Any experiences with load boxes?

[Sirion]

I am not going to try anything like this myself, at least not in the foreseeable future, but I have been intrigued by the possibilities of load boxes. How would it sound if one ran a large, vintage amp like a Plexi, put it into a load box which led to a transparent solid state power amp that could reproduce it at a lower power? How would it differ in feel from running the amp straight?

It all sounds nifty in theory, but I have my doubts, since very few people seem to be doing it.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Any experiences with load boxes?

I think that it would be more practical to use a modeler for that sort of situation. If by a load box, you mean an attenuator, from​ what I know, your sound is never what you would get from running at the higher volume through speakers. Plus, it is possible for cheaper attenuators to fail and cause damage to the amp. Not something I'd risk with an expensive tube amp.

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[Derpottsie]

Re: Any experiences with load boxes?

Beneficial if you need it for really quiet volumes. Like speaking level. Other than that there's no point I wouldn't think. But I'm jist talking out of my butt here I haven't tried it. Just theory

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[Sirion]

Re: Any experiences with load boxes?

I think that it would be more practical to use a modeler for that sort of situation. If by a load box, you mean an attenuator, from​ what I know, your sound is never what you would get from running at the higher volume through speakers. Plus, it is possible for cheaper attenuators to fail and cause damage to the amp. Not something I'd risk with an expensive tube amp.

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From what I have understood a load box and an attenuator are two different things: an attenuator lowers the strength of the signal, whereas a load box negates the need to connect to a speaker at all, but allows you to send the signal further, but at a convenient volume.

BTW, I am merely asking to hear i somebody has tried it. I run a rack rig, and have no amps that would be suitable for this kind of rig. I know some big cats have used rigs like it at different times, though, so I was interested in hearing of experiences here.

 

[Sirion]

Re: Any experiences with load boxes?

Beneficial if you need it for really quiet volumes. Like speaking level. Other than that there's no point I wouldn't think. But I'm jist talking out of my butt here I haven't tried it. Just theory

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Well, if you want to add effects after the preamp of an older amp you have the choices of either install an effects loop (don't do this to a vintage amp, just don't), or to reduce the volume of the signal after the power amp sufficiently, and then increase it again after the effects. This is one way. It also allows you to run the signal into mixing boards, speaker simulators etc. without foregoing the sonic character of a tube power amp.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Any experiences with load boxes?

I'm looking into grabbing this for that exact application:

http://www.fryette.com/power-station-integrated-reactance-amplifier/

I figure that this thing costs as much as a decent low-wattage amp, but I spent the money on my various high-wattage vintage amps years ago. Modeling amps and studio combos are a great option for a lot of players, but i want to use the cool rare amps i have for more things and this should, in theory, let me record direct to my laptop with my vintage heads without the volume.

Unfortunately i can't give a hands-on review yet because i have a few other priorities, but i plan on the Power Station being the crown jewel that brings my humble home studio together.

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Any experiences with load boxes?

Basically what you're talking about is reamping. It can be done and works. The "ho attenuator" (which is also rebranded as "ultimate attenuator) works exactly this way and receive great results/reviews.
I tried using a weber load/line I built into powered PA speakers once but the results weren't great. I'm blaming my set-up and lack of time spent refining it more than the method though...

 

[Jacew]

Re: Any experiences with load boxes?

I think it could be better to just use attenuator for that. Load box might have greater effect on resulting tone.

But I haven't tried that so I can't say for sure. I have been running Fender Mustang to a tube amp with Load Box though. It feels like a modeler to play, but sounds like a tube amp.

 

[Kruspe]

Re: Any experiences with load boxes?

I have Two Notes Torpedo Live, its awesome love it.


Live use
amp -> torpedo -> PA -> no mic on cab, you can just use even preamp and minimalize your rig to literally 6 pounds, torpedo emulates power section as well.

Studio use
from torpedo directly to audio interface, great sound, you can do a lot of things, but at the same time tweaking becomes long run and will take you some time to get what you wanted.

Also,

i would state that if you are more studio user and you are thinking of getting loadbox so you can record silently, i would suggest to build isolation cab with V30 speaker and mic it up, this will get you around 200 including the speaker if you get it used and will deliver better more true sounding sound than any emulation can possibly do at very low volumes (recording at midnight in room right next to a bedroom where wifey is sleeping - no problem).

Depends on what you are trying to accomplish.

 

[EasyE]

Re: Any experiences with load boxes?

I go from my Jet City amp to a hotplate set as a load into a Berhringer Ultra g Di with built in amp sim out to either my computer or to a set of monitors or the Aux in on a Vox da-5....

Works great...perfect way to use tubes for home playing...prefer this to modellers...

Take care

 

[daenius]

Re: Any experiences with load boxes?

I have Two Notes Torpedo Live, its awesome love it.


Live use
amp -> torpedo -> PA -> no mic on cab, you can just use even preamp and minimalize your rig to literally 6 pounds, torpedo emulates power section as well.

Studio use
from torpedo directly to audio interface, great sound, you can do a lot of things, but at the same time tweaking becomes long run and will take you some time to get what you wanted.

Also,

i would state that if you are more studio user and you are thinking of getting loadbox so you can record silently, i would suggest to build isolation cab with V30 speaker and mic it up, this will get you around 200 including the speaker if you get it used and will deliver better more true sounding sound than any emulation can possibly do at very low volumes (recording at midnight in room right next to a bedroom where wifey is sleeping - no problem).

Depends on what you are trying to accomplish.

+1 on the Torpedo unit!

I personally run a Mesa Boogie Mark V through one and I can't stand playing that amp without it anymore! Lowering down the Master Volume just doesn't have the same level of saturation as cranking it and then running it through the Torpedo. The Torpedo also acts as a GREAT impulse response DI unit if you want to record DI or DI into the house PA!

Previous bandmate runs his Torpedo Live with his giant Marshall JVM412 and he also swears by it, in fact, he tours with it! It's an essential part of his touring rig.

Another friend of mine runs his Carvin Legacy through the same unit and he says it allowed him to use his amp everyday as opposed to just once a week in the practice room.

 

[Kruspe]

Re: Any experiences with load boxes?

+1 on the Torpedo unit!

I personally run a Mesa Boogie Mark V through one and I can't stand playing that amp without it anymore! Lowering down the Master Volume just doesn't have the same level of saturation as cranking it and then running it through the Torpedo. The Torpedo also acts as a GREAT impulse response DI unit if you want to record DI or DI into the house PA!

Previous bandmate runs his Torpedo Live with his giant Marshall JVM412 and he also swears by it, in fact, he tours with it! It's an essential part of his touring rig.

Another friend of mine runs his Carvin Legacy through the same unit and he says it allowed him to use his amp everyday as opposed to just once a week in the practice room.

Torpedo is great, however they are putting new product soon or maybe its already released.. It costs around 200 and its just the active load without IR or anything, thats great for studio use you can then use what ever IR you want with it .. or even on tour if you bring laptop with you..

 

[Adieu]

Re: Any experiences with load boxes?

If it has an FX loop, just solder a 250k pot into a guitar cable stick that in a box and voila - master volume / volume choke box complete.

 

[Sirion]

Re: Any experiences with load boxes?

I doubt it'll work very well with any tube power amp delivering any kind of distortion, which is, well, one of the main reasons why anybody would look at load boxes…