2ywrf8jm said:
I think Peters might be coming out with some rack preamps? I think I read that somewhere...
Click to expand...

Oh dear! Why did you have to tell me that?! Just when I thought I was good to go for awhile.... :scared:
Click to expand...

Yep, you're fucked. Peters Hydra, at your request.

front.jpg
 
fwiw, the Fish and 3+SE aren't really any more modern sounding to me than the EG5 module.

same goes for MOST of the preamps listed there. Soldano, ADA, Marshall, HK, etc



The most modern preamps I've owned or used:

Rocktron Piranha
Sansamp PSA1 (seriously)
Mesa Triaxis
Pearce G2P
Peavey Tube FEX
 
mhenson42":l21v85ki said:
Check out the Mako Mak 4 that will be hitting the streets very soon.
Click to expand...


And use the cash you saved to buy a new rack case... :rock:
 
guitarslinger":3fy5u3zp said:
fwiw, the Fish and 3+SE aren't really any more modern sounding to me than the EG5 module.

same goes for MOST of the preamps listed there. Soldano, ADA, Marshall, HK, etc



The most modern preamps I've owned or used:

Rocktron Piranha
Sansamp PSA1 (seriously)
Mesa Triaxis
Pearce G2P
Peavey Tube FEX
Click to expand...


Interesting. I have a Tech 21 PSA 1.1 that I've been using (on and off) for more vintage tones - though I recall several presets that were just high-gain mayhem (no longer into the modern metal / high-gain but I did metal, thrash, death/black metal up to the mid 90's) that I could have used back in the day. Not sure how modern the gain is, but there is gain on tap and then some. I picked mine up for about $400 on the bay, and I've seen early versions (PSA 1) go for around $200+. May not be a bad option to consider.

FWIW, I'm even thininkg of mounting my PSA 1.1 on my in-progress G-System board - it would fit; I could have one big board with controller, effects, preamp and stereo DI out to the board or one smaller board for the foot controller and a 3U-4U rack with power cond, preamp, G-System brains, pedals...decisions, decisions. Two smaller items or one big one? :confused: the G-System arrived today.
 
Why wouldn't you look into getting a modded module from one of the mod guys?....ignore if you've tried this route already.
 
JKD":1i07ud4i said:
Why wouldn't you look into getting a modded module from one of the mod guys?....ignore if you've tried this route already.
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I need all four of my module slots for classic/vintage tones, which my band does a lot of. I have a 2nd preamp loop, so I figured it's a perfect place for a modern hi-gain preamp.

Plus, I have to get these tones from the rest of my existing rig, so having a separate preamp that has more tweakability than a 5 knob module will definitely be beneficial.

Something single space is going to be ideal.
 
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