Can the MXR 5150 pedal be used as a standalone preamp?

[Rex_Rocker]

Straight into the FX return of an amp, I mean. Or is it meant to be run into a clean channel only?

I remember trying it briefly before, and thinking it was kinda dull and not bright enough when used as a preamp, but that was, like I said, brief and a long time ago.

Maybe someone runs it this way and has a different experience? I'd really like it to be usable this way. I'm a huge fan of 5150 amps' tone, and would like the pedal to practice at home.

Thanks.

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Can the MXR 5150 pedal be used as a standalone preamp?

Give it a shot and see if you like it.
Generally most dirt pedals sound better in front of the amp, but let your ears tell you what you like best.

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: Can the MXR 5150 pedal be used as a standalone preamp?

That's the thing. I can't try it before buying it since I'd have to order it, and my amp doesn't have a clean channel, LOL.

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Can the MXR 5150 pedal be used as a standalone preamp?

That's the thing. I can't try it before buying it since I'd have to order it, and my amp doesn't have a clean channel, LOL.

I see the dilemma.

[NegativeEase]

Re: Can the MXR 5150 pedal be used as a standalone preamp?

Short answer -yes it can.

I plug my MXR Custom Badass Overdrive direct into the FX return of my Marshall JCM 800 2210 to compare pedal tone at high volume versus other equipment all the time.

[PFDarkside]

Re: Can the MXR 5150 pedal be used as a standalone preamp?

...but make sure you have a good return policy.

Generally pedals intended to be used as preamps have a switch to add extra presence.

[NegativeEase]

Re: Can the MXR 5150 pedal be used as a standalone preamp?

...but make sure you have a good return policy.

Generally pedals intended to be used as preamps have a switch to add extra presence.

Indeed -thats a great point.

[devastone]

Re: Can the MXR 5150 pedal be used as a standalone preamp?

It probably wouldn't be my first choice if that was going to be it's sole purpose, I'd probably look at an AMT P1 or P2, and you can probably find one cheaper.

[chris effect]

Re: Can the MXR 5150 pedal be used as a standalone preamp?

Straight into the FX return of an amp, I mean. Or is it meant to be run into a clean channel only?

I remember trying it briefly before, and thinking it was kinda dull and not bright enough when used as a preamp, but that was, like I said, brief and a long time ago.

Maybe someone runs it this way and has a different experience? I'd really like it to be usable this way. I'm a huge fan of 5150 amps' tone, and would like the pedal to practice at home.

Thanks.

Man you need one of those new Mooer micro preamps. They make one that models the old original 5150 and one that models the newer 5150 III. Check em out. They're like 20 different ones. They have built in cab simulation you can turn on and off.

http://m.mooeraudio.com/product/PREAMP-18

http://m.mooeraudio.com/product/-015---Brown-Sound-42.html

http://m.mooeraudio.com/product/005---Brown-Sound-3--62.html

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

[Mincer]

Re: Can the MXR 5150 pedal be used as a standalone preamp?

Reading the ad copy, they describe it as just a dirt pedal, not as a preamp. The fact that it has passive T,M,B controls makes me think that it isn't a preamp as its primary function.

[Diego]

Re: Can the MXR 5150 pedal be used as a standalone preamp?

...but make sure you have a good return policy.

Generally pedals intended to be used as preamps have a switch to add extra presence.

So wait, FX loop returns are supposed to sound dark and dull then?
I thought my amp just had a ****ty loop design or something. I've used dirt pedals in the past straight into it and I've had to seriously boost the highs with them.

Anyhow, if you're determined to get the 5150 tone and you know you'll have to use it as a preamp, why not buy an AMT pedal instead?
Seems to be perfect for you.

[devastone]

Re: Can the MXR 5150 pedal be used as a standalone preamp?

The Mooer pedals are nice and 2 channel, just turn off the speaker sim if you are running into the fx return and a cab.

For what you want the AMT (analog) or Mooer (digital) are better options than the MXR pedal, and the good news is that either of these is also cheaper.