Marshall JMP1 preamp + Tech21 Power Engine 60 = - good idea

bduersch · #1 03-22-2002, 07:44 PM

Here's my latest idea, which is probably no less out there than most ideas I've had here recently...

Having just got a new rig (Triaxis/2:90, lots of FX) for performance & rehearsing, I'm in the market for a scaled-down backup rig. At first I was looking at tubey 1x12 combos, but everything I found I either didn't like the sound of or didn't want to invest that much in a backup rig.

But driving home from work today I had this idea...

I have a Marshall JMP1 preamp that I bought for recording, but couldn't justify buying a separate cab & power amp just for it. But I just discovered the Tech 21 Power Engine 60, which sounds pretty sweet on paper at least... 60w power amp (with EQ) and 12" speaker all in one cabinet. It sounds like it's designed to work as a slave amp to the Tech 21 Trademark amps, but also says that it could be used with any preamp. Hmmm...

Has anybody tried one of these yet? For only $300 new, it seems like a good deal, and I've never been disappointed with any Tech 21/Sansamp gear yet. Seems like that and the JMP1 (and some sort of footswitch, perhaps) would be enough to get the job done.

Any comments on Power Engine 60 would be appreciated.

Thanks!
--Brent

Polaris20 · #2 03-22-2002, 10:07 PM

I'd be interested to hear what the results are as well. I thought about getting one too, to use with my POD as a back up to my L6 Flextone XL. I'd retain nearly my original tone, in a smaller package.

bduersch · #3 03-23-2002, 01:01 AM

I've been poking around all day... I wish I could find a used one. Then again, for $300 new, it can't suck that much (can it?).

If I pick one up anytime soon, I'll post a review. I could give it a good workout, between the Marshall JMP1, the Triaxis, and the J-Station (heck, I could even use my Rockman X100 if it wasn't fried).

--B

Soup Kitchen Studios · #4 03-23-2002, 01:15 AM

I had one for a while... it's a nice little amp. *I used a POD with mine and it sounded good, but not as good as my flextone II. * I thought the speakers high end response was medicore, everything sounded heavy and dark... distortion didn't really "cut" if you know what I mean. *And yes, I turned "AIR" off on the pod

Getthis · #5 03-23-2002, 01:25 AM

(Edited by getthis at 12:26 am on Mar. 23, 2002)

Kevan · #6 03-23-2002, 09:11 AM

Brent- my "dream" mini rig would be my 2101A with a Power Engine. *Put the 2101A in a Mesa soft-rack case (shoulder strap kind) and carry the PE in the other hand. *One trip from the car! *:-) *Foot controllable, really good FX, nice tone from the amp, and loud enough to cut thru the rest of the band (even an XLR out if I want to go direct to the board).

I think you're on the right path. *I too have nothing but good things to say about the Tech21/Sansamp gear. *It's never let me down and brought me good tone at a reasonable price.

jclogston · #7 03-23-2002, 03:59 PM

Thought about that myself - get a power engine along with either a psa-1 or ada mp-1 for a nice compact rig...but ended but getting a used peavey bravo instead.
but would be interested in the results

jeff