Tube Preamp (ADA MP-1) in 11R Effects Loop

[oldjohn]

Connection

I set up my MP-1 tube preamp in the 11R effects loop to add an actual, not simulated, tube amp to my selections. I sent the left/mono effects loop output of the 11R to the line input of the MP-1, then sent the A output of the MP-1 to return to the left/mono effects loop of the 11R. I set the effects loop of the 11R to "rack" effects.

Controls.

I set the effects loop to a 0.0 db send and return, then set the mix to 100%. I bypassed the amp in an otherwise clean 11R rig and could move through the settings on my ADA to get different distortions and clean tones. Both units are MIDI controllable, but I have not yet tackled controlling them both with one signal.

Results

This setup worked without a hitch first time out. (Luck). I am now able to A/B a real tube amp with the simulated tube amps. The MP-1 tends toward a thick, 50 watt Marshall sound, but the EQ in the 11R helps to clean that up. My first impression was that the MP-1 does a better job of the "in between" tones, where the sound is not exactly clean, but the distortion is subtle. Sort of like setting a classic amp on 4, where the preamp is pretty clean, but the speakers are starting to break up.

[muudrock]

I do this with my Egnater M4. Have had similarly good results. Allows me to go direct to FOH and use a monitor on stage. Much better that hauling a 4x12 around.

[Johnster]

Oldjohn - Do you have any updates about this? I'm also interested in what you are doing to send midi signals to both the ADA and to the Eleven. And, do you like the clean sounds of the ADA going through the Eleven more than the clean sounds of the Eleven itself?

[Obsidian Dragon]

I had an ADA MP-1 for many years and could never get a good sound from it. I tried hundreds if not thousands of settings. It always sounded thin and harsh to me. The clean sounds were lifeless and dull. The distortion had a lot of gain but was more like a fuzz effect. There was nothing in between for a crunch or overdrive tone that I could get. I did like the ability to switch to any setting via MIDI footswitch but eventually I sold the unit out of frustration with the sound. I am surprised that you like your ADA MP-1 for the exact sounds that I could not get out or mine. Good for you. Keep us posted on how it goes.