FM3/FM9/AXE-FX III Patch based on Soldano X88R preamp

FM3/FM9/AXE-FX III Patch based on Soldano X88R preamp

In 1988, Soldano (already gaining traction with the Soldano SLO-100) released the X88R—a rackmount tube preamp that combined three channels of tonal power: Clean, Crunch, and Lead. The “R” stood for “reverb,” though ironically, the X88R had no reverb of its own. It was simply a nod to its cousin, the SLO-100, which had a reverb-equipped version. In truth, this preamp wasn’t about reverb or subtlety. It was about surgical high-gain precision.

At its core, the X88R was all tube, sporting five 12AX7s, and designed to feed into a separate power amp (often paired with a Soldano 100w tube power amp or a VHT, Mesa, or Marshall power section). Unlike many of its contemporaries, which offered a single tone-shaping identity, the X88R gave players the ability to travel across tonal landscapes.

• Clean Channel – Sparkling, Fender-like clarity, with enough headroom to remain uncolored at stage volume. Think of it as a pristine canvas.

• Crunch Channel – A British-style mid-gain rhythm tone, reminiscent of a hot-rodded JCM800, but tighter and more percussive. It begged to be palm-muted.

• Lead Channel – The crown jewel. Thick, saturated, singing sustain that made this preamp famous. Imagine a violin in flames—controlled, beautiful, but capable of setting entire solos ablaze.

Each channel had independent gain and master controls, and shared EQ (Bass, Mid, Treble), which was a compromise but ultimately made it easier to dial a coherent tone across the spectrum.

The X88R quickly became a studio secret weapon. Though only a few hundred units were ever made, its user list reads like a hall of fame:

• Steve Lukather (Toto) was an early adopter, using the X88R to carve out laser-sharp solos and fluid rhythm work. He famously paired it with a custom-designed power amp setup.

• George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob) found its aggressive midrange perfect for his snarling, martial tone.

• Eddie Van Halen was rumored to have experimented with one, although he famously jumped between custom rigs.

• Reb Beach, Dan Huff, and other session legends of the late ‘80s and ‘90s used it to define a polished yet feral LA session sound.

The original Soldano X88R was hand-built, and only about 300–400 units are said to have been made before production stopped in the early ‘90s. Don't you think it's now the right moment to try our Gymtar Pro Patch?

SCENE 1: CLEAN
SCENE 2: RHYTHM
SCENE 3: LEAD

Effects : wah, phaser, flanger, delay, reverb, pitch detune