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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
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What type of tubes does the A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp use?
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The A/DA MP-1 uses 12AX7 tubes to deliver its classic tube-driven sound, providing warmth and dynamic range preferred by many guitarists.
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Can the A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp be used with MIDI controllers?
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Yes, the A/DA MP-1 is fully MIDI programmable, allowing you to switch between presets and control parameters using a compatible MIDI controller.
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Does the A/DA MP-1 have built-in effects?
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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.
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Is the A/DA MP-1 suitable for live performances?
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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.
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How many presets can the A/DA MP-1 store?
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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
shnobel
ADA MP-1 Tube Guitar Pre Amp
Reviews
PROS
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Nails the 80's metal tones, perfect for Skid Row, Dokken, and Metallica sounds
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Versatile with excellent clean tones and built-in chorus
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MIDI programmable for easy tone changes and effect control
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Used and praised by legendary artists like James Hetfield and Alex Skolnick
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Offers more gain than its predecessor and includes a noise gate
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Compatible with a wide range of setups, from tube to solid-state amps
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Modifications available for personalized gain and EQ settings
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Durable and reliable over long-term use
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First MIDI-programmable tube preamp, setting industry standards
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Can program all 128 presets for extensive customization
CONS
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Pots and jacks may wear out over time, requiring maintenance
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Some background amp noise present, though manageable with additional equipment
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Earlier versions lack line input available in later models
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Requires capacitor and battery replacements to reduce noise
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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.
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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.
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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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4.0 out of 5
Based on 5 Reviews and 18 Ratings
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
202
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.
143
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!
381
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!
Artist usage
Add artist"One thing I love about it is that it is gated, but with the gate detection before the distortion, thus a listener never hears the gating. (I first heard this idea of gating in the old ADA MP-1 rack preamp.)"
A user-uploaded photo from an interview highlights Peter Yates using the A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp as part of his equipment setup.
Gorky Park's rhythm guitarist Yan Yanenkov used an ADA MP-1 rack setup with MC-1 Midi foot controller in 1990 when playing Roskilde festival.
“Ok, Saraya days (live) I was using the classic ADA MP-1 setup with two Bedrock 4x12 slant cabs/30 Watt Greenbacks in both. Main axe was that Lake Placid Blue ESP strat with a Seymor Duncan in the bridge and a Kramer Sustainer, flip-flop purple/blue. FX were a straight up Lexicon MPX-1 through the FX loop.
When we did the first record, I tracked with that rig (at Bearsville Studios in NY). But we did all the overdubs at Studio-1 in Austin, Texas and Jeff Glicksman, who was producing, brought in this Mashall Plexi that just leveled me. Used it on everything except ‘St. Christophers Medal.’ That track was recorded near 2:00 a.m. and we were drunk, tired and who knows what else, so when the solo came up during basics, instead of staying with the rhythm part, I just went for it. The next day, even though I wasn’t nuts about the tone, I LOVED the solo, so it stayed.
When we did Blackbird (and thank you for the praise... I still love that record), I needed to raise the bar a bit in terms of layers and tone. So I bought a late ‘70s Les Paul Jr. and started getting used to the way it changed my playing. I ended up writing the entire record on that guitar. I did all the demos on my home studio (Korg M1 and Tascam 8-track) and Sandi wrote most of the lyrics in the studio. Funny thing is, we recorded that record just outside of New Orleans and the studio had great vintage gear. So I ended up using a Tele on a LOT of those songs, the Jr., and a Fender Twin, my ADA, and a Roland Jazz Chorus all running together and coming up on six faders.
Danger Danger was another situation like that. The studio had this old Laney Pro-Tube Lead that sounded dope so I used it on the entire record, with my Lexicon MPX-1 and the Blue ESP.”
Album Usage
The A/DA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp has been featured on the following albums:
Fire
Saraya (2025)
Justice
James Hetfield & Lars Ulrich (2019)
BLUE BLOOD REMASTERED EDITION
X Japan (2008)
Emigrate
Emigrate (2007)
Around the Fur
Deftones (1997)
Gish (Remastered)
The Smashing Pumpkins (1991)
Senderos De Traición - Edición Especial
Héroes del Silencio (1990)
Senderos De Traición
Héroes del Silencio (1990)
Danger Danger
Danger Danger (1989)
Skid Row
Skid Row (1989)
Perpetual Burn
Jason Becker (1988)
...And Justice for All (Remastered)
Metallica (1988)
The New Order
Testament (1988)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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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