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

[That90'sGuy]

I was wondering if it's possible to cut my amps power from 100 to 50w without altering the tone.

I remember something about removing two output tubes, but I don't know how to do it and I want to make sure it's safe first. (the amp is far too expensive to risk damaging the transformers or anything else)

I know that my amp is killer when it's pushed all the way, I just wish I could get it that far without killing myself or anyone else in the 10 mile radius.

Any suggestions (besides getting an amp with less power)? Thanks

 

[That90'sGuy]

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

I forgot to mention I have 4 EL-34 power tubes (if that makes a difference).

 

[StratTom]

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

What kind of amp did you have?

I asked a question about this before because I wanted to know if you could cut the power in half for a 5150 II and someone mentioned to me about pulling the power tubes as well. DON'T take my word on this as I know little of tubes amps, but I was told by someone to pull the 2 inside tubes or the 2 outside tubes. I don't know if this was only for that amp of any tube amp.

 

[Lee_M.]

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

The easiest fix is to buy a THD Hot Plate. The Attenuation is great and smooth. It easily tamed by SLO-100, which is a loud ferocious beast.

 

[Lee_M.]

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

I was wondering if it's possible to cut my amps power from 100 to 50w without altering the tone.

I remember something about removing two output tubes, but I don't know how to do it and I want to make sure it's safe first. (the amp is far too expensive to risk damaging the transformers or anything else)

I know that my amp is killer when it's pushed all the way, I just wish I could get it that far without killing myself or anyone else in the 10 mile radius.

Any suggestions (besides getting an amp with less power)? Thanks

Often times, you can pull the 2 outside power tubes, but you will need to check with an amp tech. I know that I can do that with my Soldano, but that doesn't mean you can do it with yours. That would be the most inexpensive fix.

 

[kevlar3000]

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

You can pull the two outside or inside power tubes and lower the ohm on your amp by 1/2 the amount, meaning if it was set to 16 move it to 8 ect.
Half power does not mean half volume, there is 3 db difference between a
100 plexi and a 50 watt plexi. You will get earlier breakup and a bit less bottom but for all practical purposes the volume will knock your head off with the amp wide open. I would get a Weber Mass or a Hotplate, that will do what your are seeking.

 

[That90'sGuy]

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

kevlar, this has probably been asked a million times, but does the weber mass alter your tone? (i thought i read somewhere that it was the best out there)

i originally didn't want something like that because if i push my amp to get distortion, my cleans may suffer, but it seems the only way to really get tone.

thanks for the responses guys

 

[Reckless Abandon]

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

I did not like the weber. You can have 1/2 power mods done. That would make your tone a little softer though, but you can eq that out. I thought the weber made my tone muddy and dark. But other love it. I tried mine with my jcm 800. I finally just got a mode done to get my juice from my preamp tubes. Now I can turn the gain on 2 then turn up my master to smooth it out.

 

[kevlar3000]

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

kevlar, this has probably been asked a million times, but does the weber mass alter your tone? (i thought i read somewhere that it was the best out there)

i originally didn't want something like that because if i push my amp to get distortion, my cleans may suffer, but it seems the only way to really get tone.

thanks for the responses guys

I would much rather have the fullness of my power tubes going than the snizzle of only pre tubes giving distortion. I don't hear any mud with the Weber and my amps, I played last night with a band and it is extremely similiar minus a bit of sustain to the tone I get when I have the Weber bypassed. If you have the Mass or your master volume set to 1 or 2 (bedroom level) you will definately hear coloration of tone but only one option gets your power tubes cooking.. But for band level play I couldn't be happier. My Plexi, Traynor, or Carlsbro will drown out the drums if I do not attenuate, it is louder than shi! If volume management is your goal I don't think the 50 watt is gonna do a thing for you, you would need to knock it to 20 or so to have it fit the mix.

Here is a very quick sample I recorded with the Weber. Nothing fancy, just trying to get some tones weber clip

 

[That90'sGuy]

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

Awesome playing Kev! The clip sounded sweet. The Weber idea might not be so bad after all. (definitely seems like a good option)

I thought cutting the power in half would make all the difference... I guess it's not so big after all. With the Triamp, I do cut the watts from 100 -> 80 just by putting it through my 16ohm cab. Maybe if I cut it in half, 40w will be much more reasonable. It's definitely something to look at doing. I'm not sure who would be good to go to in my area or what prices I'm looking at though : /

 

[Gearjoneser]

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.

 

[That90'sGuy]

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

So with the Nanoverb, I really can get full on power tube distortion without killing everyone as long as the volume control is turned far down on the Nanoverb?

 

[strat_master]

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

IM not surebut would a marshall power break be the same as a hot plate? i knwo tis suppossed to help keep your tone the same when tis cranked and volume down so no one is killed in the line of fire

 

[mrid]

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

I'd go for a MASS. Pulling power tubes will work, but it'll reduce the woodiness and complex bottom end of your tone.

 

[jeremy]

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

i have a mass and i think its a great thing. i use it with my twin most of the time but sometimes the marshall. i only use it for moderate attenuation, too much and i think you lose something. i think the mass is as good or better than the hotplate.

ive pulled tubes as well and it works to some extent. it wont drop you from 100w to 50 but itll drop you to maybe 65w or so. on class a/b amps with 4 power tubes working in a push/pull config (like fender and marshall) you can pull either the inner or outer pair of tubes and itll work ok, might not be the best for your amp but ive never had a problem doing it to my amps. if ya do pull tubes, switch your impedance to have what it should be, so if youre running an 8 ohm cab put the amp on 4 ohms

 

[That90'sGuy]

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

Will the Nanoverb work the same as the Weber MASS? I know one is directly for attenuation, but if the other works as well for cheaper, I might as well go that route.

If I pull two of the tubes, say the outside ones, can I simply move my 16 ohm cabinet to an 8 ohm part, or do I have to rewire my cabinet too?

 

[That90'sGuy]

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

 

[Young Angus]

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

I would much rather have the fullness of my power tubes going than the snizzle of only pre tubes giving distortion. I don't hear any mud with the Weber and my amps, I played last night with a band and it is extremely similiar minus a bit of sustain to the tone I get when I have the Weber bypassed. If you have the Mass or your master volume set to 1 or 2 (bedroom level) you will definately hear coloration of tone but only one option gets your power tubes cooking.. But for band level play I couldn't be happier. My Plexi, Traynor, or Carlsbro will drown out the drums if I do not attenuate, it is louder than shi! If volume management is your goal I don't think the 50 watt is gonna do a thing for you, you would need to knock it to 20 or so to have it fit the mix.

Here is a very quick sample I recorded with the Weber. Nothing fancy, just trying to get some tones weber clip

Awesome tone and clip kevlar! That mass sounds pretty sweet to my ears.

 

[kmcguitars]

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

I'm still trying to figure how this nanoverb Idea works? If I'm understanding
this right? You use this to cut the gain outta the preamp section so you
can drive the power tubes harded? I guess it would work? But I'm weary
of useing electronic device's for things other than they where designed.
Sounds to me your gonna have a whole lot of voltage with no place to go??
And when it desides to come out :saeek: Something is gonna fry!!

 

[Kent S.]

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

You can pull the two outside or inside power tubes and lower the ohm on your amp by 1/2 the amount, meaning if it was set to 16 move it to 8 ect.
Half power does not mean half volume, there is 3 db difference between a
100 plexi and a 50 watt plexi. You will get earlier breakup and a bit less bottom but for all practical purposes the volume will knock your head off with the amp wide open. I would get a Weber Mass or a Hotplate, that will do what your are seeking.

Yep, the ohm trick is nice, but a lot of old fender twins got two yanked without such ... it's more wear and tear on the tubes, but you figured that anyway ... I would check with an amp tech though, have him look at the schematic ... it's possible yours could have some weird configuration ( I doubt it though), the attenuator is going to be the better route though, most half power settings are used to get the amp a bit juicier in the studio ... but it's still loud.