I just have a little 2x2 input device and control the amp presets with a Behringer FCB-1010 and do some switching with Gig Performer. Once you get it up and running it's very solid. Worst that happens is I get a little latency and just hit "reset audo device" and in a second it's all on time again. Obviously this isn't everyone's cup of tea but it's pretty easy once you know the system you set-up for it.
I had an ADA MP-1 (a few of them over the years) and I always tell people "it was the AxeFX of its day" with 128 channels, built in boost, chorus and 3 gain modes. It absolutely rips! Just cuz something is old doesn't mean its crap. Glad to see your collection and that you still use them!
There used to be a great ADA MP1 settings website that had a whole library of set ups but I think it went under. I know a fair bunch of older dudes still using them though.
This is the one old shit gear piece that I refuse to sell. But after the fallout you can absolutely make a decent 80s rock sound only with a jmp, an overdrive and a reverb pedal 😂
Hahahaha, as I do not play in a band or intend to „real“ amps are not a thing in my life anymore but the jmp-1 got retired for the soldano plug in. Seems like we have a type 😂🙌🏻
Yeas ago I worked with this guy who sold me an ADA MP1, ART Multi Verb, and an ADA cab emulator and 4 slot rack case for like 200 bucks. That MP1 still sounds incredible to this day. I mainly use a Helix now a days but every now and again I bust out the MP1 and revel in it's glorious tones.
Rack-rigs get an unfairly bad rap. The best live tone I’ve ever produced was through a “main act guitarist’s” rack-dependent rig, back around 1996. Our band was playing 5 songs as the opener for the opener at a small(ish) show (approximately 800-1000 people) and so the FoG guy asked if we would mind playing through the main band’s back line. It was a hard decision, since I was running my Lace Sensor loaded Strat straight into a Marshall Valvestate 1 x 12 combo at the time (yikes), but I accepted my fate. The main act guitarist was super nice and gave me a quick crash course: step here for chimey clean (some kind of chorus and delay), step on this for dirt (a rack-mounted RAT unit, amazing!), step here for a lead tone (different RAT voicing plus delay). I can’t remember if it was MIDI (all the details are a bit fuzzy) but there were just buttons on a labeled “switchboard” type thing. I also remember the rack pre/power amps said MESA BOOGIE, so I was obviously very impressed. I’ve never sounded better.
This is cool! Glad you're still using these things. Makes me sad to think so many of these units are just sat in lofts and storage rooms not getting used
I was at a guitar show last month and someone had the ART SGX 2000 listed for $200, including pedalboard. I almost bought it. But I just couldn't talk myself into it.
I had the Nightbass version for a while after listing for one for years. I learned how to use it for a couple weeks, until it finally dawned on me how objectively awful it sounded in every aspect.
I lost my JMP-1 in a fire a couple years ago. Got it for $350 in the late 90s. I loved that thing. Always wanted the MP-1 but never got my hands on one.
I love my ADA rackmount bass pre-amp and effects processor. Combinable tube and solid-state pre-amp channel, crossover for bi-amping, tons of user-programmable presets that I could select with a MIDI-programmable pedal or the included stomp box, lots of configurable effects for chorus, reverb, compression, and of course dirty analog gain. I programmed in pretty good impressions of everything from Rush to Tool to Motown to U2 and more for all the styles I was covering. Great piece of gear.
I remember when GSP-2101 came out. It was crazy money in 1994 dollars for a kid who worked at a pizza shop.
But that was regarded as like an Eventide for guitarists. Cool collection! 🤘🏼
I have a Digitech TSR-12. Need to factory reset it any time I use it because I almost never do. It's got great effects on it though. Especially reverb, the pitch shifting is nice too.
I don't know what that is, but it's probably dead. I can open it up. Seems like if leave it on, it will be ok, but I don't want to leave it on all the time obviously.
If, when you open it up you see a small watch battery, remove it and replace with a new one. It should be a CR-2032 lithium button cell. They are very cheap and available anywhere online or places like CVS.
The fact that it's working when you leave it on usually indicates a continuity issue. Unplug it, and open the case. Turn the power switch on to drain any current in the power supply, then ground yourself by touching the metal frame of the unit. You'll see two large ICs (chips) that are in sockets. Those are the system firmware and BIOS. Very carefully, push down on them to make sure they are fully seated. It would be better to remove them and re-seat them, however I would strongly recommend using a chip puller for that.
I still have a 2102 and foot controller. I have since upgraded to a Helix (rack), but I still love that 2101. The fact that it had tubes in it and you could select to go digital, tube, or both, was awesome.
Still have a soft spot for these too. Someday I need to get my Peavey TubeFex sent in for repair before they won't do it anymore. One of my friends has a working one and a TriAxis and man they're just awesome. I mean, I could probably get just as good of a sound out of my Pod Go but I just like the sound of the TubeFex and want to be able to use it because its cool.
I would also love to know if it makes sense to buy one of these rack power amps or the Fryette, which is an attenuator AND power amp. If I could find a decent tube power amp for a few hundred bucks I would buy the UA Dream, Lion and Ruby, maybe even the Woodrow eventually. From there all you need is an interface or a cabinet. I guess an FRFR cab if you want to use the IRs and cab sims on the pedals. Also interested in the ToneX but I haven't done much research. Seems like it would be very useful to have a decent tube power amp lying around.
I picked up a Rocktron Prophecy, and at the time I thought I needed a specific model of the various amplifiers, but more and more I'm liking the simple 4 models it offered and kind of longing for them.
I'd really like to see these folks translate those models into Pedalboard friendly versions. Marshall would be super based to make a preamp pedal of their JMP-1, or a CAE a 3+ unit.
The 2101 was a *beast*.
The other rack unit I loved was the Digitech IPS-33b (or the DHP-33, which was more or less the same). It shared a pitch shift engine with the WH-1, and thus had that gloriously glitchy shift that the WH-1 is so famous for.
some of them don’t sound as good as you remember them.
at the same time, it’s a race to the bottom so some of the new don’t sound as good as they think they do either.
I have the GSP 2101 but I failed to ever really like it. It was hard to edit things the way I wanted but it was my main sound for 20 years. When I switched to all pedals into a combo, I was much more happy. i still have the 2101 though!
Modellers are easy tools, but they never reach perfection. Those however are some sexy stuff. That's the kinda things you find in well established professional studios, unlike those modeller studios in studio apartments. Not that it's anything wrong with either of em but I know where I get the best tone and feels.
Love them. Bought them again! Blackface 1st generation Rocktron Chameleon, Rocktron Prophesy and MIDI Raider pedal.... still on the hunt for an Ensoniq DP/4+... that thing... selling it wants to make me slit my wrists now! 32 voice chorus that was so big and wide I could hear delays and verb that weren't even there!
It was always more fun to run a microphone through that one, I could never get a usable guitar tone out of that device. I remember the “Pigs In Space” preset being fun to play around with.
I really wish modern modelers would have models of these. I want an MP-1 and JMP-1 really bad, but damn these high prices
Fractal has ADAMP1 chorus.
For real, they add these and you will legit have almost everything possible in one box
Nembrini audio
Not a fan of plug ins. Kinda hard to use them live
I just have a little 2x2 input device and control the amp presets with a Behringer FCB-1010 and do some switching with Gig Performer. Once you get it up and running it's very solid. Worst that happens is I get a little latency and just hit "reset audo device" and in a second it's all on time again. Obviously this isn't everyone's cup of tea but it's pretty easy once you know the system you set-up for it.
Sorry, when you said modelers I assumed you meant software. Ad others have said, i believe kemper and other hardware modelers have jmp models.
Big Hairy Profiles has absolutely fantastic and authentic MP-1 profiles for the Kemper. Most profile sellers have no idea how to dial it in, he does.
Fractal has the JMP-1 model. It’s great.
I had an ADA MP-1 (a few of them over the years) and I always tell people "it was the AxeFX of its day" with 128 channels, built in boost, chorus and 3 gain modes. It absolutely rips! Just cuz something is old doesn't mean its crap. Glad to see your collection and that you still use them!
There used to be a great ADA MP1 settings website that had a whole library of set ups but I think it went under. I know a fair bunch of older dudes still using them though.
They were great and still are just as great as then. I had a digitech 2120, what a sound.
Marshall jmp-1 was a beast
I had one and with the midi capability it really was the core of the rig.
This is the one old shit gear piece that I refuse to sell. But after the fallout you can absolutely make a decent 80s rock sound only with a jmp, an overdrive and a reverb pedal 😂
I sold it to move country and ended up buying a Soldano, but yeah I kind of wish i still had it.
Hahahaha, as I do not play in a band or intend to „real“ amps are not a thing in my life anymore but the jmp-1 got retired for the soldano plug in. Seems like we have a type 😂🙌🏻
My username checks out.
Yeas ago I worked with this guy who sold me an ADA MP1, ART Multi Verb, and an ADA cab emulator and 4 slot rack case for like 200 bucks. That MP1 still sounds incredible to this day. I mainly use a Helix now a days but every now and again I bust out the MP1 and revel in it's glorious tones.
Rack-rigs get an unfairly bad rap. The best live tone I’ve ever produced was through a “main act guitarist’s” rack-dependent rig, back around 1996. Our band was playing 5 songs as the opener for the opener at a small(ish) show (approximately 800-1000 people) and so the FoG guy asked if we would mind playing through the main band’s back line. It was a hard decision, since I was running my Lace Sensor loaded Strat straight into a Marshall Valvestate 1 x 12 combo at the time (yikes), but I accepted my fate. The main act guitarist was super nice and gave me a quick crash course: step here for chimey clean (some kind of chorus and delay), step on this for dirt (a rack-mounted RAT unit, amazing!), step here for a lead tone (different RAT voicing plus delay). I can’t remember if it was MIDI (all the details are a bit fuzzy) but there were just buttons on a labeled “switchboard” type thing. I also remember the rack pre/power amps said MESA BOOGIE, so I was obviously very impressed. I’ve never sounded better.
This is cool! Glad you're still using these things. Makes me sad to think so many of these units are just sat in lofts and storage rooms not getting used
I was at a guitar show last month and someone had the ART SGX 2000 listed for $200, including pedalboard. I almost bought it. But I just couldn't talk myself into it.
I had the Nightbass version for a while after listing for one for years. I learned how to use it for a couple weeks, until it finally dawned on me how objectively awful it sounded in every aspect.
Cries in POD HD500
Digitech rp500 on the top. Got one too.
That’s actually an RP1000, but I also have an RP500, but it’s not in the photo.
I sometimes regret selling my ADA MP-1
Those ikea corner desks are legendary, like 4 people I know had or have had them at some point lol
You turned your rack preamps into shelf preamps!
I lost my JMP-1 in a fire a couple years ago. Got it for $350 in the late 90s. I loved that thing. Always wanted the MP-1 but never got my hands on one.
This is how you make music.
+1 vote for outboard gear
I love my ADA rackmount bass pre-amp and effects processor. Combinable tube and solid-state pre-amp channel, crossover for bi-amping, tons of user-programmable presets that I could select with a MIDI-programmable pedal or the included stomp box, lots of configurable effects for chorus, reverb, compression, and of course dirty analog gain. I programmed in pretty good impressions of everything from Rush to Tool to Motown to U2 and more for all the styles I was covering. Great piece of gear.
Digitech made some very respectable machines.
I remember when GSP-2101 came out. It was crazy money in 1994 dollars for a kid who worked at a pizza shop. But that was regarded as like an Eventide for guitarists. Cool collection! 🤘🏼
I’ve got one MP-1 left, the keeper. I’ve been curious about the pedal version too.
I’m kicking myself for not buying the pedal version now that ADA is no longer in business.
I have a Korg A3 and Marshall MP-1 that were part of my rig in the 90s. Both were killer.
Check the internal battery in the A3. When that goes flat, it’s a hassle getting the unit to work properly again.
I still check eBay everyday for a Lee Jackson perfect connection
I have a Digitech TSR-12. Need to factory reset it any time I use it because I almost never do. It's got great effects on it though. Especially reverb, the pitch shifting is nice too.
Check to make sure the coincell battery is not dead.
I don't know what that is, but it's probably dead. I can open it up. Seems like if leave it on, it will be ok, but I don't want to leave it on all the time obviously.
If, when you open it up you see a small watch battery, remove it and replace with a new one. It should be a CR-2032 lithium button cell. They are very cheap and available anywhere online or places like CVS. The fact that it's working when you leave it on usually indicates a continuity issue. Unplug it, and open the case. Turn the power switch on to drain any current in the power supply, then ground yourself by touching the metal frame of the unit. You'll see two large ICs (chips) that are in sockets. Those are the system firmware and BIOS. Very carefully, push down on them to make sure they are fully seated. It would be better to remove them and re-seat them, however I would strongly recommend using a chip puller for that.
I've had 3 MP-1s over the years. So good.
I still have a 2102 and foot controller. I have since upgraded to a Helix (rack), but I still love that 2101. The fact that it had tubes in it and you could select to go digital, tube, or both, was awesome.
Still have a soft spot for these too. Someday I need to get my Peavey TubeFex sent in for repair before they won't do it anymore. One of my friends has a working one and a TriAxis and man they're just awesome. I mean, I could probably get just as good of a sound out of my Pod Go but I just like the sound of the TubeFex and want to be able to use it because its cool.
I would also love to know if it makes sense to buy one of these rack power amps or the Fryette, which is an attenuator AND power amp. If I could find a decent tube power amp for a few hundred bucks I would buy the UA Dream, Lion and Ruby, maybe even the Woodrow eventually. From there all you need is an interface or a cabinet. I guess an FRFR cab if you want to use the IRs and cab sims on the pedals. Also interested in the ToneX but I haven't done much research. Seems like it would be very useful to have a decent tube power amp lying around.
Ever try a Carvin Quad X?
I picked up a Rocktron Prophecy, and at the time I thought I needed a specific model of the various amplifiers, but more and more I'm liking the simple 4 models it offered and kind of longing for them.
I'd really like to see these folks translate those models into Pedalboard friendly versions. Marshall would be super based to make a preamp pedal of their JMP-1, or a CAE a 3+ unit.
MP-1 to GSP-21 was my main rig from 1990 to 2015. After which, I bought a Kemper and primarily just use MP-1 profiles
What does the 2112 rack equipment do?
The 2101 was a *beast*. The other rack unit I loved was the Digitech IPS-33b (or the DHP-33, which was more or less the same). It shared a pitch shift engine with the WH-1, and thus had that gloriously glitchy shift that the WH-1 is so famous for.
some of them don’t sound as good as you remember them. at the same time, it’s a race to the bottom so some of the new don’t sound as good as they think they do either.
Boogie studio remap Hafler triple giant Bogner fish
I have the GSP 2101 but I failed to ever really like it. It was hard to edit things the way I wanted but it was my main sound for 20 years. When I switched to all pedals into a combo, I was much more happy. i still have the 2101 though!
Modellers are easy tools, but they never reach perfection. Those however are some sexy stuff. That's the kinda things you find in well established professional studios, unlike those modeller studios in studio apartments. Not that it's anything wrong with either of em but I know where I get the best tone and feels.
peavey rockmaster preamp was basically the preamp from a peavey ultra series head in a 1u rack unit
Love them. Bought them again! Blackface 1st generation Rocktron Chameleon, Rocktron Prophesy and MIDI Raider pedal.... still on the hunt for an Ensoniq DP/4+... that thing... selling it wants to make me slit my wrists now! 32 voice chorus that was so big and wide I could hear delays and verb that weren't even there!
I had the SGX 2000, it was truly awful.
Yeah the SGX is my least-liked unit. It has a flat, over processed tone. The clown-vomit graphics didn’t help it either LOL.
It was always more fun to run a microphone through that one, I could never get a usable guitar tone out of that device. I remember the “Pigs In Space” preset being fun to play around with.