Power attenuators, Anyone using them?

[somedude]

No problems? Cool.
I know they sell different color ones for different impedances.

The tone controls are optimized for the correct impedance, so ideally you'd have the correct one for your needs. However, it's safe to mismatch them 2:1 (16ohm HP w/ 8ohm load, or an 8ohm HP w/ 4ohm load), but the tone controls are less effective.

I don't really find this an issue as I feel the tone controls are unnecessary with the -4db and -8db settings.

 

[Harpozep]

The tone controls are optimized for the correct impedance, so ideally you'd have the correct one for your needs. However, it's safe to mismatch them 2:1 (16ohm HP w/ 8ohm load, or an 8ohm HP w/ 4ohm load), but the tone controls are less effective.

I don't really find this an issue as I feel the tone controls are unnecessary with the -4db and -8db settings.

Gotchya. I really squash even my eight watt tube amp, so I use the tone brightening switch on the built in attenuator in my Carr mercury.

 

[GibsonSlash]

Harpozep, so did you order a Weber Mass III?

 

[Harpozep]

Harpozep, so did you order a Weber Mass III?

Well, I was gonna and then a Weber Mass showed up in our very own Classified for the right price, so I got that. Sent the money today.

I'll see what it gets me. If I was buying new, I'd get the Mass III, but went for the Mass due to money constraints. I can always sell it and get the III later if I find I need the tone advantages. Weber is already working on another model as well. He has may to choose from at this point. Seems like they are all decent pieces.

 

[GibsonSlash]

Congrats, let me know how your new weber works out.
I'm gas-ing so bad for one!

 

[Harpozep]

Congrats, let me know how your new weber works out.
I'm gas-ing so bad for one!

Will do. I se you bump your wanted add. Hopefully you get another bite. I think I got back to Fixxer before you did . He's the guy I'm getting mine from. I never even noticed your add 'till later.
Someone should chime in at least with a hotplate since they are so common.

 

[GibsonSlash]

Well I ordered a Dr. Z Airbrake today, guess what, it's a freaking $450 for it
I'll get it in 2 weeks. Can't wait.

P.S: It's under 30 days return policy, I can always return it if it sucks, I prefer a Weber Mass III though. See what happens.

 

[Harpozep]

Well I ordered a Dr. Z Airbrake today, guess what, it's a freaking $450 for it
I'll get it in 2 weeks. Can't wait.

P.S: It's under 30 days return policy, I can always return it if it sucks, I prefer a Weber Mass III though. See what happens.

Man, this ALWAYS happens to me, but his time it got you:
Someone selling one here for $265.00

http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/member-classifieds/24151-sale-dr-z-air-brake-attenuator.html

Maybe contact the seller and save some $$??
Supposed to be a great attenuator though.

 

[GibsonSlash]

Guess what Harpo, my Dr.Z airbrake is ready to be picked up today.

Can't wait to try that mofo tonight.

 

[GibsonSlash]

Okay an update after I got the Dr. Z air brake.

Wasn't really I expected.
It did make the volume down a bit, just a bit of tiny difference.
I set the knobs to "Bedroom" and "Max" but it was still LOUD as hell.

I really thought I could crank the Master Vol to 7 and Pre-Amp to 7 using it, but I couldn't even pass the Master Vol at 4 with Pre-Amp at 7.

It did its job though, usually I can't pass 2 at Master Vol, at least this thing make it to 4.
But at 4, I know the heaven tone is still out of reach.

I guess I'm gonna try with a THD or Weber in the future, see which works best for me.

 

[Harpozep]

Okay an update after I got the Dr. Z air brake.

Wasn't really I expected.
It did make the volume down a bit, just a bit of tiny difference.
I set the knobs to "Bedroom" and "Max" but it was still LOUD as hell.

I really thought I could crank the Master Vol to 7 and Pre-Amp to 7 using it, but I couldn't even pass the Master Vol at 4 with Pre-Amp at 7.

It did its job though, usually I can't pass 2 at Master Vol, at least this thing make it to 4.
But at 4, I know the heaven tone is still out of reach.

I guess I'm gonna try with a THD or Weber in the future, see which works best for me.

Hmmm, Seems Kinda limited. I know the compression is high when I dial the Power Soak or the built in Carr attenuator, but I can bake the output tubes to their max at late night bedroom levels.
Seems like the DR Z does not have the full range of attenuation as an option. The Webers go to silence. Mine should be here soon. I'll report as well......

 

[GibsonSlash]

That $450 thing just sitting right in the corner now
Waiting to be taken back to its lair tomorrow.

I'm pretty happy using my TS-808 to boost the gain at low volume, in the mean while still hoping a used weber /THD 8 ohm pop up on my local ad.

Okay, I'm looking forward to hearing your review on your new attenuator Harpo, when you get it.

Cheers.
GS

 

[kernelofwisdom]

That $450 thing just sitting right in the corner now
Waiting to be taken back to its lair tomorrow.

I'm pretty happy using my TS-808 to boost the gain at low volume, in the mean while still hoping a used weber /THD 8 ohm pop up on my local ad.

Okay, I'm looking forward to hearing your review on your new attenuator Harpo, when you get it.

Cheers.
GS

The hotplate sounds good at 12db reduction, but that can still be loud. However, you can divebomb it all the way down til you can't hear it.

 

[Harpozep]

Sounds like the Hotplate does the job.
Sorry the DRZ was not quite what you needed. It must be fine for some applications, but if it does not go to silence, it is only doing part of what other attenuators do.
I will bypass my built in attenuator when I get the Weber, insert the Weber before the speaker and let it do its thing.
I just got a camera that shoots digital videos I'll likely do a youtube for y'all.

 

[Wolff]

I have a 'quick' question before I read through all 6 pages here. How hard is it to set up a Fender Blues Jr. amp to use a THD Hotplate since it's a combo and not obvious like on an amp that has a separate head and cab? Thanks.

 

[kernelofwisdom]

I have a 'quick' question before I read through all 6 pages here. How hard is it to set up a Fender Blues Jr. amp to use a THD Hotplate since it's a combo and not obvious like on an amp that has a separate head and cab? Thanks.

on the fender amps i've put it on, if you just look in the back the speaker wire terminates in a 1/4 jack that you unplug at the amp chassis. you'll need another speaker wire for the hotplate. and make sure they're ohm compatible.

 

[GibsonSlash]

It's a rare thing here for that THD, especially an 8 ohm.
The L&M only have 1 across canada, and that's used.
The only way to get it from local ad or Ebay.

I'll wait until the currency gets better before buying anything from Ebay, the exchange rate just kills the price. Damn economy!

Unfortunately, you can't dive bomb a Dr. Z till it's quite.

The hotplate sounds good at 12db reduction, but that can still be loud. However, you can divebomb it all the way down til you can't hear it.

 

[kernelofwisdom]

It's a rare thing here for that THD, especially an 8 ohm.
The L&M only have 1 across canada, and that's used.
The only way to get it from local ad or Ebay.

I'll wait until the currency gets better before buying anything from Ebay, the exchange rate just kills the price. Damn economy

yeah i've been educated on that recently!

 

[tomaburque]

Behold, I give you the King of Crunch...

Marshall 30th Anniversary and a beat up box with vintage 30s. Notice the Powerbrake sitting on top. It works exactly as advertised. I think the hole in the grillcloth was intentional by the previous owner to get the mike closer to the speaker cone.

(I don't know what those stains are on the lower right, but they are not what you are thinking

 

[GibsonSlash]

Does anyone use Marshall Power Brake?