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Mile End Effects Ronald Pre Amp 150

5.0 (1)

4 Critic Reviews

1 Review

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Page last updated Aug 11, 2025

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Description

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This is the result of a love for the way a vintage Space Echo sounds when the PreAmp pushes an amplifier right to the brink of overdrive. Having owned many Space Echos, constantly scrambling to repair the fragile and now very valuable units over the years on tour became a bit of an issue, yet I wasn't ready to sacrifice the harmonically rich and glassy tone that the PreAmp section provided. There was always something that I found unique about the feel and tonal characteristics of the RE-150 due in part to its JFET based design, differing from the later 201 and 301 OpAmp based PreAmp sections. Coming up short in my pursuit of this sound in a more reliable and compact form, I decided to pay homage to the original design using now scarce NOS JFET transistors found in the original unit. To take things a bit further, a switchable clean boost was added to the circuit to drive the PreAmp harder, getting more gain and volume from the pedal. Simply use the PreAmp as an always-on effect to enhance just about every signal you give to it or engage it as a boost that seemingly highlights only the absolute best qualities in your amplifier. However you decide to use it, the gorgeous, dynamic sound that this PreAmp produces is really something special.

Product specs

Power	9V, 12V, 18V
Analog/Digital	analog

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Mile End Effects

Mile End Effects - Ronald Pre-Amp 150

Mile End Effects

Mile End Effects Ronald PreAmp 150

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mile End Effects Ronald Pre Amp 150.

Comparisons

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The Ronald Preamp is described as more articulate and fatter compared to the internal Pigtronix boost in a Supro Blues King amp.
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The tonal change from the Preamp-150 is likened to an EQD Arrows, which adds brightness and overdrive, suggesting similar use cases.
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Described as having a sound similar to a Greer Lightspeed with the gain down, enhancing mid presence and providing a fast attack akin to a BluesBreaker.
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Similarity noted with the Nocturne Mystery Brain's preamp circuit, offering a unique and subtle effect preferred over EchoPlex preamp circuits.
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Features and functionality

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The Ronald Preamp-150 is noted for its subtle yet noticeable enhancement of guitar and amp tones, especially when paired with a Boss Space Echo.
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The Preamp-150 adds brightness and console-esque overdrive, beneficial when paired with additional overdrive pedals for enhanced sound.
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In-person usage reveals a unique "je ne sais quoi" character, difficult to capture in video demos, highlighting the pedal's nuanced impact on tone.
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Value and pricing

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Initially sold for $199 CAD (about $160 USD), with around 150 units made; prices may inflate due to limited availability.
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Use cases and applications

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Recommended for setups involving Jazzmaster guitars and Supro amps, enhancing tone with other Space Echo units for cohesive sound.
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The Preamp-150 is a useful tool for compensating weak pickups, offering improved tonal clarity without modifying the guitar.
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The pedal is praised for adding sparkle and mid-boost with mild breakup saturation, making it suitable for intricate playing styles needing clarity.
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Other

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The Ronald Preamp's design pays tribute to the Roland Space Echo RE-150 preamp, creating legal challenges due to its branding.
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User experience

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Owners find the Preamp-150 effective when used directly into an audio interface with headphones, highlighting its versatility for different setups.
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Setup and maintenance

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It's been noted that raising the height of pickups could improve sound, but fixed-height pickups like DeArmond foil may limit this option.
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Critic Reviews

Mile End Effects Ronald Pre Amp 150 review on pedal-of-the-day.com

pedal-of-the-day.com

Mile End Effects' Ronald PreAmp 150 captures the essence of the iconic Roland Space Echo with its rich, full-bodied tones and clever JFET clean boost feature. Musicians will appreciate its versatility, enabling it to function as both an overdrive and a tone enhancer. The pedal's aesthetics match its sonic capabilities, making it a standout choice for any setup. However, while it excels in delivering warmth and clarity, some may find its operation slightly less intuitive than expected. Overall, this pedal is a delightful homage to classic sounds, perfect for those looking to elevate their tone.

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Full Review

Say hello to Ronald PreAmp 150 – Mile End Effects' standalone replica of the Roland RE-150 Space Echo's preamp | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Mile End Effects' Ronald PreAmp 150 is a stylish homage to the iconic Roland RE-150 Space Echo preamp, delivering vintage warmth and character. Its compact design and switchable JFET boost are standout features, appealing to guitarists seeking versatile tone enhancement. However, the pedal's reliance on NOS JFET transistors may raise concerns over long-term reliability. Priced at $199 CAD, it’s a solid investment for tone aficionados, though some may find its specialty niche limiting. Overall, it captures vintage allure while introducing modern functionality, though it may not suit every player's needs.

positive

Full Review

Mile End Effects Debuts New Ronald Preamp 150 | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

Mile End Effects' Ronald Preamp 150 offers a nostalgic nod to the classic Roland RE-150 Space Echo with its JFET transistors and straightforward controls. However, its lack of versatility and somewhat limited tonal palette may leave some users wanting more. While the build quality is commendable, the internal trim pot for bias adjustments adds a layer of complexity that could deter less experienced players. Priced at $199 CAD (~$159 USD), it may not deliver enough bang for your buck compared to other options on the market. Overall, this pedal excels in nostalgia but falters in practical application, making it a mixed bag for those seeking a reliable preamp.

negative

Full Review

Mile End Effects recreates Roland's RE-150 Space Echo preamp with the brilliantly named Ronald Preamp 150 | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Mile End Effects' Ronald Preamp 150 captures the essence of Roland's classic RE-150 Space Echo with impressive fidelity, thanks to its authentic NOS JFET transistors and intuitive design. While its minimalist controls make it user-friendly, some may find the lack of additional features limiting. The internal trim pot for bias adjustment is a nice touch, but might intimidate novices. At approximately $159 USD, it's a tempting option for those chasing vintage tones without the hassle of vintage gear. Overall, it’s a solid tribute with a few quirks, appealing to both casual users and serious tone seekers.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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arion_xenos

292

about 5 years ago

Fabulous Preamp/OD!

Does a great job of emulating the preamp in the R*land Echo unit.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Composer

Genres:

Rock Alternative rock Indie rock

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John Dwyer

Singer, Guitarist

Thee OhSees

Verified via Oh Sees

John uses this pre amp on his vocals. Apparently he swears by it as a vocal pre amp, but Ive heard its great for guitar as well. You can catch glimpses of it in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u73AGFGipA8