Attenuator impedance matching

[Coma]

If you're placing an attenuator between your amp and cab, does it matter if the cab impedance matches the impedance setting on the amp?

I tried out a cheap attenuator that had input jacks for 4, 8 and 16 ohms and just one output jack for the cab. Does that mean I would be able to connect any cab, regardless of rating without switching the impedance setting on the amp to match the cab?

[VinceT]

Re: Attenuator impedance matching

Depends on the attenuator. I use a THD Hotplate, and it absolutely needs a matched speaker impedance unless used as a silent “load only”. Check the manual to be sure.

[Coma]

Re: Attenuator impedance matching

Depends on the attenuator. I use a THD Hotplate, and it absolutely needs a matched speaker impedance unless used as a silent “load only”. Check the manual to be sure.

I did. It said nothing of value.

[beaubrummels]

Re: Attenuator impedance matching

I use a Weber MASS and when you set the impedance for the amp, the output of the attenuator is matched to the same for the speaker. If your attenuator is a fixed impedance then you can only use it with that amp and same speaker impedance. It’s a bit more important that what the amp sees from the attenuator matches.

[VinceT]

Re: Attenuator impedance matching

I did. It said nothing of value.

Man, I have to say, knowing what a mismatched speaker load *could* do to your output transformer, I wouldn’t take the risk on it!


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[Coma]

Re: Attenuator impedance matching

Man, I have to say, knowing what a mismatched speaker load *could* do to your output transformer, I wouldn’t take the risk on it!

Oh yeah, I wasn't about to try without knowing for sure. I've since returned the attenuator anyway, so it doesn't really matter. I'm just curious.

[JMP/HBE]

Re: Attenuator impedance matching

There's a price to pay for breaking Ohms Law.

Always match impedance.