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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
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What type of tubes does the Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp use?
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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.
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How many channels does the Mesa/Boogie Triaxis offer?
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The Mesa/Boogie Triaxis features three channels, each programmable, allowing for a wide range of tones from clean to high-gain distortion.
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Is the Mesa/Boogie Triaxis suitable for live performances?
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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.
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Does the Mesa/Boogie Triaxis have built-in reverb?
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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.
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Can the Mesa/Boogie Triaxis be used with a power amp?
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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.
Videos
Ola Englund
Mesa Boogie Triaxis - Quick Test
Mesa Boogie Triaxis - Quick Test
Ola Englund
17 minutes of Mesa Triaxis
Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars
Mesa Triaxis - King of the Rack Preamps?
Leon Todd
Mesa Mark IV vs Triaxis
Leon Todd
Mesa Preamps vs Synergy IICP
Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars
Mesa TRIAXIS vs H&K ACCESS preamps: Head to Head
Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars
Mesa Boogie Triaxis - Axe FX 3 vs Real Amp Shootout
The Tone Zone
Mesa Triaxis Preamp - Needles in a Haystack Much?
Psionic Audio
Reviews
PROS
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Nails Mesa Mark series tones, offering a range of iconic sounds
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Exceptional clean tones, full sounding and balanced
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Compatible with various power amps for enhanced flexibility
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Allows for extensive tone customization with eight separate modes
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Features both vintage and modern sounds including British lead mode
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Built-in presets and MIDI capability for easy sound switching
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User-friendly interface with visible settings, avoiding menu diving
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Supports both line level and low level effects loops
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Ideal for both studio recording and live performances
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Durable and reliable build quality, with a heritage of engineering excellence
CONS
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Best tones require pairing with specific Mesa power amps, like the 2:90
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Some users may find the gain structure slightly grainy
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Does not precisely replicate the Mk IIC+ tone, leaning more towards Mk III characteristics
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High quality comes with a high price tag, especially for vintage models
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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
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The v2 with the TX4-D Rectifier board is highly praised and considered one of the best versions of the TriAxis.
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Adding a volume control in the effects loop can help achieve finer control over bedroom-level volumes without losing tone quality.
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Attenuators like the Weber Mass Lite are recommended for stereo setups, requiring two units to handle the dual 50-watt power output effectively.
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Value and pricing
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Prices have increased significantly, with recent purchases ranging from $600 for a beat-up unit to $1600 for a pristine model.
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User experience
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Owners have noted that despite minor issues like blown LEDs, the sound quality remains the most critical aspect and does not disappoint.
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Use cases and applications
Mods and upgrades
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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
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 22 Ratings
713
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!
Artist usage
Add artist
This video shows some the equipment used by Andreas for the recording of Sepultura’s album Kairos. The Mesa Boogie TriAxis can be seen at 1:56.
The user of the UltimateMetal Forum saw Type O Negative live in 2008 and wrote down the whole setup he saw that Kenny Hickey used.
He had the Rectifier on top most likely as a backup, as it wasn't turned on the entire show. In the rack he had: TC Electronic G Force Mesa Triaxis Mesa 2:90
According to his artist page on the official MESA/Boogie® website, guitarist Vernon Reid uses the Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp.
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"For the solo CD and first 2 SymX CDs - the only amps I had, at that time, were a Marshall JCM800, Fender M-80, a Mesa/Boogie recording pre-amp. By the third CD ( Divine Wings ), I had bought the Tri-Axis and for some of the solos, I used a Rockman Compressor/Sustainer as a preamp ( in front of the Marshall...if I remember correctly ) - but only on that CD - thus - the 'Rockman-esque' tone on some of those solos. I always like to experiment and try out new things - different pre-amps, cabs , mic placement, etc."
(Part of the article is referenced and translated into English.) "I mainly make my distortion with MESA BOOGIE's TRIAXIS."
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As listed and seen in John's flight case from his Blue Murder era.
This photo uses the Mesa Boogie TriAxis Guitar Preamp, Yuri Kasparyan used this preamp from 2005 to 2014. This preamp was used during the time of the group "Ю-Питер"
While recording 2 A.M. Wakeup Call, Vrenna used some virtual synths, lots of outboard synths, live drums, a live acoustic guitar, a six-string Taylor and a nylon string guitar, plus he borrowed a couple of 12-strings from some friends for a couple parts. There is a lot of live bass on the record as well. "We used a five-string Fender jazz deluxe, which is a really good-sounding solid instrument, and it was all recorded through the Line 6 Bass Pod," says Vrenna. “We did some direct stuff with the guitar, but we used the Mesa Boogie Triaxis. That one is pretty awesome for direct I/O".
This GuitarGeek rig diagram states that Walter Becker of Steely Dan used a Mesa Boogie Triaxis Preamp.
Frank Gambale can be seen with his early 90s guitar rig. The Mesa Boogie Triaxis can be seen in the video at 7:01. Its estimated at being the early version 1 of the triaxies before the Phat mod option
In this picture of Captain's 2023 rack, you can see a Triaxis preamp
Album Usage
The Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp has been featured on the following albums:
Maps and Trails
Sergey Golovin (2016)
Pathos and Logos
Ethan Meixsell (2016)
Kairos
Sepultura (2011)
DDG Experience - Depois da Guerra - Collection (Ao Vivo)
Oficina G3 (2010)
2 A.M. Wakeup Call
Tweaker (2004)
The Divine Wings of Tragedy (Special Edition)
Symphony X (1997)
One Second
Paradise Lost (1997)
Draconian Times
Paradise Lost (1995)
Inside Out
Fates Warning (1994)
Parallels
Fates Warning (1991)
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.
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Community setups
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Similar
Add recommendation2 alternative and related items for Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Guitar Preamp, curated by the Equipboard community.
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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.
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