The ADA MP-1 preamp

firegarden · #1 03-22-2001, 04:12 AM

After looking at recent postings at Ebay of the ADA MP-1 preamp, I'm deciding if I should get one to replace the distortion in my BOSS GX700. Is it a choice that is worth the $150 (S$200+) or am I better off sticking with the BOSS. I'm looking for a super warm tone which the BOSS can't really get. So what's the verdict??? Is the newer MP-2 better???

armindo__dias · #2 03-22-2001, 06:23 AM

Hi,

i've never owned/heard the MP-1, but i've heard the MP-2. I was just scanning to the presets in the store i dind't try him "really" good. But it had a great tone, with a very powerfull distortion, very good.

Recently, i had the chance to buy an MP-1 and a Rocktron Voodu Valve (whitout hearing them live). I decided to buy the Voodu Valve. And i'm extremely happy with it. Super versatile. Fabulous distortion sounds and it's completely controllable from a MIDI foot controller like the ART X-15 (wich i have and suits the Voodu Valve perfectly). But i don't know though the second hand prices of the Voodu these days, it may be too high if you don't want to spend too much money.

But to me, the great distortion sound, the extra effects and the extra versatility of the Voodu makes the money well spent.

But that's my opinion...
Armindo

gkelm · #3 03-22-2001, 11:18 AM

The MP-1 was great in its time, and I think it's still a good unit. *You should be able to find one for less than $150...mine got replace a while back with a Rocktron Piranha. *I've found that a real key with rack gear is the quality of the power amp...makes a big diff in overall tone.
Greg

big al · #4 03-22-2001, 01:22 PM

My MP-1 served me well for years. I cannot compare it to other preamps since it's the only one I used in my rack. Once everyone got away from using rack stuff, I replaced it with an amp head w/a multi-fx.
The MP-1 had great distortion and was great since you could quickly change presets. If you get one, take your time tweaking it to get the sound you want. I had mine for two years before someone showed me how to get better gain !

firegarden · #5 03-22-2001, 09:30 PM

Thanks guys, looks like I'll be getting one soon then to add to my setup, which consists of a BOSS GX700 and a GT-5 through a vintage Marshall Super Lead. I hope I can now get a more perfect sound.

gkelm · #6 03-23-2001, 11:19 AM

Hey Firegarden...I just saw an MP-1 on Yahoo classifieds for $125. *Do a search & investigate.
Greg

maxax · #7 03-26-2001, 08:28 PM

The ADA MP-1....ultra classic....when it came to metal...this was the king of the pre-amps. *I've had my MP-1 for about 8 years now...and am still using it. *My MP-1 has played a zillion gigs and has been absolutely flawless....I have heard of other people having trouble with them....but not me....I think a lot of it has to do with just taking care of your equipment! *Anyhow...I was a child of the 80's and early 90's...(of course we play current 2000 stuff in my band now...we have evolved with the music)...anyway...back when I first got my MP-1...on any pedal, amp, pre-amp, whatever, the distortion knobs were set at 10!!! *And that still wasn't enough....anyhow....my MP-1 was the first thing I've ever heard that had so much gain, so much distortion, that I've never run it at 10. *A couple of solid 8.5's or 7's (if you had an MP-1 that might mean a little more to you)...but that level will knock your head off. *Anyhow....bottom line is.....the MP-1 produces some great distorted tones....mild to extreme...however it's not without some draw backs....the number one of which is...IT IS NOISY!!!! *Don't plan on banging a chord, *then stop, and say lay your palm lightly over the strings to get quiet during a break, or some pause in the song....nope, not gonna work if your distortion on the MP-1 is cranked....to go from flat out distorted to quiet...you have to hit another patch on your foot pedal and click over to a clean program. *Anyhow...is it worth it....well obviously I think so....I've been doing my little circus pedal board act for 8 years now....also....a BBE Sonic Maximizer seems to almost be the required add on for the MP-1....put the two together...and they will flat out kick...but I've never run my MP-1 without the maximizer. * So there's my two cents worth....and for $125 if you can find one in good condition...it would be worth every penny! *Oh, one other thing...you know...sometimes just out of luck....or the planets aligned or whatever....nothing seems to beat the original....like Coke & New Coke....the MP-1 orginal issue....is the machine....not the MP-2, and not the MP-1 Classic....they tried to tweak the thing....but it didn't match the original, metal died, the MP-2 was a bust....and ADA slowly went bankrupt....it's too bad! *The ADA MP-1 definitely has it's place in amp history if you will....if there was an Amp Hall of Fame...the MP-1 would definitely be in there!

(Edited by maxax at 8:31 pm on Mar. 26, 2001)

tomizm · #8 03-27-2001, 12:23 AM

Yep, I have to agree it's noisy. *I auditioned one for a few days.
With the distortion up pretty high, it's pretty hissy and hummy.

big al · #9 03-27-2001, 01:05 PM

Maxax-
What kind of power amp do you use with your MP-1?

maxax · #10 03-27-2001, 08:16 PM

I actually have quite a number of processors and other gear that my signal runs through in my rack....I have a 16 space rack and it's all full (and heavy). *The final power amp however (perhaps surprisingly) is a solid state 500 watt MOSFET Amp from Carvin - Carvin doesn't make this particular model any more though. *You know, like something you would have in your PA amp rack. *It was just something I tried years ago...and I liked it! *Through the years I have gotten quite a few compliments on my tone...and I'm not running a tube power amp. *Surprises a lot of people.