ADA MP-1 vs. ADA MP-2 - Wich one wins?

armindo__dias · #1 06-26-2001, 05:02 PM

I'm in the process of deciding to buy an ADA MP-1 or an
MP-2 (both for great prices). So, for those who have one of these pre-amps, i woul like to hear some of your opinions.

I love those 80's, early 90's, metal sound. I love Testament's sound in "Practice what you preach", Extreme, Metallica (although they used Mesa/Boogies too). So, my primary interest in the ADA would be the distortions, although the clean sounds are also welcome.

The ADA MP-1 is the "classic" pre-amp. No other pre-amp can touch the status that the MP-1 has. But, whenever i heard someone who uses ADA, it uses the MP-1 and not the MP-2. As a proof, i don't know any band/player who uses the MP-2 (although this doesn't necessarily means anything...)

Also, i read in Harmony-Central great reviews about the MP-1, but mixed reviews about the MP-2. Wich really confuses me more.

I confess that i'm more tempted to buy ther MP-2 because it has nore amp voicings and ir more recent that the MP-1. But i would buy the MP-1 if it sounds better than the MP-2. So here's my question: is the the MP-1 better than the MP-2? Can i with the MP-2 achieve the great sounds of the MP-1, or is the MP-1 a classic that cannot be imitated (even the MP-2)? Is the MP-2 a pre-amp with the same sounds as the MP-1 or is completely different? Does the MP-2 sounds better/the same/worse than the MP-1? Is the MP-2 basically an MP-1 with more options and amp voicings but with the same sounds as the MP-1 (and then some more)?

I cannot compare them side by side, or even hear them. So i'm asking you all these questions. I know that, from what i hear in records, that i love the MP-1 sound. But like i said, the MP-2 is more tempting because it has more amp-voicings. Wich one should i get? The much beloved MP-1 or the MP-2? Is the MP-2 a pre amp in the same league as the MP-1 or is a "cheaper" version of the MP-1?

Armindo Dias

bammbamm · #2 06-26-2001, 06:15 PM

Armindo, I have had both, and I would pick the MP-1 every time. The 2 had some good ideas, but the way that they were implemented did not work as well as it should have. It takes MUCh more time and energy to get a decent live sound dialed up on the 2 as opposed to the Mp-1. I would still have my Mp-1 if I hadn't bought a triaxis. It is a GREAT unit, but I would avoid the Mp-1 "Classic" version, it has less gain than the original. Plusses of the Mp-2 are stereo FX loop, built in Wah, chorus, noise gate, and tremolo. They all work nicely, but the main tone leaves MUCH to be desired.
My 2 cents.
Bamm

armindo__dias · #3 06-29-2001, 11:43 AM

bammbamm,

you said that the MP-2 has a tone that leaves much to be desired. Can you please be more specific (like the distortion is muddier, not tight, less gain)?

you also said that you need more energy to dial a good sound than on the MP-1. But would you say that the good sound is as good as the MP-1?

Thanks.