Marshall JMP 1 v 9000 - Preamp Comparison

Quick side by side with the Marshall JMP-1 and 9004 preamps. I'm using a Synergy SYN5050 power amp, Marshall 1960TV cabinet and a Sennheiser e609 microphone.
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[@akasgsvirgil9503]

Back in the early 90's, I had Marshall 9000 series preamp running into a 100w mono Peavey power amp and then into a Marshall 4x12 straight cab. it was the best sounding rig I've ever had. The Marshall 9000 series preamps are a really well kept secret. Their timing was bad because back then there was a "vintage" craze going on. For a solid state piece of gear that's 30+ years old, it has withstood the test of time and aged very well.

[@jamesalfano5740]

I had a similar rig back then, running solid state Marshall pre amp, into Peavey Triumph 60 power tubes. 9004 has a ton of gain, more than the jmp-1, & I love the fx loop send & return right on the front panel !

[@januszciechanowski3073]

I've had the Jmp1 for many years and it's a killer classic Marshall tone. Good speaker simulation for direct recording. Works well with a tube power amp or in a tube amp effects loop. I recommend it if you are a fan of the sound of the 90's

[@jamesalfano5740]

Ive had a 9004 since 1996, used to run it into fx return of a Peavey Triumph 60, thats directly into 2 6L6 Power Tubes, I replaced with a pair of Blue Tubes. 9004 has its own fx loop with level control right on the front panel, That I had an ART fxr & Digitech tsr 24.

[@McLeanAB88]

Had a 9004 for years... loved it. Don't know if I would still love it, but it was nice to hear it again.

[@wakjob961]

I think they sound great... No ISP Theta though! That's your next one Leon... Theta Pro.

[@Heineken1712]

@@wakjob961 Theta all the way. The preamp pedal sounds better than the theta DSP though.

[@johnpabst2960]

Thanks for this vid! I'm in love with Billy Corgan's MCIS tone and you just dialed it right up for me! Time to get a JMP-1 before they disappear!

[@TheHairyDude]

Love my JMP1. It does everything I need in a preamp, and I even like the clean sounds!

[@sanehumanbeing7019]

That rhythm sound on the 9000 sounds nice. I bet it cuts through a mix very nicely.

[@chrishastings]

Great Vid as always Leon! love it.

[@LeonTodd]

Finally got around to shooting it! i'll have to reunite you with your baby :)

[@tommygunrva]

I used to run a 9004 (yyeeeeaaarrrss ago). "Old Pro" tip: That thing really spreads it's wings when you hit a tube power amp with a musical Presence control (I used an old Boogie 50/50). I'd have the presence up around 2 o'clock-ish, if memory serves. Played a lot of Jacksons loaded w/ single EMG 81's back then, lol. But I remember getting what I thought at the time was a good tone out of my old Greenback-loaded 800 cab. Very mid-80's Exodus/Testament w/ a touch of Van Halen II.

[@kozsg]

Love your videos mate, used to own the JMP1 with a 20/20 el84 Marshall power amp, such a killer preamp.

[@LeonTodd]

Super compact and powerful stereo rig right there

[@peterbrusch1493]

Bought an JMP0 two years ago. Love it! In combination with a MOOER Radar it is a killer for recording. Best tone ever!

[@guitarexpert2245]

There was one up for sale a few days ago locally for around $550, it sold in a day while all other Marshall amps have been sitting and not selling. Then i find this video. Pretty cool.

[@PainterDans]

The 9004 works nice on the clean channel with Bogner red pedal, boosted with an sd1. Eq and delay in the loop. Cool video 👍

[@LeonTodd]

Very nice!

[@christopheranderson2158]

Try this!.......route the 9004 into the FX loop of your ADA MP-1 and setup the gain to stack it with the 9004. The 9004 is essentially a 2-channel drive pedal in a rack unit. I ran it with my MP-1 this way to keep the noise floor of the ADA down a bit by not cranking the gain all the way, and instead allowed the 9004 to make up the difference. I would set the ADA with a bit of a scooped tone....then add midi back in with the 9004. I remember getting some pretty awesome sounds this way. You could also try running it directly in front of the MP-1 like a regular pedal as well. I recently got my 9004 back in working condition and I’m going to try it with some other preamps I have. Cheers from Minnesota! 🤘🤘

[@satarello]

good morning. Leon I love when you comparing old rack stuff !!! love it..PS. with some tubescreamer like Maxon od808 we can achive very good sound with this preamps..

[@LeonTodd]

Got a vid on that coming soon too!

[@josephbusuttil3030]

Hey Mate, Greetings from Tassie Love your vids .... I have the JMP-1 and was really surprised by all the factory Patches in this thing, I've had it for years. I am a bit of a biased Marshall man and have the JVM210C & DSL-40, great amps (have had way too many Marshalls in my time hahaha ) The JMP-1 rack really is a monster especially for getting a variety of classic Marshall Amp tones like the Plexi, JMP, Superleads etc (like the JVM's versatility) especially in the studio Being portable enough too makes it ideal for on the go Rock On ... Joe

[@blaze5150]

Never played through a JMP1. I Have the 9004 and love it. Nice Iron Maiden tone, with an OD only for the solos. Good stuff it also sounds nice and controllable in apartment volume

[@roscius6204]

Still love and use my JMP1, bought new in the 90's. I use midi control but have found the sweet spot for me is a dialed in clean into the power amp of a JCM900 and use boosts/drives in front as my gains The hidden gem is the Effects loop, I have patchs 1-4 set progressively from no effect through to 100% and have 4 switches on my board that operate the same as the original footswitch. I have an Roland GX700 and a Lexicon Vortex in the Loop. Every time I see a Modulation demo and am tempted I go find that sound in my rig and it's not always there but I'll find something equally good.

[@stevenmgyori3826]

Good morning Leon! Great Tones and Demonstration! I'm not really a SS fan but, as you've shown Great Tones to be Enjoyed! Thanks for sharing brother and Be Well All!

[@LeonTodd]

Good morning!

[@claudevieaul1465]

I've played a 9004 for ages back in the day, and it sounded OK, it had gain aplenty but it didn't have the warmth like a valve amp - which is what I was after. The JMP1 is a deserved legend, and I'm quite surprised that they're actually not that far apart sonically.... I've heard it combined with a Marshall 19" EL34 100/100 poweramp and thát is absolutely to die for.

[@MorbidManoeuvres]

cool demo cheers i didnt know of the 9000, looked them up they seem rare also as none are showing for sale

[@TenPester]

That JMP-1 sound is awesome.

[@zundap100]

I love that JMP-1 it sounds great.

[@2550marshall]

You are the 2nd person I have seen recently who is demoing a JMP-1 and you have the Output cranked all the way. I have used a JMP-1 since they came out. I have never set the output to that extreme. I usually set it about 9 O'clock and then use the ch volumes. This will also allow you to have more tonal variations, IMHO. For example, you can use OD 1 and set gain to very low and then crank the ch volume for edge of break up type tones and Plexi type tones but with more variations.

[@jakedibiase7404]

Yeah I've never needed to use that much level with mine either. Need to have it set to +4db I believe. I have around 11 o'clock with my power amp volume set pretty high.

[@davidbuzzin426]

👍🇬🇧❤NOTHING BEATS A MARSHALL 💥🎸

[@ericharbauer]

One day I'll get a Marshall preamp ...don't have one in my collection yet. Both of these are on the list.

[@chrisholman2289]

I had a jmp1, and loved the idea and everything worked so well, but the sound....I just couldn’t deal with it. Lasted less than a year in my rig. PSA1 to the rescue!

[@mikaelbiilmann6826]

Huh... I bough the 9004 around 1994 and thought it had those small tubes in them. At the time I had only my Peavey Special 130 and wanted to connect the Marshall so it got a more tube sound. I still have both. The Peavey I bought back in 1987 and it still works fine. In 1987 I also bought a Squier Stratocaster 1982-84 from a friend for very little money. Still have it and it is such a comfortable guitar.

[@FelineGuitars]

2:15 the cat has had enough, although it seems to come back about 6:05

[@noworries12]

I have both...I love mainly the crunchy OD1 channel (JMP-1),one of the best sounding Marshall tones ever, even directly through the underated speaker sim output...with a EL34 power amp this thing is killer. The 9001 (i.a. other amps/gear) was used on Bryan Adams "Waking up the neighbours" by Keith Scott The 9004 has a more classic Marshall vibe to it (no hi- gain!) and you have to tweak a little longer to find its sweetspot...of course ,like every Marshall, both like to be boosted with TS etc.

[@scottkoester467]

I used to own a 9001, it was a Tube pre-amp. I know that Voodoo had some very useful mods to make it usable in a working musician setting. I would like to hear comparisons to a modern version of a similar tube pre-amp.

[@MFR5150]

Talk about swearing by the JMP1 , bought my first in the early 90's . ... and few years ago woke up in a cold sweat and thought .. what happens when it breaks lol .Bottom line bought a 2nd one just in case. As you said for some of us they still are "the preamp". OD1 3/4 gain , bass shift in ... welcome to the late 80's. Love the unit and your channel. Cheers Leon

[@LeonTodd]

HAHAHA I feel you on this man. That's why I have 3 A/DA's

[@Imokyourok440]

@@LeonTodd I was gonna get another MP1 but for some reason the price has gone way up on them. Hmmm....I wonder why. Wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain person making videos showing how awesome they are. Nah...it couldn’t be that. 😉😂😂🤣🤣

[@zombiemosher1139]

My mate has both but we have never compared them side by side. From this demo I preferred the 9004 for the higher gain stuff but for the crunch AD/DC type sound the JMP-1 was clearly superior. You should try & get hold of the Valve 9001 pre, I'd be interested to hear it against the JMP-1.

[@seventhsealhere]

JMP-1 all the way. Would be cool to add the Ceriatone to the comparison. 👍

[@PlagueScytheStudios]

Marshall should have just put a 8100 / 8200 circuit in that thing and called it a day, maybe replacing the tube gain stages with transistors if they wanted to go the full blown SS route. I think the Contour control really could have helped close the gap, but without it the JMP really eats the 9000 for lunch on high end clarity... nonetheless, some sweet nostalgic tones in this one!

[@LeonTodd]

yeah the contour control was my fave part of the old Valvestate my school had. Many a happy scooped mid jam on that beast!

[@JosipAngeloBorovac]

On my studio monitors, the JMP1 definitely had the edge, especially in a lower gain setting...there is a reason why it is considered a classic and why it is seen on most racks nowadays...it is just bread and butter essential of Marshall tone. Leon, did you have a chance to try I think 9001 Marshall preamp that actually has tubes in it? There is a model with some weird knobs such as "voicing" or something like that...not many reviews on that one and it would be interesting to see how that compares to the rest of the 9000 series and the JMP :-) Just a thought! Great job and playing as always man!

[@TomMyslak]

Cool video! Funny enough - I would have l oved exactly what you didn't do (and explained why) - I run the 9004 specifically for solid state cleans, other preamps for crunch / distortion

[@RabidGerry]

Got a 9004 recently v and love it. Eq boost in front and it's perfect for me. Leon you should do a Gallien krueger 2000cpl video some time, would love to see that.

[@Burkhimself]

I always love preamp comparisons....I’m a little shocked that you don’t compare the 9001 (tube one from 9004 era).....is really be interested in hearing that shoot out.

[@russiangoose7053]

I've oddly heard that the 9004 sounds more Marshall than the 9001, can't say how true that is but in a way I wouldn't be surprised

[@Burkhimself]

@@russiangoose7053 I guess the fact that the 9004 is solid state turns me off immediately……🤷🏼‍♂️ I assume the right player could make anything great

[@russiangoose7053]

@@Burkhimself I like solid state for certain things but I usually go for tube. Sometimes I want that industrial and tight solid state sound for more 90s era stuff like old school death metal. But for like 80s rock or doom metal I'm all about tube. I think both are great just different and have their place. Plus I'm wanting to build my first 80s-90s style rack and I'm on a budget so the 9004 is within my range haha. Also I'd imagine given the era the 9000 series was built in that the 9001 has some solid state circuitry as well going on whether it be opamps or diodes, Marshall was doing that in their amps at the time so I could imagine it being in the preamps as well

[@markb3767]

Hey Todd You should check out a Neunaber Iconoclast . It’s a cab emulator that works like an actual speaker in that it compresses like a real one would. To me it’s much easier and has a natural sound and gets a great tone a lot faster than impulse responses. By the way I bought a FM3 because of your videos! Thanks!

[@DocDisco241]

Who doesn’t like rack pre’s. I’ve got only one. The venerable Engl e530. Be cool to see one on your channel.

[@SixStringZombie]

I had both of these at different time back in the 90s. At one time my rig was a 9000 into the front end of a silverface Twin with Altecs. The JMP-1 is overall smoother and has some “depth” to its sound, for lack of a better term. I’ve been thinking of buying a used JMP-1 but they tend to develop issues with their data knobs getting wonky and apparently are easily repaired.

[@MetallicAssault]

Woow, the 9000 is super agressive, I like that. But I still think the JMP-1 is a must have (someday i'll have one)

[@angusstark6171]

Are you familiar with the Marshall 9000 series “ Tubed “ preamp ? I own one . Great mix of Jtm 45 and plexi tones in one rack space

[@NunoGuitarsSilva]

Another great review mate! Quick question: do you always use the output level of JMP1 cracked up?? Why? In my case I cannot use it since I do not use the loop from JMP1 since it sucks. Running direct from output to rack of effects and them to the Poweramp sounds better. Agree? Cheers from Portugal!

[@LeonTodd]

Scratchy pot! Easier to leave it cranked and adjust the preset volume.

[@SolarWarden88]

Sold vid as always man! Have you played a 9001 before?

[@andyjett]

Cat running away when DROP tuning comes in!!!

[@ianfurqueron5850]

Hmm... the 9004 has a 'thing"... it's just that the JMP-1 seems to do that "thing" a little better. I am struck by how much slight changes in the tone controls on the JMP-1 affect the sound. Unfortunately, I own neither, although I do want a JMP-1 to add to my collection. Hopefully I can find one before prices go totally nuts...

[@208414]

I didn’t really like the tones from either of these preamps. The JMP-1 had better note separation and clarity to my ear, so that’s the one I would chose if I had to pick one.

[@Simeon_Harris]

i had the JMP-1 for a while and loved it. the speaker simulated outs on the back are actually quite good, i reckon. i also had one of the early 9000 units...the one with the voice or shape control (can't remember now), rather than the three band eq. that was a truly horrible unit that was impossible to get a decent sound out of....just like the valvestate solid state power amp...ugh, so nasty. the 9000 valve power amp was a beast though, if you could turn it up loud enough!

[@LeonTodd]

My buddy has a 9000 series power amp and it weighs a ton - absolutely crushing though!

[@Simeon_Harris]

@@LeonTodd yes, it's kinda ridiculous how big and heavy it is. i ended up with the mesa 20/20 in the end. not quite so rocky with the EL84's, but oh so portable! i think i used all of these - marshall 9005, marshall valvestate, marshall 9200, mesa 2:90, mesa 2:fifty and mesa 20/20.

[@thechannelforeverything2170]

I really like the fact that the 9000 has that 90's extreme tone vibe. And it's not that the JMP is bad, I would just rather play a DSL or TSL cause they just sound better to my ear.

[@LeonTodd]

I went through the same thing. Gigged a JMP-1 for a while, then sat it side by side with a DSL and went "oh, that's the sound I want".

[@thechannelforeverything2170]

@@LeonTodd Also on a side note. I recommend checking out the old Mesa Mark Series 4x12's. I have one that has 2 old V30's and 2 C90's in it and it pairs so well with my Mark IV. You'd love the versatility they offer.

[@LeonTodd]

@@thechannelforeverything2170 oooooh now you're talking! I wonder how many made it down here?

[@antropomorfizacja]

can you tell me how jmp 1 sounds compared to jvm marshalls?

[@dayglo98]

I thought the JMP-1 sounded less than amazing rack mounted with IR's, compared to what else I had at the time, a Rocktron Chameleon and a Hughes&Kettner Tubeman Plus. I never really tried it thru a poweramp, I'm sure it would've been nice but eh, that's in the past now. Now it's the same with my Engl E530. It's not amazing somehow by itself with IR's, but thru a power amp it's AMAZING.

[@LeonTodd]

That part amp "colour" real is essential IMO. The tubeman is a great preamp

[@AndreiGrozea]

would love to try the 9000 at some point, they seem cool for disgusting death metal but i never see one for sale

[@LeonTodd]

Even better with a 10 band EQ I'd guess

[@AndreiGrozea]

@@LeonTodd a regular od in front would be enough i think, i'm loving those scooped VS like tones it seems to get

[@edwinwierzbicki3503]

I assume that 9004 is a mosfet based preamp... Wonder, How the JMP-1 compares to 9001 preamp... I had JMP1 and I couldn't get the classic hard rock bluesy, crunchy sounds I wanted. I bought 9001 next, but... never used it, because I sddenly bought 1987x amp... So I had no time for 9001... Any thougts if 9001 gets closer to JCM800 or plexi character better than JMP1?

[@rocksteady9115]

The 9001 lead channel is quite good, clean is OK, rhythm channel is the worst thing ever from Marshall like a cheap fuzz box Jmp1 slays the 9001 and 9004

[@rocksteady9115]

I've owned all 3 Marshall preamp, JMP 1 slays the other 2 imo The 9001 lead channel is good but the clean and crunch just suck The 9004 imo sounded like a cheap valves tate, got rid of it instantly Great video BTW,

[@Gorazd1974]

You should have EMG 81 for that plaiyng, passive pickups are too soft and gentle. I think jmp-1 have way too small amount of gain for metal.

[@jelleveirman]

In my my live gig rig I use the valve powered Marshall 9001. I was wondering if there’s anything new on the market that could substitute this preamp… ? It’s getting old unfortunately

[@LeonTodd]

Synergy Syn2 with a clean and crunch module

[@jelleveirman]

Thanks!

[@emailchrismoll]

I bet it won't be long until modelers have these units built in

[@LeonTodd]

JM-1 has been in the Axe-Fx for years now

[@scottwheldon9992]

That first tone was a killer sound. If Thor played guitar I bet it would sound like that.

[@stephenhaynes603]

i dont know the cat seems to know he walked away when the 9000 was being played ....🐱

[@joeyvanostrand3655]

Umm... Missing something!?! The ALMIGHTY ART Power Plant!?! I really want to see if you can squeeze a genuinely good, UNMODIFIED tone out of it. I tried 4 completely different tube amps (power section only) with it. Sounded like a wet, explosive shart filtered through a moldy maxi pad.

[@LeonTodd]

HAHAHAHA! Funny, as I was taking these two out of the rack I saw the ART staring at me. Might have to buckle in for a shartsplosion soon.

[@OnesteptotheRight]

I have the Marshall 9001 TUBE preamp available if you're interested? Or if you wanted me to send it so you can do a shoot out with it. I think you'd be surprised to hear the difference. Also just picked in mint condition the TOM SCHOLZ Rockman Sustainor and instrument eq both modules in one rack.....I mean mint condition.

[@LeonTodd]

Keen to try! Congrats on the vintage Rockman goodies :D

[@OnesteptotheRight]

@@LeonTodd Thanks man. Love your videos great job. Was hoping you could help with something. I recently purchased a rack that has a bbe sonic max stereo. A TC electronics G FORCE, a SANS AMP PSA 1 preamp , a 30 band eq and a power amp at the bottom. I was hoping you could tell me how to hook it all up so I can plug my guitar in. Plug it into a cabinet and go? I mean where do you start ? Where do you end? Help?

[@LeonTodd]

@@OnesteptotheRight start trying out Sansamp-power amp-cab and getting that working. From there I'd add the G Force in between the sansamp and power amp and see how that sounds. other bits aren't as essential

[@OnesteptotheRight]

@@LeonTodd Thanks so much for replying. Ill get right too it. YOU ROCK MY FRIEND!

[@brozio77]

jmp 1 is better in every aspect. i got rid of the 9004 because i found not definite and muddy

[@gordontubbs]

I guess with a MIDI controller and a JMP-1 you don't really need a JVM do you?

[@ScottGailor]

Cat is like, I'm out lol.

[@sexyguitarboy69]

Regarding definition and clarity with crunch and lead sounds, at no point the 9004 can hold a candle to the JMP-1. Just my 2c.

[@xriz8409]

jmp1 smacks the 9004 to me... but I like good vibe happy place sounds and not the br00talz :)

[@MrPittsbrother]

My personal equipment would get me locked in a mental asylum after assessment.

[@TungstenCarlbide]

I just want one person in the comments to listen to All The Best Tapes.

[@jabende]

The cat wants to go outside :)

[@LeonTodd]

Update - cat did want to go outside, but also wanted food out there

[@irmasil3]

Just for the record, JMP-1 is a tube preamp with solid state clipping for high distortion. Nothing 'mystic" or "fake" about it...In a similar fashion that you would use a OD (which BTW in case anybody forgot, they ARE Solid state, at least most of them) in front of your tube amp to get MORE, the JMP-1 does it by itself in one circuit. In the heavy distortion settings, your distortion clipping is indeed more solid state driven, but the tube circuit is of course present, so YES you get solid state clipping on a tube circuit..Nothing to die for, debate for, rip your clothes off etc....FFS. You like the sound? Then that's it..And next time you try to overthink it, remember your beloved Tubescreamer, Klon, OD-1 etc...ARE SOLID-FUCKIN'-STATE!!!

[@LeonTodd]

"I can't live without THE BEST TUBE AMP to run my 7 solid state drive pedals into"

[@irmasil3]

@@LeonTodd lol...And get the tone basically out of the...pedals :)

[@UberDistortion]

02:45 the 9004 lost its clarity for drop d tuning, so blurry.. not happened to JMP at 03:28 deep tight rhythm 👍

[@Mr911Medic]

Definitely JMP-1 for the win...at least to my ears through the internet and my tiny phone speaker. But, between the two, I just preferred the sound of the JMP-1.

[@joetechmatrixemail2920]

I paid $200 for a JMP1 back in the late 80's. Now they are way over priced. But still awesome.