Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (2)
$2,499.99
Guitar Center
$2,499.99
Amazon
$2,499.99
Musician's Friend
4.0 (247)
$2,499.99
zZounds
$2,499.99
Thomann
4.5 (8)
$2,333.00 $2,299.00 $34.00 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Soldano X88R". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Step into a new realm of sonic versatility with the Soldano X88R, a masterfully crafted rackmount tube guitar preamp that redefines the boundaries of tone and functionality. Revered by legendary guitarists for its cascading-gain Soldano tone, this modern reimagining of the iconic preamp now comes equipped with features that meet the demands of today's musicians.

The X88R features three individually tailored channels that provide a comprehensive range of tonal possibilities. Channel 1 offers a dual-voice clean channel with a Normal/Altered switch, giving you access to pristine, shimmering cleans and a dynamic edge-of-breakup tone. Channels 2 and 3 are dedicated to crunch and overdrive settings, presenting everything from subtle bluesy nuances to high-gain metal saturation, thanks to Soldano's signature cascading gain stages.

A standout feature is the Impulse Response (IR) cabinet simulation, allowing you to simulate a variety of cabinet and microphone setups directly from the preamp. This feature ensures that whether you're recording, performing live, or practicing silently, your tone remains full-bodied and authentic.

Designed for ultimate flexibility, the X88R includes stereo operation, a transparent effects loop, and extensive MIDI capabilities, allowing you to create and recall up to 128 presets. The Soldano Editor Software further enhances your experience by offering intuitive control over your settings and the ability to load custom IRs.

Key Features:

  • Three-channel design with individual 3-band EQ, Preamp Level, and Output Level controls
  • Dual-voice clean channel with Normal/Altered mode
  • Identical Crunch/Overdrive channels for versatile tonal shaping
  • Impulse Response (IR) cabinet simulation with six IR slots
  • Stereo operation with balanced XLR and 1/4" Main Outputs
  • Transparent stereo series effects loop
  • MIDI control with 128 presets and real-time changes
  • USB connectivity for Soldano Editor Software
  • Handbuilt in the USA with universal voltage compatibility

Product specs

Type Tube
Number of Channels 3
Preamp Tubes 5 x 12AX7
EQ 3 x 3-band EQ, 3 x Bright switch, 2 x Fat switch
Number of Models 6 x IR models
Inputs 1 x 1/4" (front input), 1 x 1/4" (back input)
Outputs 2 x 1/4" (L, R), 2 x XLR (L, R)
Headphones 1 x 1/4"
Effects Loop 1 x 1/4" (send), 2 x 1/4" (return)
MIDI I/O 2 x 5-pin DIN (In, Out)
USB 1 x USB-B (software editor)
Computer Connectivity USB
Construction Material Purple Anodized Metal Grille
Power Source Standard IEC AC cable
Height 3.5"
Width 19"
Depth 10.25"
Weight 10 lbs.

FAQs

What type of tubes does the Soldano X88R preamp use?

The Soldano X88R preamp uses five 12AX7 tubes, which are known for their high gain and dynamic tonal range, making them ideal for achieving classic tube-driven guitar sounds.

How many channels does the Soldano X88R have, and what are they used for?

The Soldano X88R features three channels, allowing for a wide range of tones from clean to overdriven, suitable for various music styles and performance needs.

Can the Soldano X88R be integrated with MIDI devices?

Yes, the Soldano X88R is fully MIDI-compatible, supporting up to 128 user presets and control changes, which facilitates seamless integration with other MIDI devices.

Does the Soldano X88R offer impulse response (IR) cabinet simulation?

Yes, the Soldano X88R includes impulse response (IR) cabinet simulation with six onboard IR slots, providing versatile tone shaping options for direct recording and live performance.

What connectivity options are available on the Soldano X88R preamp?

The Soldano X88R offers multiple connectivity options, including 1/4" inputs and outputs, balanced XLR outputs, a transparent effects loop, MIDI I/O, and USB connectivity for software editing.

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Kemper vs Fractal vs Tube Amp - Soldano X88R

Video thumbnail for Kemper vs Fractal vs Tube Amp - Soldano X88R by Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Kemper vs Fractal vs Tube Amp - Soldano X88R

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Video thumbnail for PREAMP BATTLE! 4 Classic Preamps Shootout by Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

PREAMP BATTLE! 4 Classic Preamps Shootout

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Video thumbnail for Soldano SLO-100, X99, X88r, SP77 Shootout! by Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Soldano SLO-100, X99, X88r, SP77 Shootout!

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Video thumbnail for Soldano Rig Demo by Kan Lyd

Soldano Rig Demo

Kan Lyd

Kan Lyd

Video thumbnail for Soldano X88R rig Dry to Wet by Kan Lyd

Soldano X88R rig Dry to Wet

Kan Lyd

Kan Lyd

Video thumbnail for Soldano X88R Guitar Preamp with Celestion G12t-75, G12H-30, Vintage 30 by aryo aditomo

Soldano X88R Guitar Preamp with Celestion G12t-75, G12H-30, Vintage 30

aryo aditomo

aryo aditomo

Video thumbnail for soldano x88r   fryette 2902 lexicon mpx g2 fender masterbuilt 54 by 王瀚一

soldano x88r fryette 2902 lexicon mpx g2 fender masterbuilt 54

王瀚一

王瀚一

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Chris DeGarmo uses Soldano X88R

Chris DeGarmo

Guitarist

Queensrÿche

...
Verified via Photo

As spotted in Chris' rack case.

See how Hisashi Imai uses Soldano X88R

Hisashi Imai

Guitarist

Buck-Tick

...
Verified via Free The Tone

During BUCK-TICK's 30th anniversary event, "THE PARADE" in 2017, Hisashi Imai utilized the Soldano X88R guitar preamp, as detailed in a report by Free The Tone.

See how Crispian Mills uses Soldano X88R

Crispian Mills

Guitarist

Kula Shaker

...
Verified via Photo

On top of the Vox AC30 you can see a Soldano X88R preamp

See how Joonas Parkkonen uses Soldano X88R

Joonas Parkkonen

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video at 2:45, a part of his rack can be seen, which includes a Soldano X88R preamp. Used Live and for Recording

See how Bertrand Poncet uses Soldano X88R

Bertrand Poncet

Singer, Music Producer

Chunk! No, Captain Chunk!

...
Verified via Alias Studio

Bertrand Poncet has a Soldano X88R preamp in his studio, as noted on the Alias Studio 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 Soldano X88R, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1 alternative for Soldano X88R, curated by the Equipboard community.

Line 6 Flextone 60-Watt 1x12" Digital Modeling Guitar Combo
similar sound

The Line 6 Flextone has a model named "Modern Hi Gain", which is described in its manual as being modeled after a "one of the early amp heads Mike Soldano produced". Other descriptors after match the phrasing of the Line 6 Amp Farm software, which used many of the same models and confirms that the Flextone model is the X88R.

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    Gear IQ 18393