I've had my Triaxis sitting in my studio rack with a 2:90 for years and I can't remember the last time I turned it on. I think you've given me a reason to do just that.
Couldn’t agree more. Try it with a Mesa 2:90 in the different modes. That is where this thing actually shines. I have 3 full stacks set up wet dry wet. Sonic bliss when I finally work out where this horrible grounding noise is emanating from . Cheers great vids.
Hey Leon, I picked up one of these for €650 this week, non phat mod model , love it. Great guide on the presets and explanation on how to dial it in, as it’s not your normal preamp it does take tweaking
Nice video. The TriAxis works really well with real-time controllers as well, along with MIDI switching. Recorded multiple albums and toured with a TriAxis. Still have it. Your video makes me want to dig it out and run it thru the OX Box.
I'm so glad people are still jazzed about the Triaxis. I have had mine for years and love it. I just bought the Line 6 Helix rack unit and want to set up the Boogie correctly with the Helix. I am also controlling it using a Ground Control Pro. I got that to work easy enough; now I just have to get the Triaxis into the mix. Can you shed some light on this setup, Leon? I love your site and look forward to your wisdom. Cheers, RJ
Those Quad Pres sound perfect. The only Boogie pre thats not good is the dreaded Formula pre in my opinion. John Petrucci used it live in on of his rigs for a clean tone. Not even sure he liked it. JP actually did the self titled DT album tour with a Triaxis and his Mark tones sounded as good as usual. There is a demo of that rig on YT.
Me also. If you leave the chorus on with the levels set to almost flat you get that Paul Gilbert tone he used so much. With the signal running through the chorus you get that fluid tone which is fantastic.
@@MICKEYISLOWD Yea that is a great sound for sure. It feels really reactive too. The MP1 has a lot of great effects which is kinda unusual for the time. Legendary piece of guitar gear history.
well, it IS the king preamp out there.. awesome tones.. but i tend to get better results from LEAD 1 when i use it how it is supposed to be used.. no DV as its made for LEAD 2 modes because mark i had no eq and also rectos have no eq... plus the Lead 1 RED supports higher bass frequencies if you read the manual 5.5 to 10... and i keep it on 5.5 scoop the mid and treble to your liking.. but.. BUT.. what you MUST DO on the recto mode is have the gain on 6! because of a differcence in the pots.. its a tricky thing that the manual says that... use gain at 6 and adjust the lead 1 drive to get what you like... and the most tones i found most usable with lead 1 red was with gain at 6, presence at 4 or 6, no DV and lead 1 drive at 6-8.. bass 5.5 treble at 8 and middle at 3 for rhythm and maybe 6 for leads that cut a lot throu.. but try gain at 6 and bass 5.5 and after and tell me what you think too... at least thats what manual said and i find it to be better.. but i like others' opinions on the matter too
@@LeonTodd wow, glad for the feedback man. thanks.. hope i helped here and trust me on this one,, never.. but NEVER sell this piece of gear... cauz triaxis wont have a rival unless mesa decides to release somethinh rackmount again.. this is a Mark amp series "bookself" and... really can give you most of mark tones.. not iic++ but eehh its still on the top
oops, guess i restated this in my recent comment. note, it’s 6 for the unmodded, 6.5 for the fat mod. i’m only really familiar with that generation and mod, so can’t speak to the gamut
@@nickcaptain13 I love my triaxis too and I think if you boost the iiC+ with a 808 with the drive all away down and tone on 7 volume on 9 or 8 you can get pretty close sound. I follow the same rule on lead 1 red, but you need to know if your triaxis has that mod, only the version 2.0 has that mod, the rest has a marshall instead the recto.
@@jesuislm naahhh man.. if you mean to get close to the iic++ sound, it takes a lot more than just a 808.. all that low end... trust me... i have heard it. it not there.. only thing that can give you iic++ is the James hetfield mod.. trust me
The Triaxis is amazing. As useful today as when it was first released. I am guessing it would be about the same cost to go with a Fractal or Kemper these days though.
The licks at 13:28 are way saucy. I mostly just think of Mesas for the heavier tones but that sounded damn good for a vintage kind of crunch. Excellent playing as always
I love my Triaxis! It needs a good post EQ though. Set the Dynamic voice to 1.0 to let all the bass through (at 0.0 it's a bit too mid-heavy), then try a PEQ or GEQ. Thank me later!
Nice video. I think we all need a test with triaxis and Fractal in 4 cable method! Having a triaxis could be a nice backup and using real preamp instead of a simulation could help in getting better tones!
@@LeonTodd Nice :-) I'd also like to know how it sounds through amp and ir cab simulation by Fractal. Because we know that triaxis sounds very well with mesa amps but sometimes it's a little thin and bright without the color added by the real amp... maybe you made some tests
Just picked up a Triaxis for super cheap, on a flyer.....and yeah, it's fantastic. I totally get the comment that it sounds like an amp, and not "preampy" which I take it to mean less "alive" and more like connecting parts together (think analog recording which is continuous, vs. digital which are samples strung together). I'm running the triaxis through a Fryette 2902, and yes it sounds like a head as compared to my ADA MP2 into the freyette. I'm now wondering if I'll ever go back to the MP2. I run it through a BBE 802 for some of that thing going on, and its not a bad sound at all, its just going back to the triaxis and you go, yeah that's better! Now I also have a mesa Mark IV rackmount head, fresh from the boogie factory brought up to spec. I could get a pretty penny for this, and the triaxis is pretty damn close in sound....
I have always wanted a Triaxis. I used the ADA MP-1 for a long time. Now, I am excited about the Synergy preamps. Just need a Triaxis and ADA MP1 modules for the Synergy!
Nutube tech could make that work with adding extra 12ax7a circuits , not many manufactures have explored that tech, but I know what your saying. The ADA mp-1 preamp would be more realistic. The ADA mp1 channel pedal is similar size to those modules. 2 channels of ADA would be cool. I am surprised no company as acquired the ADA Mp-1. It needs an update for this century.
Spotify liked! Thank you (!!!) F'n congratulations! You lucky DOG! Those are holy grail, as mentioned, the best. Hundreds of presets? Or single channel amp? Hmmm... 3U and you have 2 channels of output. HUGE live. A MIDI foot switch and you hop between settings with one button, instant response. At the time we celebrated MIDI... no more dancing around. Jump on the corner button and rip it! Amazeballs solo at the end, w/post processing was righteous. Tone, achieved.
I never tried one, but to me the ADA MP1-1 was much more an affordable and a versatile preamp in the late 80s. Nowadays, I don't need more than two different sounds. My guitar straight to my Mesa Boogie .50Caliber+ (which I modified myself to my needs) and I'm done! When I switch the EQ off, I can get a sweet boosted midrange lead tone out of it. As I found my tone, I don't need 128 presets or so today. I don't want to sound like someone else. I prefer my own tone.
To me the triaxis always sounds too harsh with the DV past 3.0 . For the most liquid lead tone out of any of the Mesa preamps, you should try a Mesa studio pre, which I don't like for rhythm, but obviously it doesn't offer the flexibility of the triaxis.
Keep your eye out for a cheap Simul class 2 90, it really brings a whole lot to the TriAxis. Also a Mesa 5 band EQ in the loop to bypass the Dynamic Voice is a nice option.
Mesa Boogie Quad is the best sounding preamp I've ever tried... I sold it a couple of years ago to buy a mark III. I used to have the triaxis before the quad it while it sounded really good, I found it too compressed compared to the quad...
Triaxis imo IS the King of all Preamps...Its just too versatile. And Leon's right about running bass and mids lower it took me forever to figure that out. 8 modes... whammm! In addition to owning a Triaxis (Ver. 2 with Recto Board) I also own a Myasnikov Super Lead, Peavey Rockmaster, a Jackson JX-3 Preamp, Rocktron ProGAP, and a Marshall 9004 (only because I can't give it away). Back in the day I had 2 (un-modded) MP-1 preamps and an MP-2. Triaxis slays them all...But that Russian SLO clone is pretty doggone killer.
Leon Todd absolutely I’m a big fan of the old rectifiers (tremoverbs specifically) and have had an odd relationship with the Mark series. I had a Mk V but didn’t like it in the combo format. The triaxis seems to be a great blend of the two amp series.
Once agin my friend from down under You really need to get and review a Blackwidow MGP-1A, Having had a Triaxis, I much prefer the MGP-1A in all settings. It’s many preamp leads are absolutely epic, not to mention the crunch and clean channels. Not compressed, as I found the Triaxis. It can sound identical to the SLO, Diezel, ENGL Fireball , a slew of Marshalls, Mesa Boogies. Midi only allows its 3 channels ( clean, crunch, lead) to be recalled. Really who needs really more than 3 incredible good sounds. Get one!! You’ve had numerous requests for you to review the MGP-1A. Brian Rois who makes and developed the MGP 1A is a wonderful human being, I’m sure he would lend you one for review. Once you’ve tried it, I have a feeling it will stay in your rack. Shortly he will be coming out with a very special power amp to compliment the MGP-1A. I currently use mine with one of the following stereo power amps, a VHT 2100, a Fryette 2/50/2, a Mesa 20/20 dynawatt, a Rocktron Velocity 300. It sounds absolutely A kicker with any of these stereo power amps. Best regards, Mike also from down under (Mexico)
I had the Marshall Jmp 1, Triaxis and Axefx II all at the same time. I only sold my Marshall and Mesa after I found I could create all the tones on the AxeFx II. I run a front of house monitor speaker setup, recording monitors (focusrite) , and 4x12 Mesa Recto Cab all at same time.
Wouldn't you say that the triaxis and the jmp1 are totally different? I have a triaxis in my rack and a jmp1 sitting next to it. All the best tones seem to be leaving the jmp out altogether. It's so flat compared to the tri.
Hi Leon Great video as ever.... can you please give me an insight to your routing.... ??? I've got all the gear but.... 😊 I'm a complete ludite and new to recording at home so want to know how you get such a big sound, is it miced up, two notes?? I'm your typical 80s widdler.... can make all my collection of amps sound great but no idea how to get it on PC. Many thanks in anticipation your response. Rob PS, I've got a triaxis hence the request
@@LeonTodd In my reaper DAW, I run a signal chain with: some sort of digital stomp box, then Mercuriall Reaxis with it's built in effects, then (here's where the magic happens) a BBE Sonic Maximizer plugin, then ReaEQ by Reaper... Bro, that Sonic Maximizer changed my life. I even have a stomp box. It cleans up the signal so much. With all the metal zone videos going around, Im very tempted to make a video with the MZ and Sonic Maximizer.
It’s was Leon’s review of the Reaxis that sent me straight off to buy the VST. Very very amp like response when playing, as well as great tone. Bias Amp 2/ Bias FX 2 Elite versions don’t come close to how it feels..
Had mine since the '90a, still going strong, only ever replaced valves. FWIW. avoid Mk2s - there are parts on the extra board that aren't replaceable (illegal to make them these days) if/when they fail. The Mk3 is basically the Mk1 with Mk2 software chip.
@@LeonTodd Version 2, I believe. This link, if youtube doesn't delete it, explains - mesaboogie.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/217784798-What-TriAxis-version-do-I-have- I think, but I'm not certain, if that board goes bad, it can be 'removed from the circuit', so the unit's still operational.
the delay sound at the end is great , sounds like stereo processing with maybe some chorus ?? , wondering if I can get that with my FX8 , I think it has most of the same options as the axeIII
If you're a Fractal user, the bipolar Cab pack by Justin York is my all time favourite. The Ownhammer stuff is insanely good too as is the ML Mesa pack.
@@LeonTodd Thanks man, I have the triaxis, 250 and torpedo captor.... Im going to use them with the two notes plug in. Would you shate a wav file that you like the most?
@@ivansandoval777 try this, it's a capture of the cab i'm using to record the new Ragdoll album with through a 57/121/421 mic blend into API pre's and an SSL summing mixer www.dropbox.com/s/u6h9kjwh3hdgsom/TN%20Mar412-V30%20Blend%201.wav?dl=0
@@LeonTodd sweet man, Im trying it. If Im using the triaxis straight to the audio interface. should I use the power amp sim with it? I mean the TWSIII one.
Why buy a 2C+ which would cost you a fortune and finding one would be difficult when the Triaxis sounds exactly the same...??The most important thing to remember is that with a preamp of this caliber you must run it with a very high end power amp. Otherwise it is like playing a Blue-ray 4K movie through a 720p display...? Its all going to be lost. In other words all that supreme mid range complexity and massive solid low end will sound as cheap as your power amp section. This wa the silly thing that so many triaxis owners never realised. They saved hard for the tiaxis and then bought a cheap Laney or Peavey power amp not realising the power section was absolutely vital especially for low the end blooming whilst never becoming muddy and soft.
Ha! Got yourself a “USA Pre,” too. Congrats brother! Couple things, if you have the recto board model, there are different fixed values to set in gain depending on “fat” mod or not. Also, where the dynamic voice is really intended for the LD2 channels, the bass goes up to ridiculous levels approaching 10 to serve LD1 red. I love hearing you apply your experience to the device, and hope you do another one after more time with it! \m/. peace, daniel
From the manual... “In the Red mode, the LEAD 1 DRIVE makes its’ move down the line to a later stage, where it can be more effective. At this point it is wise to mention once again that the GAIN control is a crucial part in the operation of Lead 1 Red. As we said earlier (see Modes section, Lead 1 Red) this location is usually a discreet resistor in pre-tone circuits, while in TriAxis, it is an adjustable pot. It is therefore important for you to set this GAIN control to the proper 'fixed' resistance...at least to check it out before deciding to deviate from the recommended setting. Set the GAIN control at 6.0 , if you find this lacking (gain wise), increase the LEAD 1 DRIVE before increasing the Gain. This will ensure tight bottom end response while producing a less buzzy quality in higher frequencies.” ...but changed when modded. been awhile. 6.5 for fat mod i believe
Also, if you have an early model (won't have continuous control features), may not have the recto board at all. Long and short of it is check the revision.
Thank you for this video ! In this video the sound is made by the triaxis preamp and the power amplifier + the power attenuator? or did you put the microphone in front of the cabinet? if I want to use only the triaxis in the audio interface on the PC do I need a cabinet simulator or is just the triaxis enough to make the finished sound?
Hey man, can you create lead Mk4 with a bit more dynamics but not too squishee so it gives the low bottom a bite but barely breaking to give a punch but not to harsh and just enough to push it to some bite on the mid lower end and finally.. add an EQ boost and parametric EQ to turn the presence up a bit just enough to give it a bite to the point of becoming a bit marshmallow but with a bit of a kick so it can give it its distinct character yet keeping that MESA tone still. You can do that right? Play with it and even more killer if you change the tubes to JJ tubes XZ1-N's with gold tips and the diodes to bring it into an ideal focused tone. Good. Let us know when you got it done. Thanks mate.
Any hint on which version your Lead 1 Red channel is? Looking at the serial number will give you a good indication, the sticker with the number is in the valve compartment next to V5 I think, that would be great to know thanks!
@@LeonTodd Great thanks for he info! I have the original "British Lead" Lead 1 Red and I was wondering if I was missing something crucial... I think the original sound very nice and anyway the Mark models are definitely the stars of the show here! Cheers!
nice one Leon. I had one of these years ago...and like a nitwit got rid of it! That killer lead tone at the end...you added something other than delay? Like that widening sort of effect? Good stuff bro.
This Triaxis version doesn’t do Marshall tones. The V1 version has a Marshall Lead channel instead of a Rectifier channel, but most don’t care for it as a Marshall tone. What the Triaxis does well is the Mesa Mark I-IV tones.
Mesa Boogie still sells some parts for the Triaxis such as the front panel membrane. Not cheap but just let you know store.mesaboogie.com/products/triaxis-membrane.html
Ah, love my Triaxis and will never sell it - just like my Simul90. An idea to use a USA pre lead from the Axe3 into the 2:50 (is it possible to turn off the poweramp section in the Axe3)? Yes! The TriAxis is the king of the pre's. Stupid, ignorant and stubborn me bought a new one in 2012. Wished I had one since the early 90s.
You can turn off power amp modelling in almost any modelling unit. Especially Fractal stuff, all of it has real similar control and workflow. The grid system which is actally just a long line representing the signal path from left to right is easy to use. These are mainly just preamps with a few powered exceptions existing like the Kemper Powertoast or the DV Mark Multitoast. That joke never gets old...lol. They ALL sound good though.
Kindly let me have your frank opinion on the cleans of TriAxis ,when compared with those Fender amplifiers in all aspects. My humble opinion is TriAxis clean never far behind than sparkly and glassy cleans of Fenderlish sounds, aren't you?
My 2:Fifty power amp is a US version and I use it with an external transformer. Not a huge hassle as it lives in the studio but if playing it live a replacement transformer might be the go.
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There is only Triaxis, there is no Cantaxis.
Doaxis or Donotaxis.... There is no try.
Cant lives on wont street.
THIS this comment wins
This is one of my favorite Triaxis demos on youtube
I've had my Triaxis sitting in my studio rack with a 2:90 for years and I can't remember the last time I turned it on. I think you've given me a reason to do just that.
Got my triaxis yesterday.This is a best ever preamp for me!
bonjour avec quel ampli vous l'utiliser
Couldn’t agree more. Try it with a Mesa 2:90 in the different modes. That is where this thing actually shines. I have 3 full stacks set up wet dry wet. Sonic bliss when I finally work out where this horrible grounding noise is emanating from . Cheers great vids.
Hey Leon, I picked up one of these for €650 this week, non phat mod model , love it. Great guide on the presets and explanation on how to dial it in, as it’s not your normal preamp it does take tweaking
Nice video. The TriAxis works really well with real-time controllers as well, along with MIDI switching. Recorded multiple albums and toured with a TriAxis. Still have it. Your video makes me want to dig it out and run it thru the OX Box.
Triaxis vs Reaxis - make it happen! :D
You know it!
Yes please! I love my Reaxis, I would love to see them compared. Also, I subbed. Thanks for the vid.
Reaxis sucks in all honesty
kimseniorb when playing i like it better than neural dsp, when listening back and mixing it kinda drowns, neural seems to work better
@@fredriksvard2603 yeah I found this. Reaxis for individual solo playing and Neural for in the mix
Metallica (justice to Puppets) sound: LD2 Y or R mode : Gain 10 Treble 9-10 Mid 3.5 Bass 1 LD Gain: 10 Pressence 10 DV: 10....It slays.
I honestly wasn't feeling it for the rhythm stuff but when you played that lead run at the end I was blown away. Very nice piece of kit my friend
I'm so glad people are still jazzed about the Triaxis. I have had mine for years and love it. I just bought the Line 6 Helix rack unit and want to set up the Boogie correctly with the Helix. I am also controlling it using a Ground Control Pro. I got that to work easy enough; now I just have to get the Triaxis into the mix. Can you shed some light on this setup, Leon? I love your site and look forward to your wisdom. Cheers, RJ
That was a damn accurate Mark IIC+ mode!
The Triaxis shaped metallicas tone for well over a decade, great find.
Sounds awesome.
Thanks man, big fan of your playing!
Great video. The thing I like about the TriAxis is .. How it feels..
So good to Chug upon
I concur
Mesa Boogie Triaxis & Free The Tone pedals remind me of the DeLorean from Back to the Future
YES!
These in-depth rack vids are unbeatable, man.
they're so fun to make too!
Love the triaxis! But I gotta say for core MK tones the studio pre and better yet the quad preamp is where it's at.
Those Quad Pres sound perfect. The only Boogie pre thats not good is the dreaded Formula pre in my opinion. John Petrucci used it live in on of his rigs for a clean tone. Not even sure he liked it. JP actually did the self titled DT album tour with a Triaxis and his Mark tones sounded as good as usual. There is a demo of that rig on YT.
Very nice tones, really like them, Leon! Why these legendary products are not available anymore? That's so sad...
I'm glad to hear you finally got it! Very nice demo with some interesting tips
would like to hear the difference with it in the matrix power amp vs the mesa
Can't wait to get to work on some comparison vids.
Agree with you!!
Full rig rundown or studio tour would be greatly appreciated. You have an incredible array of modern and classic 80s gear. My palate!
Soon!
The triaxis is great but I have always been partial to the ADA MP-1.
Me also. If you leave the chorus on with the levels set to almost flat you get that Paul Gilbert tone he used so much. With the signal running through the chorus you get that fluid tone which is fantastic.
@@MICKEYISLOWD Yea that is a great sound for sure. It feels really reactive too. The MP1 has a lot of great effects which is kinda unusual for the time. Legendary piece of guitar gear history.
"spoiler alert, I won't talk about them at all" - instant video like lmao
Had one years ago, have one now, great pre.
Man, some cool editing on this one. I love how you got a HUGE pair a balls to appear on the screen once the playing started!
well, it IS the king preamp out there.. awesome tones.. but i tend to get better results from LEAD 1 when i use it how it is supposed to be used.. no DV as its made for LEAD 2 modes because mark i had no eq and also rectos have no eq... plus the Lead 1 RED supports higher bass frequencies if you read the manual 5.5 to 10... and i keep it on 5.5 scoop the mid and treble to your liking.. but.. BUT.. what you MUST DO on the recto mode is have the gain on 6! because of a differcence in the pots.. its a tricky thing that the manual says that... use gain at 6 and adjust the lead 1 drive to get what you like... and the most tones i found most usable with lead 1 red was with gain at 6, presence at 4 or 6, no DV and lead 1 drive at 6-8.. bass 5.5 treble at 8 and middle at 3 for rhythm and maybe 6 for leads that cut a lot throu.. but try gain at 6 and bass 5.5 and after and tell me what you think too... at least thats what manual said and i find it to be better.. but i like others' opinions on the matter too
This is what feeds my quest to learn new things about my gear; going to try all of this asap!
@@LeonTodd wow, glad for the feedback man. thanks.. hope i helped here and trust me on this one,, never.. but NEVER sell this piece of gear... cauz triaxis wont have a rival unless mesa decides to release somethinh rackmount again.. this is a Mark amp series "bookself" and... really can give you most of mark tones.. not iic++ but eehh its still on the top
oops, guess i restated this in my recent comment. note, it’s 6 for the unmodded, 6.5 for the fat mod. i’m only really familiar with that generation and mod, so can’t speak to the gamut
@@nickcaptain13 I love my triaxis too and I think if you boost the iiC+ with a 808 with the drive all away down and tone on 7 volume on 9 or 8 you can get pretty close sound. I follow the same rule on lead 1 red, but you need to know if your triaxis has that mod, only the version 2.0 has that mod, the rest has a marshall instead the recto.
@@jesuislm naahhh man.. if you mean to get close to the iic++ sound, it takes a lot more than just a 808.. all that low end... trust me... i have heard it. it not there.. only thing that can give you iic++ is the James hetfield mod.. trust me
We look back on mullets the way the future grown-ups are going to look back on these hats. This is a warning to your future self from the future.
The Triaxis is amazing. As useful today as when it was first released. I am guessing it would be about the same cost to go with a Fractal or Kemper these days though.
Exactly, yet there's no comparison
Sounds great! Always been a great sounding, versatile preamp!
Absolutely awesome. My favorite preamp. Looking for a decent used one myself. You really bring out its virtues. Well done again Leon
It's so worth it!
The licks at 13:28 are way saucy. I mostly just think of Mesas for the heavier tones but that sounded damn good for a vintage kind of crunch. Excellent playing as always
I love my Triaxis! It needs a good post EQ though.
Set the Dynamic voice to 1.0 to let all the bass through (at 0.0 it's a bit too mid-heavy), then try a PEQ or GEQ. Thank me later!
What is PEQ or GEQ.?
Mickeyislowd parametric Eq or Graphic EQ
Leon, thank you for your review.
It's great.
What a killer solo at the end! Amazing 👏👏👏
Sounds killer broheim! Thanks for sharing.
Okay 👌🏽 already....!!!! I subscribed. Your Chanel really showcases guitar gear...!!!!
Triaxis: instant John Petrucci!! Love those things.
The best video about triaxis,that i've ever saw. Thank you,man)
Much appreciated. What an awesome unit!
@@LeonTodd Right! I have it too and I'm going to try your settings. Sounds great!)
Nice video. I think we all need a test with triaxis and Fractal in 4 cable method!
Having a triaxis could be a nice backup and using real preamp instead of a simulation could help in getting better tones!
The delay you hear at the end is the Fractal ;)
@@LeonTodd Nice :-)
I'd also like to know how it sounds through amp and ir cab simulation by Fractal.
Because we know that triaxis sounds very well with mesa amps but sometimes it's a little thin and bright without the color added by the real amp...
maybe you made some tests
Just picked up a Triaxis for super cheap, on a flyer.....and yeah, it's fantastic. I totally get the comment that it sounds like an amp, and not "preampy" which I take it to mean less "alive" and more like connecting parts together (think analog recording which is continuous, vs. digital which are samples strung together). I'm running the triaxis through a Fryette 2902, and yes it sounds like a head as compared to my ADA MP2 into the freyette.
I'm now wondering if I'll ever go back to the MP2. I run it through a BBE 802 for some of that thing going on, and its not a bad sound at all, its just going back to the triaxis and you go, yeah that's better!
Now I also have a mesa Mark IV rackmount head, fresh from the boogie factory brought up to spec. I could get a pretty penny for this, and the triaxis is pretty damn close in sound....
Épic rack. True amazing sound on 5:45 . Thx friend.
Sounds great! It's one of the few boogie products I never owned. I did have a IIC+ that was killer.
Dream amp for me
I absolutely regret selling both of my Triaxis and 2:Ninety amplifiers. Now they are discontinued.
I take it there will be an Axefx Triaxis models vs the real deal video? ; )
Oh, and congrats on getting that killer pre!
You know it!
There should be a Mesa Triaxis head, with Stereo tube power section in one head!
I have always wanted a Triaxis. I used the ADA MP-1 for a long time. Now, I am excited about the Synergy preamps. Just need a Triaxis and ADA MP1 modules for the Synergy!
It is impossible to have a triaxis the size of the synergy modules. Just so you don't get your hopes up. Also MP1 will NEVER happen either.
Nutube tech could make that work with adding extra 12ax7a circuits , not many manufactures have explored that tech, but I know what your saying. The ADA mp-1 preamp would be more realistic. The ADA mp1 channel pedal is similar size to those modules. 2 channels of ADA would be cool. I am surprised no company as acquired the ADA Mp-1. It needs an update for this century.
Spotify liked! Thank you (!!!)
F'n congratulations! You lucky DOG! Those are holy grail, as mentioned, the best. Hundreds of presets? Or single channel amp? Hmmm...
3U and you have 2 channels of output. HUGE live. A MIDI foot switch and you hop between settings with one button, instant response. At the time we celebrated MIDI... no more dancing around. Jump on the corner button and rip it!
Amazeballs solo at the end, w/post processing was righteous. Tone, achieved.
Great demo. Definitely taking notes.
I never tried one, but to me the ADA MP1-1 was much more an affordable and a versatile preamp in the late 80s. Nowadays, I don't need more than two different sounds. My guitar straight to my Mesa Boogie .50Caliber+ (which I modified myself to my needs) and I'm done! When I switch the EQ off, I can get a sweet boosted midrange lead tone out of it. As I found my tone, I don't need 128 presets or so today. I don't want to sound like someone else. I prefer my own tone.
The Calibre series are meant to be great, would love to try one.
Awesome video ! The triaxis sounds killer dude.
Much appreciated. It's really blowing me away.
To me the triaxis always sounds too harsh with the DV past 3.0 . For the most liquid lead tone out of any of the Mesa preamps, you should try a Mesa studio pre, which I don't like for rhythm, but obviously it doesn't offer the flexibility of the triaxis.
Keep your eye out for a cheap Simul class 2 90, it really brings a whole lot to the TriAxis. Also a Mesa 5 band EQ in the loop to bypass the Dynamic Voice is a nice option.
I really like the idea of the EQ for the loop...hrrmmmmm.
@@LeonTodd A Mesa Flux 5 in front is also killer with it, the Flux Five has a matching Mark series flavour.
Mesa Boogie Quad is the best sounding preamp I've ever tried... I sold it a couple of years ago to buy a mark III. I used to have the triaxis before the quad it while it sounded really good, I found it too compressed compared to the quad...
Man I want one so bad!
Usually i dont like Mesa equipment but this is nicee
Triaxis imo IS the King of all Preamps...Its just too versatile. And Leon's right about running bass and mids lower it took me forever to figure that out. 8 modes... whammm! In addition to owning a Triaxis (Ver. 2 with Recto Board) I also own a Myasnikov Super Lead, Peavey Rockmaster, a Jackson JX-3 Preamp, Rocktron ProGAP, and a Marshall 9004 (only because I can't give it away). Back in the day I had 2 (un-modded) MP-1 preamps and an MP-2. Triaxis slays them all...But that Russian SLO clone is pretty doggone killer.
Myasnikov and Peavey here too, they're really cool!
Wow Leon that pre amp is beast mode!
Stunning hey
Leon Todd absolutely I’m a big fan of the old rectifiers (tremoverbs specifically) and have had an odd relationship with the Mark series. I had a Mk V but didn’t like it in the combo format. The triaxis seems to be a great blend of the two amp series.
I knew it!!! That is the master pice that was missing in you pre-amp arsenal!!! I won!!!
The big daddy. I wish I got one 15 years ago!
Once agin my friend from down under
You really need to get and review a Blackwidow MGP-1A, Having had a Triaxis, I much prefer the MGP-1A in all settings. It’s many preamp leads are absolutely epic, not to mention the crunch and clean channels. Not compressed, as I found the Triaxis. It can sound identical to the SLO, Diezel, ENGL Fireball , a slew of Marshalls, Mesa Boogies. Midi only allows its 3 channels ( clean, crunch, lead) to be recalled. Really who needs really more than 3 incredible good sounds. Get one!! You’ve had numerous requests for you to review the MGP-1A. Brian Rois who makes and developed the MGP 1A is a wonderful human being, I’m sure he would lend you one for review. Once you’ve tried it, I have a feeling it will stay in your rack. Shortly he will be coming out with a very special power amp to compliment the MGP-1A. I currently use mine with one of the following stereo power amps, a VHT 2100, a Fryette 2/50/2, a Mesa 20/20 dynawatt, a Rocktron Velocity 300. It sounds absolutely A kicker with any of these stereo power amps.
Best regards, Mike also from down under (Mexico)
I had the Marshall Jmp 1, Triaxis and Axefx II all at the same time. I only sold my Marshall and Mesa after I found I could create all the tones on the AxeFx II. I run a front of house monitor speaker setup, recording monitors (focusrite) , and 4x12 Mesa Recto Cab all at same time.
Beast of a setup! The Axe JMP-1 and Triaxis are bang on.
Wouldn't you say that the triaxis and the jmp1 are totally different? I have a triaxis in my rack and a jmp1 sitting next to it. All the best tones seem to be leaving the jmp out altogether. It's so flat compared to the tri.
It looks like the time control panel to the Back to the Future car 💫⏰🪫
Hi Leon
Great video as ever.... can you please give me an insight to your routing.... ??? I've got all the gear but.... 😊
I'm a complete ludite and new to recording at home so want to know how you get such a big sound, is it miced up, two notes??
I'm your typical 80s widdler.... can make all my collection of amps sound great but no idea how to get it on PC.
Many thanks in anticipation your response.
Rob
PS, I've got a triaxis hence the request
This sounds great!!!!
What IR were you using?
At 5:44 when you switched the Dynamic Voice to 4. Yeah, that was "the sound".
Damn. One more thing to spend my money on. I’ve just added it to my Reverb feed.
Leon, check Studio/quad pre
great demo!!! im going to try and find one for sure!!!!
Do it!
You should hear the Triaxis thru a Mesa Strategy 500 Stereo it's actually a bit scary lol! In a good way :)
I do miss rack gear! Still have, it but need a bitchin preamp for it. I am thinking Syn-2 and Syn-50/50 and my Rocktron Replifex and Intellifex!
Awesome Leon! Rock on!
Cheers man, thanks for watching!
Mercuriall makes a plugin called Reaxis and it's the heaviest plugin that I've found.
I love Reaxis, quality stuff
@@LeonTodd
In my reaper DAW, I run a signal chain with: some sort of digital stomp box, then Mercuriall Reaxis with it's built in effects, then (here's where the magic happens) a BBE Sonic Maximizer plugin, then ReaEQ by Reaper... Bro, that Sonic Maximizer changed my life. I even have a stomp box. It cleans up the signal so much. With all the metal zone videos going around, Im very tempted to make a video with the MZ and Sonic Maximizer.
It’s was Leon’s review of the Reaxis that sent me straight off to buy the VST.
Very very amp like response when playing, as well as great tone.
Bias Amp 2/ Bias FX 2 Elite versions don’t come close to how it feels..
Had mine since the '90a, still going strong, only ever replaced valves.
FWIW. avoid Mk2s - there are parts on the extra board that aren't replaceable (illegal to make them these days) if/when they fail. The Mk3 is basically the Mk1 with Mk2 software chip.
For the price I got the Triaxis for it's hard to justify a mark series amp now
@@LeonTodd No, I meant the Triaxis... probably should have said Version 1/2/3...
@@somebodyelseuk mine has the TX4 board, what version is that?
@@LeonTodd Version 2, I believe. This link, if youtube doesn't delete it, explains - mesaboogie.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/217784798-What-TriAxis-version-do-I-have-
I think, but I'm not certain, if that board goes bad, it can be 'removed from the circuit', so the unit's still operational.
the delay sound at the end is great , sounds like stereo processing with maybe some chorus ?? , wondering if I can get that with my FX8 , I think it has most of the same options as the axeIII
Congrats! The Triaxis is still an iconic piece of gear and worth the $$. ....and much improved interface (and tone) compared to the MP-1. :)
The interface is so good. Makes so much sense when you actually use it.
Leon. Whats your fav IRs brand and which one in particular for a 4x12 mesa?
If you're a Fractal user, the bipolar Cab pack by Justin York is my all time favourite. The Ownhammer stuff is insanely good too as is the ML Mesa pack.
@@LeonTodd Thanks man, I have the triaxis, 250 and torpedo captor.... Im going to use them with the two notes plug in. Would you shate a wav file that you like the most?
@@ivansandoval777 try this, it's a capture of the cab i'm using to record the new Ragdoll album with through a 57/121/421 mic blend into API pre's and an SSL summing mixer www.dropbox.com/s/u6h9kjwh3hdgsom/TN%20Mar412-V30%20Blend%201.wav?dl=0
@@LeonTodd sweet man, Im trying it. If Im using the triaxis straight to the audio interface. should I use the power amp sim with it? I mean the TWSIII one.
Sounds massive!
I love hot rodded tones, but need a versatile setup!
Why buy a 2C+ which would cost you a fortune and finding one would be difficult when the Triaxis sounds exactly the same...??The most important thing to remember is that with a preamp of this caliber you must run it with a very high end power amp. Otherwise it is like playing a Blue-ray 4K movie through a 720p display...? Its all going to be lost. In other words all that supreme mid range complexity and massive solid low end will sound as cheap as your power amp section. This wa the silly thing that so many triaxis owners never realised. They saved hard for the tiaxis and then bought a cheap Laney or Peavey power amp not realising the power section was absolutely vital especially for low the end blooming whilst never becoming muddy and soft.
Congratulations on the glorious acquisition, m'lord! How much loot did yee have to part with?
Hi.Whats the year of your Triaxis preamp ? Thanks
Ha! Got yourself a “USA Pre,” too. Congrats brother! Couple things, if you have the recto board model, there are different fixed values to set in gain depending on “fat” mod or not. Also, where the dynamic voice is really intended for the LD2 channels, the bass goes up to ridiculous levels approaching 10 to serve LD1 red. I love hearing you apply your experience to the device, and hope you do another one after more time with it! \m/. peace, daniel
From the manual... “In the Red mode, the LEAD 1 DRIVE makes its’ move down the line to a later stage, where it can be more effective. At this point it is wise to mention once again that the GAIN control is a crucial part in the operation of Lead 1 Red. As we said earlier (see Modes section, Lead 1 Red) this location is usually a discreet resistor in pre-tone circuits, while in TriAxis, it is an adjustable pot. It is therefore important for you to set this GAIN control to the proper 'fixed' resistance...at least to check it out before deciding to deviate from the recommended setting. Set the GAIN control at 6.0 , if you find this lacking (gain wise), increase the LEAD 1 DRIVE before increasing the Gain. This will ensure tight bottom end response while producing a less buzzy quality in higher frequencies.” ...but changed when modded. been awhile. 6.5 for fat mod i believe
Also, if you have an early model (won't have continuous control features), may not have the recto board at all. Long and short of it is check the revision.
Nice 🎉
real cool guy. cheers goodready.
Thank you for this video !
In this video the sound is made by the triaxis preamp and the power amplifier + the power attenuator? or did you put the microphone in front of the cabinet? if I want to use only the triaxis in the audio interface on the PC do I need a cabinet simulator or is just the triaxis enough to make the finished sound?
Yeah you'll need a power amp sim and cab emulation if you want to use it direct.
@LeonTodd ok thank you Leon !
Hey man, can you create lead Mk4 with a bit more dynamics but not too squishee so it gives the low bottom a bite but barely breaking to give a punch but not to harsh and just enough to push it to some bite on the mid lower end and finally.. add an EQ boost and parametric EQ to turn the presence up a bit just enough to give it a bite to the point of becoming a bit marshmallow but with a bit of a kick so it can give it its distinct character yet keeping that MESA tone still. You can do that right? Play with it and even more killer if you change the tubes to JJ tubes XZ1-N's with gold tips and the diodes to bring it into an ideal focused tone. Good. Let us know when you got it done. Thanks mate.
fantastic, which version is this ? does it have fat mode mod ? cheers
TX4 no phat
Dude try the the Engl e530 preamp and make a review.
Is the Matrix power amp a backup?
Any hint on which version your Lead 1 Red channel is? Looking at the serial number will give you a good indication, the sticker with the number is in the valve compartment next to V5 I think, that would be great to know thanks!
It's the V4 without the fat mod
@@LeonTodd Great thanks for he info! I have the original "British Lead" Lead 1 Red and I was wondering if I was missing something crucial... I think the original sound very nice and anyway the Mark models are definitely the stars of the show here! Cheers!
nice one Leon. I had one of these years ago...and like a nitwit got rid of it! That killer lead tone at the end...you added something other than delay? Like that widening sort of effect? Good stuff bro.
That's the Axefx III multidelay quad tap with two lines set for stereo chorus and two for stereo delay :)
Leon Todd that was like my dream lead sound! Now...if only I had an axefx haha
What serial number is this or version
Thanks for the Triaxis run through, Leon. Have you been able to get any Triaxis tones you would consider similar to JCM800 or Plexi?
This Triaxis version doesn’t do Marshall tones. The V1 version has a Marshall Lead channel instead of a Rectifier channel, but most don’t care for it as a Marshall tone. What the Triaxis does well is the Mesa Mark I-IV tones.
Mesa Boogie still sells some parts for the Triaxis such as the front panel membrane. Not cheap but just let you know
store.mesaboogie.com/products/triaxis-membrane.html
Thankyou!
Nice video!
The TA I find on Reverb are around 800 bucks on the low end of things... any idea what these went for back in the day?
I remember seeing them for $2k used back in the day. $800 is pretty reasonable
Ah, love my Triaxis and will never sell it - just like my Simul90. An idea to use a USA pre lead from the Axe3 into the 2:50 (is it possible to turn off the poweramp section in the Axe3)?
Yes! The TriAxis is the king of the pre's. Stupid, ignorant and stubborn me bought a new one in 2012. Wished I had one since the early 90s.
You can turn off power amp modelling in almost any modelling unit. Especially Fractal stuff, all of it has real similar control and workflow. The grid system which is actally just a long line representing the signal path from left to right is easy to use. These are mainly just preamps with a few powered exceptions existing like the Kemper Powertoast or the DV Mark Multitoast. That joke never gets old...lol. They ALL sound good though.
Sounds great! Which version is this? Does it have the Recto board?
TX4, no fat mod.
Kindly let me have your frank opinion on the cleans of TriAxis ,when compared with those Fender amplifiers in all aspects.
My humble opinion is TriAxis clean never far behind than sparkly and glassy cleans of Fenderlish sounds, aren't you?
The green mode is pretty amazing
Lead 2 green at 9:15 sounded best to me. Killer toanz
How does the Triaxis sound through the Matrix?
I'll have to do a video with a few different power amps
Is it worth buying a US version and adding an aftermarket 230v mains transformer? OR just using a external transformer?
My 2:Fifty power amp is a US version and I use it with an external transformer. Not a huge hassle as it lives in the studio but if playing it live a replacement transformer might be the go.
@@LeonTodd nice one do you think it has affected the tone at all?