ADA Depot - A Forum To Support Users of ADA Amplification Gear
ADA Preamps => Original MP-1 => Topic started by: Moff40 on January 17, 2022, 04:23:49 PM
-
Hello fellow ADAers!
Trying to figure out a power amp solution for my MP-1. Tube power is becoming hard to find (although I did come across a Mesa 50/50, but the seller wants $900 Canadian for it). I can’t justify that purchase for something I may not use much. For my Kemper and the ElevenRack before that, I use an ART SLA-1, but both of those units have power amp emulation built in. Cabinet is a Mesa Recto horizontal 2x12 loaded with G12T-75s. I also have a Tech 21 Power Engine that’s been collecting dust since retiring the POD stuff ages ago.
So here’s the question: Has anyone here used and SLA1 or Power Engine with their Mp-1, and if so, what were your thoughts. Is having tube power going to make THAT much of a difference?
Thanks
-
Hey Moff40, tubes make a bit of difference although there are some amps that really seem to suit the MP-1/MP-2. The ADA B200s works fantastically, then that's what it was designed for. I also use a Carvin TS100 (all tube, mine has 6L6's but you can run EL34's in it). It also sounds great with my MP-2 rig, 2 RU and not as heavy as some tube amps. I wouldn't say the Carvin is better than the B200s, maybe a little warmer :dunno: . Currently I have a Carvin DCM 200L in my live rack. It also sound good, and 1 RU and very light. There's a bunch of posts about different amps that work well (and some don't work so well :facepalm: ). If you can run the cab stereo it will make a big difference, even if there is no separation between the speakers.
-
The MP-1 is designed to give you that ratty gain from the 80s, and IMHO, it can be a challenge to get the bottom end big enough for today's sounds. A tube power amp would certainly help that, but I would imagine an EQ would too. :dunno:
-
I’m more a classic rock/blues rock guy anyway, so I’m not looking for that Recto “thump”, more a Plexi / pushed Deluxe Reverb kind of thing (which by the way, this thing does in spades, paired with the CAB M into Logic). I’ll just wait till I have an opportunity to crank it up and check the “real world” tone. :)
The Power Engine has some EQ on it, so I may be able to compensate to a degree.
-
Just to follow up on this… Not long ago, I was hosting the blues jam at a local watering hole, and took the MP-1 and Power Engine (and I brought my Deluxe Reverb too for the “purists” who don’t like to use anything but a Fender amp). I was getting compliments on my tone from everybody, including the purists and the FOH guy. I fed the FOH via the Two Notes, and stage through the Power Engine. Minimal EQing required on the Power Engine (but I had already pulled the stock soeaker in favour of a G12T-75).
Short answer: it works well, maybe not as well as a tube power amp, but very useable.
-
Cool, good to hear :thumb-up:
-
Cool, good to hear :thumb-up:
+1 :thumb-up:
-
That does it. Time to sell the MicroTubes and speaker cabs....then pick up two Tech 21 Power Engine combos ^-^
Don't get me started, I can be easily persuaded to go down big rabbit holes