@@techniqueswithtodd it's the well known x88 but with some modern features like usb, midi and IR capabilities. also it has an FX loop and some voicing options but the preamp itself is the same as the original
As much as I'd love to grab this, I think I'm gonna stick with my CAE 3+ SE. To your point, the soldano / CAE / Bogner stuff is top of the tops! Love that racks are back. Maybe now we will get Lexicon to come out with some reissue PCM's!
*I AM REALLY REALLY THANKFUL AND GLAD that they made this a rack and not a pedal! Folks need to innerstand, Rack systems have not went anywhere. And Ole boy your playing on that intro was hella exceptional... I think you have grown even more! You played like an accomplished guitarist/musician* ...Yeah I want one but I still LOVE my Two Notes Revolt
Ordered mine yesterday from Soldano....$2499.00 I am counting the days till it is finished being built and shipped.....My rack is finally going to be finished!!!!!
You looked super happy in this video. And why wouldn’t you. You have one of the greatest sounding preamps ever made with even more goodness. Just when you thought it wasn’t possible it actually is. What a monster sound !!!! Good on you Leon… enjoy!!!
@@LeonTodd yeah just as exciting when version 1 was released. I remember that far back . I still have my cae3+se! Another monster. I sold my x88r and my Bogner fish. Should have kept all three. Oh well hindsight I guess. 🤣
I have a Soldano SLO-30, an absolute dream amp for me and easily the best I’ve ever had. I love the sound of Soldano, and Mike seems like a top guy. Great that he’s able to keep releasing new and updated products through BAD. Great video as always Leon 😃 Now standing by for Michael Nielsen’s to go live… (he is the man!)
Soldano amps seem to be some of the best money can buy. In the rare class of amps that have both amazing high gain tones and clean tones. Your playing is always fantastic. Thanks.
Great demo! I'm glad Mike and the boys brought this back. Bit of a niche product at this point but the quality of life features are really nice. I've been lucky enough to spend a few months with an original X88R and a custom built clone and the guy who built the clone also built a power amp using the power section of a 50w JCM800 and it was honestly one of the best sounds I'd ever heard. I offered him my Bogner XTC + cash for the preamp/power amp but he wouldn't budge. I've got an old demo of it on my channel if you get bored. I also used to own the Myasnikov unit and according to Bruce at Brit-Tone (an expert in all things soldano) he said that it's really nothing like the X88R circuitry and rather just sort of a nod to the vibe that the X88R has. Bruce has an original X88R that he let me borrow for a while to compare vs the Myasnikov and they were not really alike but I agree with Bruce that the Myasnikov kinda got the general vibe of the sound right. Certainly a great preamp for what they cost if you're not hung up on the accuracy of the sound vs the original.
I really liked the Myasnikov but ended up selling it since I already had that sound covered with the HR50+. The X88 clean and crunch modes definitely have their own thing going on which I really like - I need to try it with a few different power amps next!
These aren’t really “tube” per se. It’s a nano tube so it emulates the sound/feel of a 6l6. The blackstar Amped series uses these. But you can choose which you want, EL34, 6L6 etc. I’m not sure if the quality is any different, but that’s the premise. But I believe in this unit, the preamps are actually real.
I had the usa version sp77 which is only the first 2 channels in common but without all the switched options it sounded too loose . What many don't know is that the 77/88 are heavenly with single coils , you demonstrated it well with the start 😊
That is some inspiring tones right there! I don't bash on the price like some people do. I believe it's worth every dime. It's a bit like an reissue of an old Nissan Skyline Turbo with a new ECU and traction control. People who are into it would just Pay and Drive And Smile 🤘🏻🎸😊
Was going to buy a friedman or Metro plex as my last amp. But now I just discovered these Soldano x88 videos. Holy SHIT! Never heard the sound of God with any other amp until now. I'm dumping $2500 on this now. Just wow! I'm floored!
🤣 just finished the house work, grabbed my PRS, and a LT video to watch.... nothing better for a burst of inspiration, gonna have to select soldano on my modeller🙏🤘🎸
Excellent vid as always. Great playing. The unit sounds mega. The question is...this x88ir or....an irx, an ird, an irj and a synergy syn1 with a used slo module. Same cost. All made in the same factory by the same people.
@ thank you Leon! I just received my X88IR and I want to use the my Axe Fx3 in the effects loop in stereo. Can you tell me how you did that for the video? Thanks in advance! Keith
Now I want to make a rack with my couple effects units, MP1 and this. I think between this and the MP1 I would be set for life honestly. Honestly wondering now if I could replace every effect unit I have with a Fractal VP4. I think the X88-IR and the VP4 combined could nail the Landau and Dann Huff rack sounds without much effort.
as Mark Morrison would say 'Return of the Rack' 🙌 killer killer tones and playing, can see how it lights up with happy guitar faces =) does this ever make you think of playing some gigs with some rack gear ? or say this and the VP4 in the loop would be crazy good
HOLY CRAP! I've been waiting for this day to come for so long! Rack preamps are so back. The x88r is pretty much top of the mountain for me. As soon as you added the stereo effects it was late 80s AOR (like Richard Marx, Boz Skaggs Other Roads, and like everything Landau and Lukather played on in the late 80s). I think the only preamp that gives it a run for its money for the whole studio sound would be the Mesa Boogie Studio Pre. Actually you know what, it would be really cool to do a comparison video of the x88r to the mesa studio pre.
@@LeonTodd Would that be possible to check out? I'm very curious how versatile it would be for the Nashville-sounds too. The LA-sounds are extremely good! :)
I know it's dumb, but I love the aesthetic of the x88 and Fish sooooo much that I hear with my eyes. ....at least I can admit it and am aware I have this problem. :)
Oh come on Man! Yes it sounds great like everything Maestro LT demonstrates…that said, I’m buying one AND keeping my Axe Fx III which has passed every blind test to naysayers!
I love it, and would own one, but what I really want is a preamp pedal of the Astro. I feel like that may be the most versatile Soldano, but this would probably be a second especially as a preamp.
Leon, what’s the price and will this be a limited release or is it going to be a regular item? I’ve been waiting for it to be released and bought a CAE 3+ (gray) that sounds glorious to get me by.
Hey Leon how would I connect the x88 ir to my axe fx 3 turbo since I’m using that as my interface and this way can add the fx of the fractal to my x88? Thanks so much!
Ok so I’m thinking of biting the bullet between one of the two: a Soldano k88ir or a VHT Valvulator GP3. They’d be going into a Fryette 2:90:2. Thoughts? Is the the Soldano basically a revised version? The VHT is also pretty out of date and I hate having to get things serviced… any advice?
Top shelf demo as always! Just as you are I am also a long time Fractal user but I have never used MIDI, currently I am running an FM9. Do you happen to know if the FM9 can used as an external MIDI switcher/controller for the X88-IR?
those 80s preamps are something else. this, the cae3+, the bogner fish, the tones are just mouth watering
This is a brand new preamp. Soldano just put it out. It's got MIDI and USB spiff eh?
@@techniqueswithtodd it's the well known x88 but with some modern features like usb, midi and IR capabilities. also it has an FX loop and some voicing options but the preamp itself is the same as the original
As much as I'd love to grab this, I think I'm gonna stick with my CAE 3+ SE. To your point, the soldano / CAE / Bogner stuff is top of the tops!
Love that racks are back. Maybe now we will get Lexicon to come out with some reissue PCM's!
@@danielconrad764 My thoughts also going to hang on to my CAE 3+SE as I just can't let it go just yet.
I’ve wanted one of these since it was first teased
Fantastic playing - as usual
Racks are back!! Yes! I am so glad to see this preamp. And by the way...that intro music...complete ear candy for me. Loved it!!
😍😍😍 What a outstanding pairing of old and new technology! Nothing in my gear collection is safe now. 🤣 Killer opening jam brother.
What!? This is the the type of product that keeps real amps alive whew!
They really checked a box for a lot of guitarists going for the rack route 😎👍
*I AM REALLY REALLY THANKFUL AND GLAD that they made this a rack and not a pedal! Folks need to innerstand, Rack systems have not went anywhere. And Ole boy your playing on that intro was hella exceptional... I think you have grown even more! You played like an accomplished guitarist/musician* ...Yeah I want one but I still LOVE my Two Notes Revolt
Soldano is always great sound.
They sure know how to dial in a good tone.
Your own Georgy Porgy's solo performance is so awesome !!! What a great opening track for a great piece of gear demo. Love it ! Thanks Leon !
Many thanks!! Felt like some Lukather was appropriate here.
That’s the fastest I’ve ever clicked one of your videos, Leon!! I must have one of these! It will be mine…….oh, yes…..it will be mine. 😍😎
You won't regret it!
Waynes World ✌🏻😎
Let's together :)
@@nesker 😂😂…….Yup! This preamp is so beautiful……in French, it would be called ‘la ranard’, with only its wit and cunning to protect her………
Dumb question what is the input on the back of the amp for? Sorry for the lack of knowledge 🤟🏻
Oh yeah it’s tomorrow there today. Been waiting to hear this. Right on man !
Hello from the future!
@@LeonTodd great to hear from you man. I’m loving the video.
Ah... that would explain why there's zilch about this on the Soldano website.
Damn, that intro jam really made the 80s come alive again!
Thank you for this video Maestro LT! Mine arrived yesterday…it is indeed glorious.
What a great opening solo... love it!
Ordered mine yesterday from Soldano....$2499.00 I am counting the days till it is finished being built and shipped.....My rack is finally going to be finished!!!!!
Congrats!!!
It’s never finished good sir.
Oh yes. The 80's are coming back. Fabulous, Leon. Love the intro solo btw.
KILLER DEMO! I am so glad they FINALLY started making these again after several decades and even added midi and usb.
You looked super happy in this video. And why wouldn’t you. You have one of the greatest sounding preamps ever made with even more goodness. Just when you thought it wasn’t possible it actually is. What a monster sound !!!! Good on you Leon… enjoy!!!
What a time to be alive!
@@LeonTodd yeah just as exciting when version 1 was released. I remember that far back . I still have my cae3+se! Another monster. I sold my x88r and my Bogner fish. Should have kept all three. Oh well hindsight I guess. 🤣
I have a Soldano SLO-30, an absolute dream amp for me and easily the best I’ve ever had. I love the sound of Soldano, and Mike seems like a top guy. Great that he’s able to keep releasing new and updated products through BAD.
Great video as always Leon 😃
Now standing by for Michael Nielsen’s to go live… (he is the man!)
I’d love to see a comparison between the Fractal model of the X88 and the new pre
I was just getting ready to post this. Make it happen @leontodd 😍
You always get great sounds man. That being said my personal favorite sound from you is with this unit. Sounds killer
It's a real winner!
Soldano amps seem to be some of the best money can buy. In the rare class of amps that have both amazing high gain tones and clean tones. Your playing is always fantastic. Thanks.
They're certainly a special breed!
You woke me up with this Leon!!! Sweetest wake up call!!! Now, it's time for the Fryette 2150 reincarnation...
Great demo! I'm glad Mike and the boys brought this back. Bit of a niche product at this point but the quality of life features are really nice. I've been lucky enough to spend a few months with an original X88R and a custom built clone and the guy who built the clone also built a power amp using the power section of a 50w JCM800 and it was honestly one of the best sounds I'd ever heard. I offered him my Bogner XTC + cash for the preamp/power amp but he wouldn't budge. I've got an old demo of it on my channel if you get bored.
I also used to own the Myasnikov unit and according to Bruce at Brit-Tone (an expert in all things soldano) he said that it's really nothing like the X88R circuitry and rather just sort of a nod to the vibe that the X88R has. Bruce has an original X88R that he let me borrow for a while to compare vs the Myasnikov and they were not really alike but I agree with Bruce that the Myasnikov kinda got the general vibe of the sound right. Certainly a great preamp for what they cost if you're not hung up on the accuracy of the sound vs the original.
I really liked the Myasnikov but ended up selling it since I already had that sound covered with the HR50+. The X88 clean and crunch modes definitely have their own thing going on which I really like - I need to try it with a few different power amps next!
I had the fortune to record for the first time with an original X88, man this is so great news 🔥 I love this one for real.
They really are something special. Thick yet articulate
Nice Heorgy jam at start ,love that song😎👍
Great, I was waiting a X88RI video from you because I knew you will play it as it deserves to be ... And I am not disappointed, thanks a lot :)
😍
As much as I’m a modeler guy, tubes are the benchmark on which tone is judged.
These aren’t really “tube” per se. It’s a nano tube so it emulates the sound/feel of a 6l6. The blackstar Amped series uses these. But you can choose which you want, EL34, 6L6 etc. I’m not sure if the quality is any different, but that’s the premise. But I believe in this unit, the preamps are actually real.
@@TheStinkyDinkyBand I know that it’s a preamp. It’s got 5 - 12AX7 in it.
I miss my X88! this looks killer. nice playing as always Leon
I THINK YOU POPPED A WOODY
ON THAT😎
Life has led us to this very pivotal moment. 🔥
Great opening piece Leon
The cool thing about this unit is how awesome it sounds with EFFXs
I noticed how you pulled the "Recto" vibe out of this preamp with the drop c tuning. Nice!
Yeah, that low tuning really opens up the low end on this preamp.
Sounds awesome. Where did you get that Georgy Porgey backing track???
I had the usa version sp77 which is only the first 2 channels in common but without all the switched options it sounded too loose .
What many don't know is that the 77/88 are heavenly with single coils , you demonstrated it well with the start 😊
Sounds incredible, Leon!
Looking forward to the comparison video of the soldano x88ir and the synergy soldano racks.
Amazing gear demonstration as always❤
Have you listened to any of the modules? I’ve heard they all sound somewhat similar…
Amazing! No need for menus or sub-menus...just turn those knobs and you get all the glorious TUBE tones you'll ever need!🤩
Oh wow with a set of headphones these riffs are hitting a little different lol.... Huge
Awesome
Killer man. Absolutely gorgeous sound.💪
That hollow body wiped the floor from a tonal perspective with every other guitar you used.
Amazing isn't it!
@LeonTodd what make and model is it Leon?
@@leedemkiw.2894 Cilia Bellaurora - Sydney based luthier who does some INCREDIBLE work and can build just about anything.
That is some inspiring tones right there! I don't bash on the price like some people do. I believe it's worth every dime. It's a bit like an reissue of an old Nissan Skyline Turbo with a new ECU and traction control. People who are into it would just Pay and Drive And Smile 🤘🏻🎸😊
Buy once, cry once!
@LeonTodd 🤝🏻
It’s great to see you scored an A+ on your guitar faces course….
I wrote the exam
Epic at its best well done brother absolutely phenomenal tones 🤟🏻
Rack Is Back! This sounds great, absolutely love it. I had to get this unit in my rack as well! 🔥
Your video sounds incredible with it!
Excellent presentation as always Leon. Sounds even more amazing with you using the VP4. Was that a stock setting for the chorus clean sound ?
it's the dimension chorus ;0
Yes! Yes! Yes! FINALLY!!! THIS!!!!!
Was going to buy a friedman or Metro plex as my last amp. But now I just discovered these Soldano x88 videos. Holy SHIT! Never heard the sound of God with any other amp until now. I'm dumping $2500 on this now. Just wow! I'm floored!
That clean tone at 3:40 was magical. Is that a single unit chorus?
That's the dimension chorus in the vp4
WICKED!! Would love to hear a comparison between this and the Synergy SLO module, and the new rack head. Thanks!
03:40 instant 80's schwiiing, nuff sed.
Hmmm some Luke influenced goodness at the start... those new Ultra's sound killer too!
I'm pretty floored with how damn good this sounds. Holy shit. I gotta have it!
3:39 is the most 80's thing I've ever heard
When you clicked on the Fractal it sounded like my TC 2290 P just glorious 👍 Man my friend has a X88 and I want one too !
🤣 just finished the house work, grabbed my PRS, and a LT video to watch.... nothing better for a burst of inspiration, gonna have to select soldano on my modeller🙏🤘🎸
@@heavybrett-al4082 morning!!
Glorious is the only right expression. Feeling a very hard GAS at the moment!
Crunch mode into the poweramp and cab was the biz , nice tough rhythm crunch
Wow I had a X99 around...1996.
Love that beefy juicy Sound!
It's a true classic for a reason!
Oh here is Georgy Porgy!
sounds amazing , where do you get your backing tracks ?
Amazing thing! Unfortunately, I went off-racked. I hope to get something like the Friedman IR-Pedal-Series with SLO tones.
Excellent vid as always. Great playing. The unit sounds mega. The question is...this x88ir or....an irx, an ird, an irj and a synergy syn1 with a used slo module. Same cost. All made in the same factory by the same people.
You can run the modules into the FX return of the IR-X and get the IR loading and power amp sim
@@LeonTodd now we're talking
Hi Leon, if you're gonna do a comparison vid could you include the Soldano mini amp and the Soldano Super Lead overdrive pedal as well? Cheers
The purple finish is killer! Axe Fx IV should take notice?!
Hey Leon! In the intro of this video we’re you using the SD-1? That lead tone with the red strat is GLORIOUS. Thanks! Keith
No sd1 there, all preamp gain
@ thank you Leon! I just received my X88IR and I want to use the my Axe Fx3 in the effects loop in stereo. Can you tell me how you did that for the video? Thanks in advance! Keith
this thing sounds amazing!
after watching your videos I bought Studio preamp Mesa, very happy with it, but it was difficult to dial in.
Definitely! So sensitive, but so satisfying when you crack the code with it.
Man that Ultra II sounds great. My local music store has some in and I'm getting a little gassy lol. The crunch mode sounds really great on the 88.
Applause! It has a headphone jack! 👏
Thanks MAN!
Now I want to make a rack with my couple effects units, MP1 and this. I think between this and the MP1 I would be set for life honestly. Honestly wondering now if I could replace every effect unit I have with a Fractal VP4. I think the X88-IR and the VP4 combined could nail the Landau and Dann Huff rack sounds without much effort.
as Mark Morrison would say 'Return of the Rack' 🙌 killer killer tones and playing, can see how it lights up with happy guitar faces =) does this ever make you think of playing some gigs with some rack gear ?
or say this and the VP4 in the loop would be crazy good
HOLY CRAP! I've been waiting for this day to come for so long! Rack preamps are so back. The x88r is pretty much top of the mountain for me. As soon as you added the stereo effects it was late 80s AOR (like Richard Marx, Boz Skaggs Other Roads, and like everything Landau and Lukather played on in the late 80s). I think the only preamp that gives it a run for its money for the whole studio sound would be the Mesa Boogie Studio Pre. Actually you know what, it would be really cool to do a comparison video of the x88r to the mesa studio pre.
Awesome demo! I know it’s not it’s purpose, but thinking of even more versatile; how does it take pedals?
Good question and a great vid idea
@@LeonTodd Would that be possible to check out? I'm very curious how versatile it would be for the Nashville-sounds too. The LA-sounds are extremely good! :)
Everytime I see an x88, all I can think of is Empire
😍
5:44 Yeah, Scorpions! ("Tease Me, Please Me")
🤘🤘
I know it's dumb, but I love the aesthetic of the x88 and Fish sooooo much that I hear with my eyes. ....at least I can admit it and am aware I have this problem. :)
I like the purple finish and knobs that go to 11.
Yes, it's ..... one louder !
Very informative, thanks Leon !
Thanks mate, hope you're well!
sounds killer mate
Lord. My kingdom for that Soldano.
I am dying to try one of these. They are not even on the website yet though.
Sweetwater has them on their website
it sounds way better than everything digital including fractal
Oh come on Man! Yes it sounds great like everything Maestro LT demonstrates…that said, I’m buying one AND keeping my Axe Fx III which has passed every blind test to naysayers!
@@xprophet9nope. Not in the room it doesn't.
If you use the IRs it's digital
@@rabbit9577 only the IR, not the overdrive.
with the aurora sounds great!!
I love it, and would own one, but what I really want is a preamp pedal of the Astro. I feel like that may be the most versatile Soldano, but this would probably be a second especially as a preamp.
For the price it should be a given that it’s glorious.
Sounds like it pairs well with the VP4.
Leon, what’s the price and will this be a limited release or is it going to be a regular item? I’ve been waiting for it to be released and bought a CAE 3+ (gray) that sounds glorious to get me by.
$2499.00
This thing rules!!
I’m not a guitar player, but this sounds soo good!
Duuuuuuuude!!! This is insane 🎸🤘🏻🤘🏻
Was waiting for the AC/DC riff like always. 🎉❤😂
If you want pure analogue you need to run from the FX send to your power amp or the power amp modelling is in the output.
Didn't the original have motorized encoder knobs or is my memory wrong?
That's the X99
@@LeonTodd ahh thanks for the reminder
That is a dream come true. Wow
Hey Leon how would I connect the x88 ir to my axe fx 3 turbo since I’m using that as my interface and this way can add the fx of the fractal to my x88? Thanks so much!
Take the XLR outs of the X88 to input 2 on the axe
@@LeonTodd awesome thank you you’re the man
looking forward to the Tonex captures
Ok so I’m thinking of biting the bullet between one of the two: a Soldano k88ir or a VHT Valvulator GP3. They’d be going into a Fryette 2:90:2. Thoughts? Is the the Soldano basically a revised version? The VHT is also pretty out of date and I hate having to get things serviced… any advice?
Also, the GP3 will match my Fryette, but the Soldano is… well that awesome purple :-)
Effing disgusting...Best INTRO uve done... Feeling that shit
Top shelf demo as always! Just as you are I am also a long time Fractal user but I have never used MIDI, currently I am running an FM9. Do you happen to know if the FM9 can used as an external MIDI switcher/controller for the X88-IR?
Yes, check out my video using the fractal with the soldano astro, same approach