Cheap alternatives to the thd hot plate?

  • Thread starter Thread starter MattLaBonte
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MattLaBonte

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Basically for recording I have a 6505+ and 5150II that I'd love to record with but can't mic up due to volume restrictions where I record. I'm trying to run my head into my interface so I can use the heads tone with something like recabinet or red wirez (which one by the way). To use your head I know you need a load so you don't blow your head but the thd hot plate is far too expensive for me right now. Are there any cheap alternatives to make one or buy a very cheap one? Thanks!
 
Google "dummy load" for ways to eliminate the speaker safely. This would not be expensive.

Going with an attenuator would allow you to crank your amp at low volume and mic the speaker. There is some tone compromise with this approach but I prefer it.

The 100w Mass lite attenuator from Weber is just a little more than half the price of the THD unit and I prefer it. I wouldn't go below 100w on an attenator for a 60w amplifier

https://taweber.powweb.com/weber/masslite.htm
 
I had 4 Ohm THD HotPlate...nice, but rather pricey IMO. and only good for one rated load/Hotplate. :(
Sold it when I sold my 4 Ohm amp.

I now use 4 Weber MiniMass attenuators (two 25W and two 50W) and one Kendrick Powerglide. Purchased all the Webers on ebay...for $40-$60 each. I really like the MiniMass...runs 4-8-16 Ohm loads and has a Bypass plus Treble boost/cut, though I never use the Treble switch and I don't hear any "tone suck" noticeable enough to complain about. I love it's speaker motor + resistor design. It really seems to work WITH the amp.

The Kendrick Powerglide is nice, but also pricey like the THD...and it too is only a passive/resistor design like the Hotplate, and the attenuation is in 5 steps plus bypass.
 
this works well for me.

tonemachine.jpg
 
The only attenuator I have much experience is my Altair PW-5, which I am quite fond of- but I am always happy to see others discover the pleasures of attenuation. I much prefer it over stomp-box or pre-amp distortion.
 
stevieb said:
...but I am always happy to see others discover the pleasures of attenuation.
Click to expand...

I guess I'm not using mine the right way...it only controls the volume of my amp, but has yet to pleasure me.
 
Those weber ones are awesome. I love his speakers, and the minimass (50 and 25 watt) are great.
 
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