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Description

Introducing the Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp, an embodiment of decades of amplifier craftsmanship and innovation. This musical wizard packs the best of Mesa's Mark series into a single rack, offering an exhaustive range of tonal options powered by a tube design. Designed for seasoned musicians and gearheads, the Triaxis provides a versatile control center for your sound, ensuring you're always ready to deliver an unforgettable performance.

Key Features:

  • Interface: Houses a comprehensive three-band EQ, Dynamic Voice, Variable Gain, Dual Lead Gains, and a Master Volume to shape your sound.
  • Modes: Features eight distinct modes, including MK I Hyper Clean, MK III Classic High Gain, and MK IV Classic British Lead for versatile playing styles.
  • Tube Section: Equipped with a 12AX7-powered preamp for that classic, warm tube tone.
  • Additional Features: Comes with four adjustable function switches, an FX loop, MIDI i/o, and phantom power for enhanced functionality and connectivity.

Product specs

Brand Mesa Boogie
Model TriAxis Programmable Pre-Amp
Finish Black
Year 1990 - 2016
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Preamps
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Number of Channels 3 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Pedal Format Rackmount
Reverb None

FAQs

What type of tubes does the Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp use?

The Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp utilizes 12AX7 tubes, known for delivering high gain and a rich tonal palette, ideal for achieving a classic tube-driven sound.

How many channels does the Mesa/Boogie Triaxis offer?

The Mesa/Boogie Triaxis features three channels, each programmable, allowing for a wide range of tones from clean to high-gain distortion.

Is the Mesa/Boogie Triaxis suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Mesa/Boogie Triaxis is designed for both studio and live performances, offering programmable presets and a rackmount format for easy integration into live rigs.

Does the Mesa/Boogie Triaxis have built-in reverb?

No, the Mesa/Boogie Triaxis does not include built-in reverb, allowing users to pair it with their preferred external reverb units for added flexibility.

Can the Mesa/Boogie Triaxis be used with a power amp?

Yes, the Mesa/Boogie Triaxis is designed to be used in conjunction with a power amp, providing a versatile preamp solution for both studio and live settings.

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

Mesa Boogie Triaxis - Quick Test

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Triaxis - Quick Test by Ola Englund

Mesa Boogie Triaxis - Quick Test

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

Video thumbnail for 17 minutes of Mesa Triaxis by Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

17 minutes of Mesa Triaxis

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Video thumbnail for Mesa Triaxis - King of the Rack Preamps? by Leon Todd

Mesa Triaxis - King of the Rack Preamps?

Leon Todd

Leon Todd

Video thumbnail for Mesa Mark IV vs Triaxis by Leon Todd

Mesa Mark IV vs Triaxis

Leon Todd

Leon Todd

Video thumbnail for Mesa Preamps vs Synergy IICP by Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Mesa Preamps vs Synergy IICP

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Video thumbnail for Mesa TRIAXIS vs H&K ACCESS preamps: Head to Head by Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Mesa TRIAXIS vs H&K ACCESS preamps: Head to Head

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Triaxis - Axe FX 3 vs Real Amp Shootout by The Tone Zone

Mesa Boogie Triaxis - Axe FX 3 vs Real Amp Shootout

The Tone Zone

The Tone Zone

Video thumbnail for Mesa Triaxis Preamp - Needles in a Haystack Much? by Psionic Audio

Mesa Triaxis Preamp - Needles in a Haystack Much?

Psionic Audio

Psionic Audio

Reviews

PROS

  • Nails Mesa Mark series tones, offering a range of iconic sounds

  • Exceptional clean tones, full sounding and balanced

  • Compatible with various power amps for enhanced flexibility

  • Allows for extensive tone customization with eight separate modes

  • Features both vintage and modern sounds including British lead mode

  • Built-in presets and MIDI capability for easy sound switching

  • User-friendly interface with visible settings, avoiding menu diving

  • Supports both line level and low level effects loops

  • Ideal for both studio recording and live performances

  • Durable and reliable build quality, with a heritage of engineering excellence

CONS

  • Best tones require pairing with specific Mesa power amps, like the 2:90

  • Some users may find the gain structure slightly grainy

  • Does not precisely replicate the Mk IIC+ tone, leaning more towards Mk III characteristics

  • High quality comes with a high price tag, especially for vintage models

  • The LED readout and non-knob interface might not appeal to all users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp.

Features and functionality

  • The v2 with the TX4-D Rectifier board is highly praised and considered one of the best versions of the TriAxis.

    Source
  • Adding a volume control in the effects loop can help achieve finer control over bedroom-level volumes without losing tone quality.

    Source
  • Attenuators like the Weber Mass Lite are recommended for stereo setups, requiring two units to handle the dual 50-watt power output effectively.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Prices have increased significantly, with recent purchases ranging from $600 for a beat-up unit to $1600 for a pristine model.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have noted that despite minor issues like blown LEDs, the sound quality remains the most critical aspect and does not disappoint.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Commonly paired with a Fifty/Fifty power amp and stereo effects, enhancing its versatility and performance in a stereo setup.

    Source
  • Using a cab sim/IR loader with the Triaxis output into headphones or monitor speakers is suggested for quieter home practice without compromising tone.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Harley Benton and Bugera attenuators, like the PS1, are affordable options for those who want to manage volume levels while maintaining tone, though some users report a slight treble loss.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Freyette Power Station is praised for minimizing tone alteration during volume reduction.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Mesa Boogie TriAxis Review - King of The Rack Preamps!

cigilovic.com

The Mesa/Boogie TriAxis Guitar Preamp is hailed as a versatile, powerful unit that captures the essence of classic Boogie tones. With its broad spectrum of sounds, it's described as an "encyclopedia of Boogie tones" and a must-try for any serious guitarist. The digital controls and MIDI functionality make it an advanced piece of gear for its time, offering ease of use and extensive programmability. However, being a vintage piece, potential buyers should be cautious of cosmetic and functional issues that may arise due to age. Despite this, the TriAxis is lauded for its familiar and robust sound palette, making it a nostalgic yet formidable addition to any setup. Overall, it's praised for its tonal excellence and remains a highly recommended preamp for both collectors and players.

positive

Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Programmable Guitar Tube Preamp & Simul-Class 2:Ninety Tube Power Amp – MusicPlayers.com

musicplayers.com

The Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp is hailed for its exceptional versatility and rich Mark-series tones. With MIDI controllability and memory for up to 90 tone settings, it offers a vast tonal palette that includes everything from vintage Boogie sounds to modern prog metal. When paired with the Simul-Class 2:Ninety power amp, it delivers unmatched stereo power and depth. However, the interface can be tedious, especially when programming switch settings, and the recording outputs are outdated. Despite these minor flaws, the Triaxis remains a beloved piece of gear for its authentic tone and flexibility, making it a worthy investment for serious musicians.

positive

Mesa Boogie Triaxis Review

guitarmasterclass.net

The Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp is a tonal powerhouse, delivering exceptional high-gain and clean tones with remarkable dynamic response. Its intuitive front panel layout ensures easy access to EQs and other controls, making it user-friendly even for those new to preamps. However, the open tube design may concern some users about potential damage if not handled carefully. Despite its steep price, the Triaxis offers versatile sound shaping capabilities, justifying its cost for serious musicians.

positive
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 22 Ratings

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peterglavanov

Mesa Boogie Triaxis

I have it in a rack with Mesa Boogie Simul class 2 Ninety power amp.This is a classical combination.I use it mostly in studio.I control it with Abacus midi controller or MusicomLab Mk4. The TRIAXIS™ packs five 12AX7’s and 25 years of tube tone heritage into one rack space of pure magic. Eight separate modes deliver the elusive creamy gain of the Mark I, the heralded focus of the Mark IIC+, the scooped Rhythm of the Mark IV™, and a modified British lead mode. But these are just a few of the classic sounds at your fingertips. Our three years of research produced a patented technology which preserves in every nuance and detail the exact audio elements which made these classic sounds in the first place. The digital circuitry is forced to serve—not dictate the tone.

Each control’s up and down keys work much like an old style knob...all parameters are displayed and active all the time. That means no scrolling to find your Treble on the gig. You don’t have to wonder how your Bass and Mid are set, you can see them from across the stage.

You can store your favorite sounds into 90 user presets and these can be mapped to any of the 128 midi program locations. The TRIAXIS is an arsenal of the most powerful guitar tones available in the world today!

martin_boesvang

Classic

One of the best preamps ever made

Artist usage

Add artist
See how James Hetfield uses Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp

James Hetfield

Singer, Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

From a November 2011 article found on mesaboogie.com:

"The core of the preamp switching and FX integration happens via Mesa/Boogie Amp Switchers controlled with Digital Music Corp.’s GCX Expander switching units. The Boogie amps being switched are two Triaxis Preamp’s run into a 2:90 Power amp. One Triaxis is set to the Mark IIC+ mode while the second Triaxis is used for clean sounds in the Green Clean mode. Like Kirk, James also has DBX Quad gates and T.C. Electronic G Major FX Processors along with a few extra pedals kept in the rack. The signal runs out of the 2:90 into two Mesa Traditional Straight 4x12s for a true stereo mix." (original source: http://mesaboogie.com/news/2011/11/metallica-live-rigs/)

See how Kirk Hammett uses Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp

Kirk Hammett

Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via Angelfire

Hammett was using this preamp as his main clean sound at some point.

See how John Petrucci uses Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp

John Petrucci

Guitarist, Composer

Dream Theater

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, John Petrucci's guitar tech, Maddi Schieferstein, gives a rundown of the guitar rig that was used during Dream Theater's 2014 "Along for the Ride" tour. The Mesa Boogie Triaxis can be seen at 0:23.

See how Thomas DeLonge uses Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp

Thomas DeLonge

Singer, Guitarist

Blink-182

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Tom talks about mixing the Triaxis with a Marshall JMP-1 for many years in tour with blink

See how Jason Newsted uses Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp

Jason Newsted

Bassist

Metallica

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by Collarts titled "Ausmusic - Observing the Setup & Operation of a Stadium PA," a Metallica technician discusses the band's sound equipment, specifically mentioning Jason Newsted's use of the Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp at the 26-minute mark.

See how Martin L. Gore uses Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp

Martin L. Gore

Singer, Guitarist

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Photo

From Musician magazine, October 1993 issue:

"Depeche Mode keeps things simple onstage: no amplifiers. Every sound, from keyboards to guitar to drums, runs through the P.A. system: a Brittania Pow Flashlight System. Dave Gahan and the backup singers use Samson Synth radio microphones with EU 757 capsules. Martin Gore plays a Roland A-50 and Alan Wilder plays an Akai MX1000, each controlling two Emulator Emax II samplers: Andrew Fletcher has another pair of Emaxes. Each pair is hooked up in parallel, so that if one were to malfunction, the other is ready. But 'I don't remember an instance when we had to go to a spare,' says Wob Roberts, the keyboard technician. Samples come from strange and sundry sources, including old analog equipment. The piano onstage is a Korg 01/W Pro X transplanted into a grand-piano body. For down-stage keyboards, Fletcher and Wilder use Philip Reese MIDI line drivers. A MicroLynx sends SMPTE time code to the video and film setups. Away from the keyboards, Gore plays either a Gretsch Country Gentleman or a copy of a Gretsch Anniversary guitar, strung with Gibson strings, from .010 to .046 gauge. Dick Knight copied Gore's original Gretsch for stage use, using Gretsch parts but adding more wood in the body to cut down feedback. The guitars run through a MESA/Boogie Tri-Axis preamp and a Zoom 9002 effects processor, with a Sennheiser UHF transmitter. Wilder's drums are mostly Yamahas: a 22" bass drum and 12", 13", 14" and 16" tom-toms. He uses Noble and Cooley piccolo and 7" snare drums and Zildjian K cymbals: a 22" ride, an 18" China, 16" and 18" crashes, a 6" splash and 13" hi-hats. And don't forget the tapes: two Sony 3324s, one of them a spare. Of the 24 tracks, Depeche Mode uses only 14, because many of the songs were dubbed from a 16-track Tascam that used 12 tracks for sound and four for sync. 'As soon as anyone sees the size of the machines, they think the whole show is on tape,' says Roberts. 'But it's just bass and drum parts and a couple of sequences. This band does not mime.'"

See how Ola Englund uses Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp

Ola Englund

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Six Feet Under

...
Verified via YouTube

In his YouTube video titled "Mesa Boogie Triaxis - Quick Test," Ola Englund demonstrates the use of the Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp.

See how Andy Summers uses Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp

Andy Summers

Guitarist

The Police

...
Verified via Andysummers

ACOUSTIC GUITAR MAGAZINE – JULY 2006 ISSUE

Amplification: Fishman Ellipse blend (Martin); Mesa Boogie/Simul-Class 2:Ninety power amp, Triaxis preamp

See how James Iha uses Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp

James Iha

Guitarist, Bassist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via Spfc

For some different distorted tones, James has used a Mesa TriAxis all-tube pre-amp, which has 8 pre-amp modes, MIDI control, etc.

See how Richard Zven Kruspe uses Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp

Richard Zven Kruspe

Guitarist

Rammstein

...
Verified via reverb.com

Exclusive gear from the private collection of Richard Z. Kruspe. Has been played live or in the studio with Rammstein and Emigrate. Every item comes with a certificate of authenticity, signed by Richard himself. Mesa Boogie TriAxis All Tube Preamp, used by Richard Z. Kruspe of Rammstein & Emigrate on tour. This is a US version that only works at 110V. For buyers in other regions, a transformer is required. A signed document of authenticity is included.

See how Buzz Osborne (aka King Buzzo) uses Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp

Buzz Osborne (aka King Buzzo)

Singer, Guitarist

Melvins

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

“love my Marshall stack and my Mesa/Boogie TriAxis—but for my live tone, I can’t beat those Sunn heads”

See how Max Cavalera uses Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp

Max Cavalera

Singer, Guitarist

Sepultura

...
Verified via Photo

Max used a Mesa Boogie with Nailbomb. (picture taken from Gloria Cavalers's website)

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 Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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dalik_simecka

dalik_simecka

Gear IQ 155

2 alternative and related items for Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp, curated by the Equipboard community.

Marshall JMP-1 Tube MIDI Guitar Preamp

$598.27

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound

The JMP-1 is Marshall's alternative to the Triaxis. Although the tone is characteristically different, it ends up being a matter of personal taste.

A/DA MP-2 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp

 

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound

The MP-2 is ADA's alternative to the Triaxis. Although the tone is characteristically different, it ends up being a matter of personal taste.

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