If you could choose???

[tonesearcher]

Need some advice from those of you who have owned/played both the Mesa studio Pre and the Quad pre. If you could pick only one,(I know tough one ), which one would it be?

I really appreciate the help. Thank you all.

 

[dmt]

Quad. Trumps on versatility. You can get the same sounds out of it as the Studio by pulling all of the pots out. Plus you have an extra channel (Mark III) and TWO reverb tanks. The reverb on this thing is the best of any boogie i've heard.

 

[tonesearcher]

Hey DMT,

I really appreciate the input thanks a ton. Tough decision especially considering what they are currently selling for.

 

[myqqy]

I'm not mentally challenged, but i am going to post an answer even though i've never tried a quad.
My input is this though... i think i bought my studio preamp for about $350, and it's got to be one of the best sounding pieces of gear i've purchased, pound for pound. I have it paired with my 50/50, and i'm still shocked at how amazing that setup sounds for the $750 it cost me total...

 

[dmt]

True. The Studio Pre's are somewhat cheaper and sound very good too. I really do like the Quad tho. I get two independent preamps in a box. I dont need to compromise on tone or settings. And the reverb is unbeatable. I don't think the Studio reverb is as good.

 

[vitor gracie]

Studio .22 for sure. The Quad is insanely big (4U) and too much crap to try to have in a rack. 4 spaces for the pre only means 2 for the poweramp, 1 for the power conditioner, and 1 for the FX. Thats 8 SPACES! Sound wise I really dont think it it better, just more channels. You would be better off getting a studio pre, and a formula pre which is 1 space, 3 channels and has a better clean sound then the Quad in my opinion. (5 channels total in 3 rack spaces) Thats my 2 cents.

I owned a studio pre for 2 years with a 50/50 and I tracked some of my best, most beautiful clean and dirty tones with it ever. It was a fabulous sound and I regret letting it go. The quad is nice, but I have a Roadster for my 4 channel thing.

 

[MetalMatt]

... The Quad is insanely big (4U)....

The Quad Pre takes up three (3U) rack spaces, not four(4U).

I played both and I preferred the Quad pre. More channels, more options, better reverb. The studio's are killer preamp's, but the Quad won my heart. You can't go wrong with either.

Edit: I for got to say. I picked the Quad mainly because of channel 2 (Mark III) R2 is awesome and L2 is just rippin'

 

[lionel69]

quad for sure is the best

 

[Gregwor]

Or if you are worried about rack spaces, consider a triaxis???????

 

[jrhaze]

The quad would be my choice.. better reverb, more tones to switch to.. the best investment.. what ever you pay for it you'll always be able to resale it and get your money back.. but they are both great preamps.
Also buy a great mesa power amp 2:90, 295 or 395
Good luck..