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A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp

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A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp

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$620.00

4.0 (18)

5 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using A/DA MP-1 MIDI

1 community setup

11 wishlisted

51 saved

Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

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5.0 (17)

$620.00 8 available Used

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Description

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Introducing the A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp, a musician's essential that effortlessly combines style, functionality, and performance. This rack-mountable preamp is MIDI-controlled, offering you the flexibility and control that modern music production demands. Experience a unique blend of overdrive, chorus, and EQ functionality that brings out the best in your musical performance. Enjoy the convenience of pairing it with the A/DA MC-1 MIDI foot controller, a perfect combination for those looking to elevate their sound. The A/DA MP-1 has been the choice of noteworthy musicians like Nuno Bettencourt and Paul Gilbert, further establishing its place in the realm of professional music production.

Key Features:

MIDI Programmable for versatile sound control
Features Overdrive, Chorus and EQ functionality for a balanced and dynamic sound
Rack-mountable design for convenient setup and use
Compatible with A/DA MC-1 MIDI foot controller for enhanced control
Used and trusted by professional musicians like Nuno Bettencourt and Paul Gilbert

Product specs

Brand	A/DA
Model	MP-1 Guitar Preamp
Finish	Black
Year	1990s
Made In	United States
Categories	Guitar Preamps
Color Family	Black
Electronics	Solid State
Number of Channels	1 Channel
Number of Inputs	2 Inputs
Reverb	None

FAQs

What type of tubes does the A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp use?: The A/DA MP-1 uses 12AX7 tubes to deliver its classic tube-driven sound, providing warmth and dynamic range preferred by many guitarists.
Can the A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp be used with MIDI controllers?: Yes, the A/DA MP-1 is fully MIDI programmable, allowing you to switch between presets and control parameters using a compatible MIDI controller.
Does the A/DA MP-1 have built-in effects?: The A/DA MP-1 does not include built-in effects like reverb or delay, but it excels in providing a variety of preamp tones that can be enhanced with external effects.
Is the A/DA MP-1 suitable for live performances?: The A/DA MP-1 is popular among professional musicians for live performances due to its programmable presets and robust tube sound, making it adaptable for various styles and settings.
How many presets can the A/DA MP-1 store?: The A/DA MP-1 can store up to 128 presets, allowing for a wide range of tonal options and quick changes during performances or recording sessions.

Videos

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shnobel

ADA MP-1 Tube Guitar Pre Amp

shnobel

ADA MP-1 vs MARSHALL JMP-1 GUITAR MIDI TUBE PREAMP SHOOTOUT / COMPARISON

Rick Hollis

1987 ADA MP-1 Midi Tube Preamp SERVICE & DEMO (Nuno, Vito & Paul Gilbert Tone!)

The Guitologist

How To: ADA MP-1 | Legendary Preamp from the 1980s.

Euge Valovirta

ADA MP-1 80's Cleans | How Does It Sound Direct?

Leon Todd

ADA MP-1 MIDI tube preamp demo

Spencer Morgan

ADA MP-1 Midi Programmable Tube Preamp Demo

Jay Brokers

Reviews

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PROS

Nails the 80's metal tones, perfect for Skid Row, Dokken, and Metallica sounds
Versatile with excellent clean tones and built-in chorus
MIDI programmable for easy tone changes and effect control
Used and praised by legendary artists like James Hetfield and Alex Skolnick
Offers more gain than its predecessor and includes a noise gate
Compatible with a wide range of setups, from tube to solid-state amps
Modifications available for personalized gain and EQ settings
Durable and reliable over long-term use
First MIDI-programmable tube preamp, setting industry standards
Can program all 128 presets for extensive customization

CONS

Pots and jacks may wear out over time, requiring maintenance
Some background amp noise present, though manageable with additional equipment
Earlier versions lack line input available in later models
Requires capacitor and battery replacements to reduce noise
Output slightly sapped by built-in chorus/doubler effect

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp.

Features and functionality

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The ADA MP-1 includes a headphone out that provides excellent sound without needing an external power amp or cab.
Source

Setup and maintenance

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The ADA MP-1 requires a battery to save patches; replacing it with a socket battery holder can facilitate future maintenance.
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Mods and upgrades

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Noise mods are recommended to address inherent noisiness, and the Sonic Maximizer can enhance the sound, especially when playing alone.
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Use cases and applications

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The ADA MP-1 excels in capturing 80s tones and is particularly effective for Skid Row, White Lion, and Queensryche sounds.
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Comparisons

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Many users suggest the ADA MP-1 provides a unique tone and feel that digital modelers fail to fully replicate.
Source

Value and pricing

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Prices can range from $500 to $1,000, with many considering $600-$800 reasonable depending on condition and included accessories.
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User experience

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Owners note the unit is robust, but the button membrane can wear out over time, impacting aesthetics rather than functionality.
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 18 Ratings

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james_r_powell_iii

226

about 5 years ago

I own 2 very useful preamps.

I have used these ADA MP-1 preamps for a long time. I had them in a couple of racks that evolved. They were consistent and dependable. I ENJOYED the use of MIDI for a long time. I ran 2 MIDI controllers: one for changing just my tones and another for CC control of effects. I used the ADA MP-1 with Rocktron Replifex and Intellifex together. I used a Boss NS-2 to quiet the ADA MP-1 in the loop of the Boss NS-2 ran the output into a Tube Works Real Tube II preamp always on clean for use if the stereo fx loop. Powersection: Tube Works Mos Valve or Marshall 9005. 4x12 cabs

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Composer

Genres:

Rock Alternative rock Hard rock

tuckerofthorraxe

202

over 8 years ago

Articulate and crushing.

James Hetfield, Alex Skolnick, and Paul Gilbert all used these. Does 80s metal and beyond spectacularly. Built in chorus/doubler is nice, albeit with a tiny bit of output sap, but that's easily compensated for. Hot rodded Marshall tone in a single rack space. There's a ton of mods for these, but for my tastes, I see no reason for me to patake. Sounds great through tubes, solid state, or straight into an interface for recording (with a good impulse response, of course). I've owned two of these, the first when I was still in high school and the second one I acquired from a friend about a year ago. I've learned my lesson and will likely never part with the one I have now.

crockett

143

over 6 years ago

Amazing compressed distortion

A classic 80s staple. Of course, its all over the Gish album as well. I still have yet to find the same compressed saturated, tight distortion in any other pedal/amp. I use this sometimes with the boss gt3 (as effects/midi controller) . Great piece of gear!

ben_ferguson

381

over 8 years ago

The original, and still one of the best!

I'm not going to recount the long list of classic records that this thing was used on, or all the legendary players who still have at least one in their rigs. This was the first MIDI-programmable tube preamp, and it was quickly copied by both Mesa-Boogie (Triaxis) and Marshall (JMP-1) to great success - to my ears, their copies of this design were the best products either company ever offered. Great cleans, overdrives, and way more gain than anyone could ever need - although there were modifications you could make to tweak the gain and EQ structure to get it exactly how you want it. They are a little noisy (like most tube amps of its day), but the aforementioned mods usually include a noise-reduction tweak to fix this as well. If you can find one, you should get it. No, wait - don't get it, I'd like to buy a few more, and I don't need you all driving the prices up!

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Drummer

Genres:

Blues Funk / Soul Metal