The Soldano X88R and X88-IR rack units are back in production. based on Mike Soldano’s legendary Soldano Super Lead Overdrive 100 boutique tube amp tone.
The Birth of the SLO-100: A Revolution in Amplification
In 1987, a Seattle-based guitar tech named Mike Soldano crafted a groundbreaking amp that would forever change the landscape of high-gain amplification. The Soldano Super Lead Overdrive 100 (SLO-100) was born, delivering a searing tone, exceptional sustain, and a tight, responsive feel that had never been heard before.
With its debut at the 1987 NAMM show, the SLO-100 quickly gained industry recognition. Its ability to deliver crushing distortion and pristine, clean tones made it a coveted choice for players across genres. From rock icons like Mick Mars (Motley Crue) and Warren DeMartini (Ratt) to blues legends like Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler, the SLO-100’s versatility appealed to many musicians.
Then Mike hooked up with Bob Bradshaw, and the racks were born. Now, they are reissued once more.
The X88R: A Rack Mount Legend
Following the success of the SLO-100, Soldano introduced the X88R rack mount tube preamp. Renowned for its iconic Soldano tone and distinctive purple anodized panel, the X88R has become a highly sought-after piece of vintage gear. It has been used by countless professional musicians, including Peter Frampton, Warren DeMartini, Michael Landau, Steve Lukather, Lou Reed, and Lee Ritenour.
Two-channel, 100-watt amp in rack form.
- Ultra-transparent post master FX loop, front panel channel select, including the Soldano Depth mod
- Channels: 2
- Power: 100 Watts
- Preamp tubes: 5 x 12AX7
- Power tubes: 4 x 6L6
- Controls: Ch. 1 Gain, Ch. 1 Volume, Ch. 2 Gain, Ch. 2 Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Master, Presence, Line Out Level
- Switches: Bright, Mode (Clean/Crunch), Channel, Depth
- Speaker outputs: 4 ohm/2 x 8 ohm, 8 ohm/2 x 16 ohm, 1x 16 ohm
MSRP – $4499.99
The X88-IR: A Modern Classic
The X88-IR continues the Soldano legacy by preserving the legendary tone of the original X88R while incorporating modern features designed to meet the needs of today’s professional players. This updated version offers exceptional versatility and performance, making it a must-have for guitarists seeking a premium rack mount preamp.
Three-Channel All-Tube Stereo Rackmount Preamp.
- From the inspiring Soldano sound to the distinctive purple anodized panel, the Vintage X88R is one of the most sought-after preamps used by countless professional musicians.
- The X88-IR provides the same sound with many additional enhancements
- Six built-in IR slots can be assigned independently to each channel/mode or bypassed
- The AI-generated power amp model simulation is based on a 120W 6L6 power amp and is a key factor for a dynamic and authentic DI-out sound
- The Soldano editor software allows you to load and organize the IR library and save up to 128 MIDI presets
- Further software functions such as low-pass and high-pass filters, a three-stage depth switch for the output stage, and a three-stage presence switch for the output stage
- Tubes: 5 x 12AX7
- Controls per channel: Preamp Level, Bass, Middle, Treble, Output Level
- Global control: Master, Headphone
- Switches in channel 1: Normal/Altered Mode, Bright
- Switches in channel 2: Crunch/Overdrive, Fat, Bright
- Switches in channel 3: Crunch/Overdrive, Fat, Bright
- Impulse response/bypass
- Phantom power
- Ground lift
- XLR level
MSRP – $2499.99
Guitar Bomb Verdict
Soldano has established itself as a leading brand in high-gain amplification. From the iconic SLO-100 to the legendary X88R and the modern X88-IR, Soldano amps have consistently delivered exceptional tone, reliability, and versatility.
These two new releases will please many professional guitar players. They offer that classic Soldano sound in the great rackmount format, perfect for touring or using in the studio.
- Soldano SLO-100 Rack Head at Thomann
- Soldano X88-IR Preamp at Thomann
- Soldano SLO 100 Classic Head Bundle
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