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ADA Preamps => Original MP-1 => Topic started by: jarrodthebobo on January 14, 2014, 10:45:02 AM

Title: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: jarrodthebobo on January 14, 2014, 10:45:02 AM
Hey guys Ah was just wondering how each of these mods sound in comparison to the stock ADA mp-1. Ah can't seem to find any demos of these mods, and only very brief descriptions on what they sound like. Was wondering if anyone who's done these mods would be willing to give me a glimpse unto what these mods do to the sound?

Ah'm very interested in performing the cathode follower mod aswell as the mark II as ah'm always chasing that cranked plexi/jcm800 tone and am not always 100% satisfied with the stock ADA mp-1 tone (Although it is pretty close).

Ah'd love a demo, or just an in depth description of these mods! Thankyou!

-Jarrod
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: AxeHarmony on January 17, 2014, 06:21:11 PM
the mod1 is browner grittier than the mod4 mk11 where the mod4 mk11 is a more modern higher gain saturated gain so YES you need to have both to cover all basis

and then make a 3.666 (but you need to switch patches for a good scooped rhythm tone and a good lead tone (secret - the 3,666 can make a nice lead tone, just dial it in from scratch, don't scoop tone...)

then get a 3TM

Done !     :metal:
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: trader144 on July 15, 2014, 10:18:06 AM
If I wanted to play and have od1 and od2 set around 2 to 3 for slightly gritty,  which is noticeable light distortion but not quite blues light, what mod would you recommend?

My mp-1 is stock and this level of distortion seems to be the worst sounding area from my mp-1.

Maybe I need to adjust or swap my trimpots. Tubes are new.

David
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: rnolan on July 16, 2014, 07:27:00 AM
Hey David
First thing I'd do is get the GMaj mixed in in parallel, not chain through it, Try taking it out so MP1 > Amp > cabs and compare, the difference is quite distinct/noticeable/better.
What tubes are you using ? For the sounds I think you are chasing I'd go with some Mullard short plates.
Mod I'd recommend is buy MP2 unless you want 3TM shredder. I had MP1 initially, now MP2, recently got to use my original MP1 for a bit and wanted more gain (i.e. understood why 3TM). IMHO MP2 is a much better/improved unit than stock MP1.
Cheers R
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: trader144 on July 16, 2014, 01:29:59 PM
Rnolan
Great advice on the mullards!
I am using a pair of matched Ruby HG's.
I am stuck with mono on stage.

From reading, it sounds like a mullard I61 and I63 are the way to go and try first.
I need a warm clean sound, a great low distortion sound, and 5150 for solos.

Any more free advice on the mullards?

David
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: rnolan on July 20, 2014, 07:12:59 AM
Got to go stereo on stage if you can  :thumb-up: . I've heard good things about Rubys' they test them well (they don't make them, often they're JJs). As all tubes, they have their strengths and weaknesses. If you want a low noise, warm, full balanced, 3D sound, I'd go the Mullards.
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: RobbHell on July 22, 2014, 02:37:09 PM
The whole thing with those Jcm's a lot used Clipping Diodes. A stock.refurbished Mp-1 can.do that with out a mod.  Not really a fan of the Marshallish mods here because honestly a stock Ada can sound close if not better. Look in your original owners manual for patch settings.
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: robertkoa on August 03, 2014, 03:40:12 PM
The other thing you should  try is the  JJ 83s  .

I have a 1.38 stock MP1  that already had noise mods and they did a good job

My MP1  is very clear  and  does clean Fender type tones on the clean TUBE channel  and above  6.0 or so
turns into a  light Crunch or a little beyond  up high.

The Distortion Tube channel has clear non fizzy Gain  up to EJ/ Gillmour and beyond and  overlaps the
upper levels of the clean tube channel.

My pickups are far from the strings but I just think this  MP1  is cleaner than most  because people say the Tube Cleans aren't very clean  on  MP 1  but  this one is.

I may even try a JJ 803s  for even more overdrive clarity  but it sounds good now  and has a lot of  gain.

So I  would try  the  JJs , they always work well in  MP1  and are a good start.
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: rnolan on August 04, 2014, 03:24:30 AM
Quote from: trader144 on July 16, 2014, 01:29:59 PM
Any more free advice on the mullards?
David
Hey David, I'm using the New Sensor Mullard reissue long plates in both my MP2s (http://www.dougstubes.com/mullard-12ax7.html) and love them.
Another member tried the newer short plates (http://www.dougstubes.com/preamp-tubes/mullard-cv4004-12ax7.html) in his MP1 and loved them.
They are a really nice tube, extremely responsive to the slightest finger pressure/movement of my fretting hand (like nothing else I've tried).

I tried JJs (Boogie STRs) in the MP2, they were nice but broke up a bit on the bottom E, and they are more "boxy" than the Mullards.  I also used the JJs in my MP1 when I had it, they are good tubes but the Mullards are better IMHO.  Try a pair and let us know what you think.
Cheers Richard
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: robertkoa on August 04, 2014, 01:47:17 PM
Mullard longplates VS Mullard Longplates.

David, nice to know  are the Mullard Reissue Longplates fatter/warmer than the shortplates, the touch
response you mention is impressive, should be great for singing vibrato Tones.

Which do you think are clearer gain ?
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: rnolan on August 05, 2014, 02:43:06 AM
Well hopefully David will try the short plates and let us know.
I can vouch for the long plates as per previous post(s), next tube change I'll try the short plates and to some extent be able to inform this discussion better.  I'm using them in MP2.  There are some other posts if you search where a member went with the short plates in his MP1 and was very impressed.  IIRC he said they are smooth and warm. I'm hoping they both have the enhanced touch response I'm finding with the long plates, like no other tube I've used BTW.  The LP also have very clear gain (and plenty of it >:D ).
Cheers Richard
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: trader144 on September 03, 2014, 09:22:49 PM
Well I haven't tried the mullards yet....its such a $ risk.


So....just dreaming about the YJM100 head, it has 4 EC833's in the preamp....got me thinking....has anyone ever chained 2 MP1s together?
I might just try it.

Makes me think of the movie line "what ever you do.....don't cross the beams"

Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: rnolan on September 04, 2014, 07:01:31 AM
Hey Jarrod, interesting idea, you'd need to be careful of the gain structure (BTW the Mullards are great  :thumb-up: very low $ risk, I'd be very surprised if you don't like them alot).
So your idea would be easiest with early MP1s that have the line/instmt level switch and also the line level back input. Then you could go MP1 A line level out to MP1(2) Line (on the back) input OR MP1 A instmt level out to MP1(2) input OR put MP1(2) in MP1 loop (instmt or line level, adjust loop level knob) and have a 4TM party, in the loop makes it switchable so probably the way to go ??
Cheers R
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: MarshallJMP on September 04, 2014, 08:03:24 AM
Quote from: trader144 on September 03, 2014, 09:22:49 PM
.
So....just dreaming about the YJM100 head, it has 4 EC833's in the preamp....got me thinking....has anyone ever chained 2 MP1s together?
I might just try it.


Actually only one tube is used for the gain section,it has 2 channels (in parallel) so each channel has a half tube,then another half tube for extra gain,then a half tube for the tonestack (gain = 1x),1 tube for effects and one tube for the phase shifter.
So an MP-1 will have more preamp gain then YJM100 head.
I think chaining 2 mp-1's will give alot of noise.
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: trader144 on September 04, 2014, 10:20:11 AM
Thank you for the insight, always appreciated.
Since the YJM is a 1959 plexi does anyone have any tube suggestions for the MP-1 that would come close to the YJM100 sound? Mullard short plates?

I cannot find specifically which preamp tubes are in it.

Sorry for hijacking this thread.
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: MarshallJMP on September 05, 2014, 03:26:18 AM
Usually marshall uses chinese tubes.
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: rnolan on September 05, 2014, 05:22:23 AM
(I think chaining 2 mp-1's will give alot of noise.) I agree, (and it's not good gain structure) but you could try it, the patching options I posted will work but the 2nd MP1 will boost both signal and residual/inherent noise (and add it's own noise), so will it sound good ? maybe ok depending on the patch settings ?
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: rnolan on September 05, 2014, 05:32:17 AM
Quote from: trader144 on September 04, 2014, 10:20:11 AM
Thank you for the insight, always appreciated.
Since the YJM is a 1959 plexi does anyone have any tube suggestions for the MP-1 that would come close to the YJM100 sound? Mullard short plates?
I cannot find specifically which preamp tubes are in it.
Sorry for hijacking this thread.
The Mullard short plates (or long plates) IMHO will work well.  Will it give you the tone you're chasing ?? I put some Boogie STRs (JJs) in my 1972 Marshall 50, they are ok, I think the Mullards would be better, but then I compare it (and it was my main (only) amp for many years) with either MP1/2 and they (ADAs') are sooooo much better.
The MP1/2 came with Chinese tubes, not sure where they sourced them from but they were good, lasted very well and sounded great (although I do prefer the Mullards now I have them, which are Russian)
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: RobbHell on September 05, 2014, 11:35:40 AM
There is nothing to gain but noise from running two mp1's into each other. Running two.with different patches into a stereo power amp,two channels a mixer or two.separate heads to blend both mp1s together..honeatly one mp1 is more than enough.
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: trader144 on November 08, 2014, 06:21:59 PM
So... I chained 2 MP-1's together

Gained a lot of noise just as everyone said.
Also gained infinite sustain...in between a lot of noise.

One thing it did well was act as a really good pre-MP-1 distortion pedal, driving the inputs just a little more hot; but I didn't stick around long enough to keep testing it.
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: trader144 on December 08, 2014, 06:37:25 PM
Why don't we hear more about mod1?

Too old school?

The JMP has a nice thick tuby clean sound. Is that the cathode follower?
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: trader144 on December 09, 2014, 11:05:34 AM
Quote from: MarshallJMP on September 04, 2014, 08:03:24 AM
Quote from: trader144 on September 03, 2014, 09:22:49 PM
.
So....just dreaming about the YJM100 head, it has 4 EC833's in the preamp....got me thinking....has anyone ever chained 2 MP1s together?
I might just try it.


Actually only one tube is used for the gain section,it has 2 channels (in parallel) so each channel has a half tube,then another half tube for extra gain,then a half tube for the tonestack (gain = 1x),1 tube for effects and one tube for the phase shifter.
So an MP-1 will have more preamp gain then YJM100 head.


Really interesting about the half tube. That explains a lot about the sound.
What if I disconnected the cathode pin 8 of V1b and V2b?
Looks like I would have half tubes and still have signal flow.
Too risky?

David
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: MarshallJMP on December 09, 2014, 02:00:02 PM
Wouldn't do that.
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: rnolan on December 10, 2014, 04:37:06 AM
12AX7s are twin triode, so you can use each triode independently (like my TLA Ivory 4 ch tube preamp, with only 2 12AX7s), or (I suspect) do different things with each of them.
My understanding of MP1 V1/V2 is it's a serial progression (e.g. V1 td1 > V1td2 >> V2 td1 > V2 td2 >>) (and you could apply (and they do is my understanding) different eq and gain characteristics at each stage ??) . Summary MP1 has 4 tube gain stages (and an initial SS stage).
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: trader144 on December 10, 2014, 05:33:14 AM
Thank you for responding and I will leave it alone.
just wondering if I could shut down the 2nd gain stage easily on each tube (cutting power to cathode or filament) as it looks like the 1st stage will still flow.
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: rnolan on December 10, 2014, 06:08:40 AM
I'm sure you could all sorts of stuff, if you have a good reason (or just to play). why??
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: trader144 on December 10, 2014, 09:50:52 AM
Because I want YJM 100 head performance for a fraction of the cost and the guys on this site have forgotten more about the MP-1 and amp circuitry than I will ever know!


Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: rnolan on December 11, 2014, 03:01:38 AM
Hey David, pardon my ignorance but what's a YJM 100 ?
Cheers R
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: El Chiguete on December 11, 2014, 04:26:42 AM
Isnt that the Marshall Yngwie signature head?
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: trader144 on December 11, 2014, 04:35:29 AM
Hi
Yes that is it
David
Title: Re: Mod1 (Cathode follower) and Mod 4 mark II?
Post by: jarrodthebobo on December 11, 2014, 04:54:20 AM
Does anyone have any soundclips of the mod 1? It seems like something I'd really like to try out on my unit but without sound clips I really don't want to risk potentially not liking the change.