So, what Attenuator to get?

[A Skater]

I'm trying to overdrive my Traynor (40 watt/Combo), so I'm searching for an attenuator for me to use in the studio. What attenuators would be my best option? I've been looking into Hot Plates.

 

[B2D]

Re: So, what Attenuator to get?

I'm a big supporter of the DR. Z Airbrake. Dirt simple, works with any ohmage as long as the cab and head are matched, works with anything under 100w, preserves tone nicely, doesn't get too hot.

 

[Rich_S]

Re: So, what Attenuator to get?

If you're on a budget, look into the Weber MiniMass line. Not as flexible as some others, but it sounds good and doesn't cost a lot. I have a 25-watt version on my 18 Watter clone.

 

[Dr.Mavashi]

Re: So, what Attenuator to get?

I actually never played Yoplaite, but I have a MassLite and could not be happier with it, its actually two in one, and it has line out for DR, and two outputs for two cabs. Its made in USA, NJ. Its $160 vs. $299. It has High/Low switch i look at it as dark/bright switch. It is a really cool tone tool dude, think of it as post amp Bright/darl, EQ thing when it on, does it change the tone? A bit yes, but I love it to my ears it rolls of high a bit and makes things tighter. I love it.

https://taweber.powweb.com/weber/masslite.htm

 

[Simon_F]

Re: So, what Attenuator to get?

I bought a Hot Plate last year to use with my '77 Marshall JMP 2204.

I've used it for quite a few gigs and rehearsals and, whilst it's cool being able to get the master volume higher without blowing the windows out, I have not been totally bowled over by the attenuated tone. Most people will rightly tell you that bedroom level attenuated tone sucks, but even at gig level the JMP / Hot Plate combination has not been superly impressive. This may be down to the amp rather than the Hot Plate, but I've come to the conclusion I prefer the amp straight with the master kept low.

The Hot Plate is very well made with some cool features, but the big issue for me (apart from the above) is that the gig-level attenuation is in big steps - -4 dB, -8 dB, -12 dB. I find it really difficult to get the right level during a gig and when I want to adjust the level the steps are just too big. I'd like an attenuator with more precise control.

I suspect I'll be selling my Hot Plate at some point and either buying an attenuator with better control or making do without one.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: So, what Attenuator to get?

Almost all attenuators out there are based on power resistors doing the attenuation, that works but im not a big fan of it...the Weber Mass is based on a speaker motor and to me ears has much less of an impact on tone...

 

[MartinSixStringCustoms]

Re: So, what Attenuator to get?

Almost all attenuators out there are based on power resistors doing the attenuation, that works but im not a big fan of it...the Weber Mass is based on a speaker motor and to me ears has much less of an impact on tone...

I like my Weber Mass. I hated the THD hotplate. Thanks for the advice bro!

 

[Simon_F]

Re: So, what Attenuator to get?

I see a Weber Mass in my future :naughty:

 

[Justice4all]

Re: So, what Attenuator to get?

This is just out... dunno how it holds up against the competition but they make great products!

http://www.wildwestguitars.com/badcathome.htm#leash

 

[Gr8Scott]

Re: So, what Attenuator to get?

TGWIF is right. He was one of the people who steered me towards a mass 100 and I couldn't be happier with my purchasing decision. Calms the bruising Edana down to less than ear shattering levels with suprisingly little impact on the tone.