Kommerzbassist
Thunderbirdologist
So... if I was to buy a THD Hotplate, how much can I turn the amp down without (really) losing quality? I know this is subjective, but give me a hint. Is it worth it?
thanks
thanks
Attenuators... how far can you go?
- Thread starter Kommerzbassist
- Start date
Simon_F
Super Moderator
Re: Attenuators... how far can you go?
I find the Hot Plate good for limiting the volume of a cranked 50w Marshall to a reasonable amount for pubs/clubs, but the tone is pretty poor once you get it down to household playing volumes.
For playing at home I prefer a good solid state amp or pedals. Using a cranked tube amp with an attenuator to play at bedroom volume is just a waste of tubes IMO.
Having owned the Hot Plate for about 8 months now, there is one feature of it that I don't like - the fact that the attenuation is in big steps. You can have -4db, -8db or -12db. Only from -16db downwards is it fine-tunable, but that setting is the one where the tone isn't great anyway. I think I'd prefer an attenuator where it had a finer degree of adjustment at higher volume.
I find the Hot Plate good for limiting the volume of a cranked 50w Marshall to a reasonable amount for pubs/clubs, but the tone is pretty poor once you get it down to household playing volumes.
For playing at home I prefer a good solid state amp or pedals. Using a cranked tube amp with an attenuator to play at bedroom volume is just a waste of tubes IMO.
Having owned the Hot Plate for about 8 months now, there is one feature of it that I don't like - the fact that the attenuation is in big steps. You can have -4db, -8db or -12db. Only from -16db downwards is it fine-tunable, but that setting is the one where the tone isn't great anyway. I think I'd prefer an attenuator where it had a finer degree of adjustment at higher volume.
StratTom
New member
Re: Attenuators... how far can you go?
I'd have to agree with Simon. While I love my 5150II, its definately not for home use even with the hotplate (at least for me). I dial in my amp according to how loud or soft I am able to play. I also find myself using the tone switches (dark and bright I believe they are called), which are usefully but it does change your tone. If I was gigging with that amp I would definately use the hotplate to lower the volume just a few db's. Just my $.02
Pink Unicorn Horsey
Megä Pöny Rÿdr
Re: Attenuators... how far can you go?
+1
I've got a 16-ohm Hot Plate, and I find that attenuating the volume by more than 8dB will start affecting the tone. Of course, if it's between doing that and not playing the amp at all, you may want to go ahead and attenuate some more -- or look into a smaller-wattage amp.
- Keith
+1
I've got a 16-ohm Hot Plate, and I find that attenuating the volume by more than 8dB will start affecting the tone. Of course, if it's between doing that and not playing the amp at all, you may want to go ahead and attenuate some more -- or look into a smaller-wattage amp.
- Keith
Pink Unicorn Horsey
Megä Pöny Rÿdr
Stevo
Tonus Maximus Pacificas
Re: Attenuators... how far can you go?
I agree with Simon. You always lose something when you use an attenuator at drastic settings. I think it works best for taking the edge off of the extreme loudness of a Marshall, but still playing at pretty good volume.
Part of the cranked sound comes from speaker movement. At bedroom volumes, you get an undesired compression, extra fuzzy noise and the sterility of speakers that are not in motion
I agree with Simon. You always lose something when you use an attenuator at drastic settings. I think it works best for taking the edge off of the extreme loudness of a Marshall, but still playing at pretty good volume.
Part of the cranked sound comes from speaker movement. At bedroom volumes, you get an undesired compression, extra fuzzy noise and the sterility of speakers that are not in motion
Re: Attenuators... how far can you go?
I use a Dr. Z Airbrake, and I have zero complaints. That thing is da shiznat!
The only way I can HEAR it affecting the tone has to do more with the speakers than the amp. After 8dB the speakers aren't really getting impacted as much and the "punch" of the tone decreases a little. At 14dB or so the amp sound gets more compressed and less middy, but I rarely use that setting.
I use a Dr. Z Airbrake, and I have zero complaints. That thing is da shiznat!
The only way I can HEAR it affecting the tone has to do more with the speakers than the amp. After 8dB the speakers aren't really getting impacted as much and the "punch" of the tone decreases a little. At 14dB or so the amp sound gets more compressed and less middy, but I rarely use that setting.
Kommerzbassist
Thunderbirdologist
Re: Attenuators... how far can you go?
My amp is in my bedroom.
My bedroom volume is your average stage volume.
I just wan't to turn it REALLY up and have the full potential of my amp, but then it's too loud... I just want a feel of how much the volume decrease is... but I think I'll just have to tryit out myself as this is quite subjective.
Thanks so far.
Btw KGMESSIER I'll listen to your clip tomorrow, I'm too tired right now to hear correctly
My amp is in my bedroom.
My bedroom volume is your average stage volume.
I just wan't to turn it REALLY up and have the full potential of my amp, but then it's too loud... I just want a feel of how much the volume decrease is... but I think I'll just have to tryit out myself as this is quite subjective.
Thanks so far.
Btw KGMESSIER I'll listen to your clip tomorrow, I'm too tired right now to hear correctly
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