Anyone Use This Attenuator?

  • Thread starter Thread starter McLeanAB
  • Start date Start date
IMO with just one knob, I wouldn't buy it.

I would want a unit that has a little extra to bring back some of the tone loss experienced with these types of units...
Look at the Mesa Powerhouse as an example of what I am talking about.
A great unit for what it is, I owned one, but they are pricey.

A unit like this, I'd just buy the couple of parts needed and build a volume box for the amp loop if amp is equipped...
 
dcburn said:
IMO with just one knob, I wouldn't buy it.

I would want a unit that has a little extra to bring back some of the tone loss experienced with these types of units...
Look at the Mesa Powerhouse as an example of what I am talking about.
A great unit for what it is, I owned one, but they are pricey.

A unit like this, I'd just buy the couple of parts needed and build a volume box for the amp loop if amp is equipped...
Click to expand...
Everyone knows a "good" attenuator needs more than one knob.

:rolleyes:
 
PLX said:
Everyone knows a "good" attenuator needs more than one knob.

:rolleyes:
Click to expand...
Cmon, that was a great and non-aggressive TGP reply.
Carefully cultivated...
I know you're experienced in these, what's your opinion other than picking on my comment.

Be a part of the solution...

@PLX
Can I make my Metro 18 watt TMB into the 18 watt trem version?

I've built three amps so far, but that only means I can follow directions, does not mean I know anything...
 
dcburn said:
what's your opinion
Click to expand...

Larger resistors.
I'd recommend something like this for your 18 watt amp.

bigresistor.jpg


:D
 
McLeanAB said:
Hey all...

Researching simple (and complex) attenuators for my newly acquired Mesa Mark V:25.

Anyone ever try this guy?

https://reverb.com/item/6021715-sta...0.CtuVBb1AYyFV37q_SnsiAwpcPcfB2Y3aei9pE_YzYnA
Click to expand...
I have a non reactive load attenuator, the Pulse, which is a copy of the Jettenuator. Bugera makes one also. These work well and to my ears sound even better than the PS100 I had. But, they eventually get so hot you could fry an egg on top. So if you go non reactive load I’d be careful to not use it for long periods. If you need to gig with one I’d spend the cash on a ps2 without hesitation.
 
Racerxrated said:
I have a non reactive load attenuator, the Pulse, which is a copy of the Jettenuator. Bugera makes one also. These work well and to my ears sound even better than the PS100 I had. But, they eventually get so hot you could fry an egg on top. So if you go non reactive load I’d be careful to not use it for long periods. If you need to gig with one I’d spend the cash on a ps2 without hesitation.
Click to expand...
After a couple volume boxes and attenuators, I moved on to the PS2 myself.
Fantastic unit!
 
In my experience cheaper non reactive load attenuators sound like crap, and also are prone to catastrophic (sometimes flaming) failure. Power brake, jettenuator, etc.

I'd either bite the bullet and get a power station or ox or tube amp expander

Or buy/build a volume box for the loop and deal with the headaches that come with it

A Rivera rockcrusher, cab clone, or tone king attenuator is the middle ground price wise, but they don't sound anywhere near as good as a power station in my opinion
 
DanTravis62 said:
In my experience cheaper non reactive load attenuators sound like crap, and also are prone to catastrophic (sometimes flaming) failure. Power brake, jettenuator, etc.

I'd either bite the bullet and get a power station or ox or tube amp expander

Or buy/build a volume box for the loop and deal with the headaches that come with it

A Rivera rockcrusher, cab clone, or tone king attenuator is the middle ground price wise, but they don't sound anywhere near as good as a power station in my opinion
Click to expand...
Mine surprisingly sounds really good and better than the PS I had, to me anyway….but I’d not trust it for hours straight usage.
 
Different use cases, different ears, different gear

That part is definitely subjective

Although, the reliability part...well, a Google search will tell you I'm not the only one who's had a non-reactive attenuator go up like the Challenger in '86 😂

That's a lot of heat to dissipate though, it makes sense
 
Thanks for the suggestions!

I wouldn't be playing for hours at at time, no gigging... just want to take the Mesa Mark V:25 down a notch... volume pedal in the loop kills some of the tone in my case (others say their Mesa sounds fine with something like the JHS Little Black Box, others don't at all).

I did a video with the Mesa with the internal load engaged, out of the effects loop, into a NUX Studio with a Celestion Alnico Cream 4x12 and it sounds GREAT to my ears. The NUX does have a power amp sim, I'm just wondering if I have the Mesa's power amp engaged (with a load box or attenuator) if it will sound better than the NUX's power amp sim.

Might not be a noticeable difference, and perhaps I should just leave well enough alone... BUT, when running through a cab, that beast is LOUD.
 
I have a Bad Cat unleash attenuator and its Sound really good, have loop and footswitchable channel as a solo boost.
 
I’m using a PS2 currently but for had been using a Powerbrake since the late 90’s. I think those sound great, 1 knob and all. Only went with the PS2 because of the loop it has.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top