Soldano SLO-100 Rack and X88-IR: Rack ‘n Roll in Pink
Still pink, still all-tube, still that legendary sound
5,0 / 5,0 | 
When it comes to the finest high-gain sound, there is no getting around Soldano. The SLO-100 all-tube amp was a secret weapon for many guitarists in the late 80s. The rack version was out of print for a long time, but now the Soldano SLO-100 Rack is back. The X88-IR preamp also features cab impulse responses. And, of course, everything is in bright pink, as always!
Soldano SLO-100 Rack: Rack ‘n Roll
With the Soldano SLO-100 Rack, the manufacturer launches an updated version of the high-gain classic rack amp. Purists need not worry: Soldano has only very gently improved the areas where the original needed it. Above all, the noise floor of the 100-watt tube has been improved, and cross-talk between the two channels has been minimized.
In addition, there is now a dedicated switch on the front of the rack to switch between its two channels. Soldano also added an FX loop, a three-way switch for the legendary Depth parameter, which was previously only available as a modification on the original, and a global volume control that sets the volume of both channels.
What remains is the Normal Channel (with Bright Switch) for the creamiest clean sounds and the Overdrive channel for the most brutal and glorious crunch and distortion. There is also a three-band EQ, separate gain and volume controls for both channels. And, of course, let’s not forget about the tubes: five 12AX7s in the preamp and four 6L6s in the power amp. The Soldano SLO-100 rack costs 4,999 euros at Thomann*.
Soldano X88-IR Preamp: Three Channels with Separate IRs
For the no less popular X88R all-tube rack preamp, Soldano has also developed an update in the form of the X88-IR. Unlike the Soldano SLO-100 Rack, it even comes with a loader for impulse responses. Six in-house cab IRs are integrated.
These can be assigned separately to each of the three channels (Normal/Altered, Overdrive 1, and Overdrive 2) using the free Soldano Editor software (Windows and Mac, via USB 2.0). The software also gives you access to six additional IRs, with twelve impulse responses in total. Here, you can import your own IRs. You can also create presets, 128 in total, which you can access directly on the X88-IR using a suitable controller.
The preamp stage features five 12AX7s. The power amp is an AI-made emulation of a 120-watt 6L6 power amp. The X88-IR comes with gain and volume controls and three-band EQs, separately for each channel. In addition to the jack input on the front panel, there is also a headphone output (also a jack) with a separate volume control.
On the back panel, there are connections for an FX loop, MIDI in and out, USB, XLR, and jack stereo outputs, and a ground lift switch. In addition, as with the original, the power supply can be switched to the appropriate mains voltage (110 volts, 220 volts, etc.). The X88-IR costs 2,799 euros at Thomann*.
More on the Soldano SLO-100 Rack and the X88-IR
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2 responses to “Soldano SLO-100 Rack and X88-IR: Rack ‘n Roll in Pink”
I’m a fan of rack gear and played a Soldano some years ago. They’re a super amp. It’s great to see this model but the prices are eye watering.
we know it’s a great sounding amp and preamp, but I think it’s silly to be introducing these new products into an arena that’s being dominated by the plug-in. I’m no plug-in or IR enthusiast, But new rack gear in 2024, at these prices? I’m sticking with my trusted Rivera combo.