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Description

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.

shnobel

shnobel

ADA MP-1 Tube Guitar Pre Amp

Video thumbnail for ADA MP-1 Tube Guitar Pre Amp by shnobel

ADA MP-1 Tube Guitar Pre Amp

shnobel

shnobel

Video thumbnail for ADA MP-1 vs MARSHALL JMP-1 GUITAR MIDI TUBE PREAMP SHOOTOUT / COMPARISON by Rick Hollis

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

Rick Hollis

Rick Hollis

Video thumbnail for 1987 ADA MP-1 Midi Tube Preamp SERVICE & DEMO (Nuno, Vito & Paul Gilbert Tone!) by The Guitologist

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

The Guitologist

The Guitologist

Video thumbnail for How To: ADA MP-1 | Legendary Preamp from the 1980s. by Euge Valovirta

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

Euge Valovirta

Euge Valovirta

Video thumbnail for ADA MP-1 80's Cleans | How Does It Sound Direct? by Leon Todd

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

Leon Todd

Leon Todd

Video thumbnail for ADA MP-1 MIDI tube preamp demo by Spencer Morgan

ADA MP-1 MIDI tube preamp demo

Spencer Morgan

Spencer Morgan

Video thumbnail for ADA MP-1 Midi Programmable Tube Preamp Demo by Jay Brokers

ADA MP-1 Midi Programmable Tube Preamp Demo

Jay Brokers

Jay Brokers

Reviews

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

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

    Source

Setup and maintenance

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

    Source

Mods and upgrades

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

    Source

Use cases and applications

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

    Source

Comparisons

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

    Source

Value and pricing

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

    Source

User experience

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

    Source
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 18 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
james_r_powell_iii

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

tuckerofthorraxe

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

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

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!

gary_dizon

I used this as a distortion pedal and flexible amp eq

Loved this. I programmed all 128 presets.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Andreas Kisser uses A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp

Andreas Kisser

Guitarist

Sepultura

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture, Andreas Kisser is posing with his ADA MP-1 guitar preamp, third from the bottom in the bottom rack.

See how Alex Skolnick uses A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp

Alex Skolnick

Guitarist

Ozzy Osbourne

...
Verified via Seymour Duncan

In an interview with Seymour Duncan, Alex Skolnick mentioned that he owned an A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp and may have used it on "The New World Order."

See how Kenny Hickey uses A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp

Kenny Hickey

Singer, Guitarist

Type O Negative

...
Verified via Photo

Kenny Hickey used the A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp during a tour, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Tumblr.

See how Vernon Reid uses A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp

Vernon Reid

Guitarist

Supergroup B

...
Verified via Photo

Vernon Reid is listed as an ADA MP-1 user in this advertisement.

See how Brandon Ellis uses A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp

Brandon Ellis

Guitarist

Cannibal Corpse

...
Verified via Instagram

In an Instagram post by Brandon Ellis (@brandonellisgtr), he can be seen with an A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp in his rack.

See how Jun Senoue uses A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp

Jun Senoue

Guitarist, Composer

Crush 40

...
Verified via mixi

Senoue used the A/DA MP-1 during his Kazaly band days in the early 90s, as stated on mixi.

See how Paul Masvidal uses A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp

Paul Masvidal

Guitarist

Death (Metal Band)

...
Verified via GearGods

Gear Gods: Whenever I get the chance to talk to bands that were playing years and years ago, I think about how the tones that were available then were so different, and so much more limited. Cynic was trailblazing the ability to jump between so many different genres, which was a lot harder to do back in the early ‘90s. What were you and Jason playing through on the Focus tours? And how difficult was it to achieve the breadth of tones?

Paul Masvidal: Was I running an MP-1? I think I was. Yeah, at that time I was a rack guy. I had a 15-space rackmount. My main preamp was an ADA MP-1 and I used an ADA midi controller. I had a Roland GM-70 guitar synth, which was really cool back then because it had Portamento [pitch glide between notes, instead of set intervals]. You could assign custom midi controllers to the unit on your guitar. It was just really hip for its time. It was very clunky in terms of a big, bulky thing, but what you could do with it was phenomenal. It just had this natural, flawed, organic kind of thing that was very cool at the time.

See how Scotti Hill uses A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp

Scotti Hill

Guitarist

Skid Row

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, guitarist Scotti Hill discussed his gear from the 1990s, specifically mentioning the A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp. He stated, "The ADA was left over from the first tour. It is not 'THE ADA', which I am proud to say I own." This confirms his use and ownership of the A/DA MP-1 during that period. The post provides a behind-the-scenes look at his rig from the Slave To The Grind tour in 1991.

See how Vito Bratta uses A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp

Vito Bratta

Guitarist

White Lion

...
Verified via Photo

Vito seen in this ADA MP-1 advertisement.

See how Pata uses A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp

Pata

Guitarist

X Japan

...
Verified via Photo

As mentioned in Blueblood album scorebook, Pata-san used this Pre-amp.

See how Michael Wilton uses A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp

Michael Wilton

Guitarist

Queensrÿche

...
Verified via Photo

As spotted in Michael's rack case.

See how Juan Valdivia uses A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp

Juan Valdivia

Guitarist

Héroes del Silencio

...
Verified via Dp-foto

Juan Valdivia used the A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp in the studio for the album "Senderos de Traición" and likely during live performances, as documented by Daniel Perez on Dp-foto.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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stevefairbend

stevefairbend

Gear IQ 134

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