Is there anything that can be done to cut amp power in 1/2?

[Kent S.]

Re: Is there anything that can be done to cut amp power in 1/2?

Kevlars right on. Since your amp has an FX loop, I'd go buy a used Alesis Nanoverb
for $60, set the input just right, mix some reverb nice and low for some air,
and use the Nanoverb's output as your amp's universal volume control.
That way you can have your amp's controls set where you like them, and knock some of the volume off. Also, the nanoverb doesn't color your tone, actually makes it sound a little bigger, since it's adding a bit of ambience. I just mix in enough to emulate a spring reverb turned way down.

I'm a bit lost on this also gear, reducing the volume to the fx retrun, how will that make the output tubes drive harder into saturation? I can see having the master volume wide open, feeding the output stage a full signal ... but the signal is so small that the tubes wouldn't be pushed hard at all ... Seems to me it would just shoot your S/N ratio down the toliet? I can see doing that with a non master volume amp that had an fx loop (preamp output) installed, but that would just allow for full preamp tube(s) saturation.
I'm confused ... :dunno:

 

[Kent S.]

Re: Is there anything that can be done to cut amp power in 1/2?

i guess i should look into a mass after all, thanks for the replies guys

Hey, I don't know anything about the Mass at all, but don't count out the Scholtz power soak, ebay ... fairly cheap ... it also has a switch for tube or solid state type amps ... don't know what it does exactly, but there must have been a reason they put it there. I used one a number of years back briefly, and it worked fine ... the reason I bring it up is since they are a bit out of vogue at the moment, you may be able to find one cheap, the marshall power brake is another one, but it's probably more in the pocket book.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Is there anything that can be done to cut amp power in 1/2?

I'm thinking that the output on the Nanoverb just takes your preamp signal, which can be set anyway you like, and controls how much of that goes to the power section.
The power section is turned to stage volume, so it's just like you're taking a garden hose and bending it in half to control the flow. It may not be working your power tubes like a Mass or THD Hotplate, but the effect is adequate. I dunno.
I have a loud Marshall Jubilee in my apt and use the Nanoverb as my reverb and mastervolume. I get a pretty accurate sound out of it, but at practice amp levels.
It's worth a try. Rent one from Guitar Center, using their 30 day moneyback guarantee. If it works, keep it. If not, bring it back and spend for the Mass Or Hotplate.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Is there anything that can be done to cut amp power in 1/2?

the nanoverb idea is ok, but it doesnt pusht he power tubes which is what i like so i use a mass. the speaker output goes into the mass then a speaker cable goes from the mass to the speaker so the amp is working as hard as the volume controls indicate but the volume on the mass controls how much goes to the speaker