Volume suggestions

[Larioso]

Re: Volume suggestions

a good reactive load box costs more than a smaller amp

I bought the TedWeber.com elements for $30 or so each. Not sure though if they sell these separate these days.
I think the full assembled unit, but without phones out, was around $100 then(almost 15 years ago).

I have 2 of those motor winding kind, up to 50W, recommended continuous load 25W max, and then a Radial JDX DI box over that, which emulate 2x12" cabinet(not sure if that model is still there, but suspect some other model replace it).
Very, very pleased with result.

Radial JDX-48, similar to mine
https://www.radialeng.com/product/jdx-48

When just playing around I do that into Mackie 402VLZ mixer with phones. Otherwise into preamp and computer.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Volume suggestions

I never found reactive load boxes to sound better than small amps. Especially over headphones.Again it is the right tool for the job.There are lots of small modelers that sound excellent over headphones or at low volume/

 

[Larioso]

Re: Volume suggestions

But in the end - if you play through your regular amp or not is a major difference, I think.
So if you want close to regular amp performance is the idea.

Want to find various settings what to use on your amp - with your pedals - then ready for live action, kind of.

It's such an intimate relationship electric guitar and amp - that is your total instrument.

Just a practise amp - anything will do. Even play acoustic only.

So looking at OP original problem I might go for attenuator style.

 

[Dave Locher]

Re: Volume suggestions

If you can find a distortion pedal you like, you can run the amp clean at reasonable volume then run the dirt box at whisper quiet volume.

I know a guy who runs an OCD into a Hiwatt, he always has the OCD at BELOW unity volume for rehearsals and live gigs. Totally consistent sound at any volume and he has a damn good tone.

I used to do it that way for home playing.

 

[uOpt]

Re: Volume suggestions

I would build a small cabin for the amp, especially if you also record your playing.

Kinda ugly in the room, but a good solution sound-wise. The inside of the box probably has better acoustics than you actual room (apologies of you indeed treated your room).

 

[Erlend_G]

Re: Volume suggestions

Ear plugs for the wife?

 

[FuseG4]

Re: Volume suggestions

If you can find a distortion pedal you like, you can run the amp clean at reasonable volume then run the dirt box at whisper quiet volume.

I know a guy who runs an OCD into a Hiwatt, he always has the OCD at BELOW unity volume for rehearsals and live gigs. Totally consistent sound at any volume and he has a damn good tone.

I used to do it that way for home playing.

This is good advice
I used to use an OCD copy into a Marshall DSL50 head and a 1x12 and it sounded... Decent at late night volumes


I did eventually switch to a smaller amp that was a little warmer at low volumes but this is probably the easiest way to get decent low volume tone without spending a bunch

 

[Hsb]

Re: Volume suggestions

Thanks guys for the help. Been messing around the past few days and thought hmmm there is a hollow core door on the room Im in, so hung a blanket up on the door and according to the wife, it has helped a lot but I also tweaked the volume knobs a bit. Not the room filling tone we all love but did find pushing the amp with my Tumnus helps a lot at the lower volume. Quest isnt quite over yet but for now it works. I may just end up looking at a small amp or even something like the Orange Terror Stamp or EHX 5MM.

 

[FuseG4]

Re: Volume suggestions

Just a touch of delay and reverb helps give a sense of space when playing at home

 

[Hsb]

Re: Volume suggestions

Yep have those added as well. May be exactly what sound Im looking for, but for now, it will work