What is a "power attenuator" and how is it used?

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64Firebird

64Firebird

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I was just doing some reading and ran across this thing and I've never head of one before. What is it and what does it do? Who makes the best ones and how much do they cost?
 
never used one but

I think i remember reading about Marshall's version of one. It was called the Power Break. I don't know all the details but the power attenuator is supposed to be able to give you the sound of your amp at 10 at very low volumes. Basically like having your amp wide open but its not. Im sure someone else can give you a more technical description.
 
http://www.thdamps.com/


THD makes the Hot Plate. It's a power attenuator that is supposed to be way better than Marshall's Power Brake. I've heard bad things about the Power Brake.

Anyway, I doubt this helps much, since I have no experience with the Hot Plate. But I am going to buy one in the next month or so.
 
Oh yeah... I think the Hot Plate MSRP is around $299. I was looking for them at Guitar Center and they said they would have to order one for me. But it would be cheaper than the MSRP (can't remember how much). I've been watching them on Ebay waiting to pounce. :D
 
check out the weber speaker mass.

it's a new one.
 
Hey Firebird,

How are ya?

I think Randell makes a speaker in an totally enclosed box that you put a mic in and shut the top.

Then you can crank it up really loud, and not blow your ears.

This sounds like the ticket for recording overdriven guitar amps, without damaging your hearing.

GT
 
Thanks GT, but i'm looking for something to play out with. My amp is just too loud for bar gigs around here.
 
Hey 'bird,

I know from your posts here that you're a blues-playin kinda guy.
What are you using now - have you thought about a stomp box (the less-expensive choice) or a different amp?

Maybe you don;'t want that stomp box kind of sound? Perhaps a Deluxe Reverb on 8 will do it for you?

What sound are you looking for, and what's your fave guitar?

foo
 
Years ago I ran my Super into a Tom Scholz Power Soak, then into a 412 GK cab. I ran the amp full up, and the soak 1 click down from full up. Got an awesome hard rock tone, but it chewed through power tubes really fast.
 
foo said:
Hey 'bird,

I know from your posts here that you're a blues-playin kinda guy.
What are you using now - have you thought about a stomp box (the less-expensive choice) or a different amp?

Maybe you don;'t want that stomp box kind of sound? Perhaps a Deluxe Reverb on 8 will do it for you?

What sound are you looking for, and what's your fave guitar?

foo
Click to expand...

Hey foo,

Yep, I'm a blues playing fool. I'm using a 64 Fender Bassman 50 watt with a 2X12 cab. I love how it sounds, but it's just too damn loud for most gigs around here.

My main guitar these days is an early 90s Jap Strat.

I've tried a lot of stomp boxes, and they're okay, but nowhere near as good as this amp sounds turned up to about 6. That's where the power tubes start to distort and it gets really creamy. If there's a stomp box that sounds this good, I'll buy it!

You can see a pic of my amp in this thread.
http://www.homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?s=&threadid=95326
 
I'd like to get one of those for studio work. Firebird have you ever tried the Fender Blues Jr? It's a smokin little tube amp. Great for blues gigs where you want to crank the tubes without being obscenely loud.
 
TexRoadkill said:
I'd like to get one of those for studio work. Firebird have you ever tried the Fender Blues Jr? It's a smokin little tube amp. Great for blues gigs where you want to crank the tubes without being obscenely loud.
Click to expand...

Another great amp is the Marshall Artiste 3203. It's like a 3/4 sized 1/2 stack. 30 watts. I have the 2x12" cab. I'd love to get the 4x10" cab. 1965b or something. They also make a combo version.. the 320? something. I can't recall. Anywho, I get full on tube sounds without waking the dead. I also front mine with a Mesa Boogie V-Twin for some extra "flava". You can find them on ebay for cheap. They're also a hellovalot easier on the back then lugging around a 100watt head and 4x12's.
 
TexRoadkill said:
I'd like to get one of those for studio work. Firebird have you ever tried the Fender Blues Jr? It's a smokin little tube amp. Great for blues gigs where you want to crank the tubes without being obscenely loud.
Click to expand...

If it costs less to buy one than a good What is a power attenuator I'd be all for it. But, if it costs more then I'll stick with what I've got.
 
well, at least look at this thing!

mass1.jpg


http://www.webervst.com/mass.html

http://www.legendarytones.com/mass_attenuator.htm
 
64Firebird said:
Thanks for the links Gonzo. Good read.
Click to expand...

No kidding! Did you read that review of the Hot Plate. I had already decided on buying one sometime in the near future-- but after reading that review, I want to buy it today!

Where's that credit card...
 
Yeah, the hot plate looks good, but it's going for about $200.00 on ebay. I wonder if there is anything less expencive.
 
The Blues Jr is around $2-300 used. Probably about the same as a hot plate.

Thanks for the recomendation JR. My AVT head just isn't cutting it and I need to find an all tube head.
 
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