Need rig advise... - I need help, in more ways than one prob

toshiro · #1 02-12-2002, 01:07 AM

Hey, hopefully you guys could help me decide, because I'm caught in the middle..

I've been running my J-Station/BBE/ADA-Microtube rig for a while now, and while I like it okay, I'm thinking of using something else for jam sessions/etc.. Looking at the cost of a J8 controller($180), I think I'd be better served to get something else and leave the J-Station to recording duties..

So, here's the problem:

Do I get;

A)Digitech GNX2, same basic sound I have now, but with control and Whammy

B)TubeWorks Real Tube II, Alesis MidiverbII + cheap midi controller

C)ADA MP1 and Alesis 'verb + controller

D)Tech21 Tri-AC and Alesis 'verb + controller

Any of these would be run into a BBE 422 S.Max., and an ADA Microtube 200 into a 2-12 cab.

I find myself only using the Fender clean, and Marshall+Mesa dirty tones in the J-Station.. I really only need three sounds, so it seems overkill to use the JS for anything but just recording..

So, what does everyone think? I might be getting into a thrash band in the next couple months, and I think one of these rigs would serve me well for rehersal/club gigs.. I really like the Tech21 stuff, and the Tubeworks, haven't heard much of the MP1.. I need three sounds: 1)A usable clean, 2)A thick Mesa-like distorted rhythm tone, and 3)a ripping Marshall-shred lead tone.. A lot to ask for, huh.. The tones don't have to be exact copies, just similar, and be somewhat more upfront/responsive than the J-Station.

P.S. Anyone here ever tried using a DS1, or Tubescreamer, into any tube-preamp/soldstate poweramp, or Tech21 rigs, as a clean boost for leads? Did it work, or is this a bad idea?

Thanks guys.. :biggrin:

Gresh · #2 02-12-2002, 09:49 AM

You want a good solid sounding pre-amp for not a ton of cash is the way I read your post. *Several options: *Any mesa pre-amp (used ones with the variety of tones you need run from $350-$800), Marshall JMP-1, Hafler Triple Giant (if you can find one), any Rivera rack mount stuff. *Since you already have some modelling stuff, I would go full tube so that you have the best of both worlds. *Problem is that running a full tube pre into the microtube power amp might choke the tone a little, but you could upgrade the power amp later.

rgr · #3 02-12-2002, 11:47 AM

Option C would be the best choice to me of the ones listed. *The ADAs are good sounding preamps and that setup will be the most "real amp" like. *

$0.02,
Roger

jem777az · #4 02-12-2002, 12:14 PM

Without a doubt get the MP-1 preamp and run it through the Microtube. *I had this setup a few yrs ago and it sounds great. *The MP-1 is the best preamp out there for the money IMO. *You can easily get one for $100-150 and the great thing is its midi controllable.

Good Luck!

Chris

nuno · #5 02-12-2002, 05:00 PM

MP-1!

musicdr · #6 02-12-2002, 05:27 PM

The mp1 one is good,but the mp2 is better and can be had for a similar amount of cash.With built in chorus and delay and midi-control,it's a bargain.

**cerealk** · #7 02-12-2002, 06:22 PM

I also say go for the ADA MP-1-they are great

best wishes

Simon

toshiro · #8 02-12-2002, 10:34 PM

Well, gee, sounds like the MP1 is a sure bet.. I think we have a beat-up one somewhere in the shop, so I'll find it and run it against the TubeWorks soon.. :biggrin: Too bad the store is a total wreck right now, or I'd do this tomorrow.. I love the RealTubeII, so if the MP1 can kill it side by side, then I'll definitely get the ADA..

So no one likes the Tech21 Tri-AC? I love their GT2 and Tademark 10, so this seemed like a nice pedal.. Like a three channel GT2.. Oh well..

Thanks a bunch guys!

nuno · #9 02-13-2002, 05:46 AM

musicdr,
the MP-2 has something more, but the MP-1/MP-1 Classic sound waaay better. no comparisons.

toshiro · #10 02-15-2002, 05:41 AM

Update:

Well, the MP1 we *had* in the shop is a no-go.. It's as dead as a doornail.

I borrowed the TubeWorks for the weekend, to give it a good trial.. Plugged it in tonight for about an hour, and I love the stacked feature's tone.. :biggrin: Sounds great! Probably gonna get it, and just use the clean + stacked channels, then run a boost in front for leads.

So, being the thrash/death metalhead I am, what should I get for a colored clean/slightly distorted boost pedal? DS-1? Rat? OD-1? TS9(7)? An EQ? That Boss feedbacker-distortion? Something else? :help:

And, finally, is the Midiverb(II, III, or IV) a good choice for a cheap effects unit? I've been debating either it, the Behringer Virtualizer, Digitech TSR12, or an ART of some type.. Looking for something under $150, preferably used.. That way, if I hate it, I can get close to what I paid for it..

Any suggestions? I don't even know if the Alesis will do what I want, I need two basic chains: Chorus + Reverb, or Chorus + Delay + Reverb..

Thanks for all the help.. Sometimes just talking, or reading comments, helps for me..

JESTER700 · #11 02-15-2002, 08:03 AM

I'd vote for SansAmp's PSA1 preamp. *Even though it's not tube, I liked it better than the ADA I heard. *

Disclaimer: I think the ADA WAS the MP2, and I didn't play with it much, so the settings may have been terrible. *So don't use my experience as any real comparison. *I CAN say the PSA1 sounds great. I can ALSO say you'll probably pay 2x the amount of an MP1 for it.