Weber mini mass
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ratherdashing
Kablamminator
Re: Weber mini mass
I think someone should make an attenuator shaped like a cast iron frying pan so I can cook some bacon while I'm playing.
I think someone should make an attenuator shaped like a cast iron frying pan so I can cook some bacon while I'm playing.
TimmyPage
New member
Re: Weber mini mass
Well, which Marshalls are they? And how are you turning them down? Volume or Master?
Because if you are turning down the master you're out of luck. The master volume is essentially an attenuator. If its like.. single channel one volume control, then go for it.
junior said:
Well, which Marshalls are they? And how are you turning them down? Volume or Master?
Because if you are turning down the master you're out of luck. The master volume is essentially an attenuator. If its like.. single channel one volume control, then go for it.
y2stevo
New member
Re: Weber mini mass
I'm sure you'll be more than happy with it!
I have the old big grey box 100watt MASS that I use for my JCM2000 DSL50, And for gigs It's one of the best pieces of Gear i've bought!!
And the Attenuator will work just as well with MVs and Non MV amps. It reduces the amount of power Getting to the speaker, So you can get the power tubes cranked in a MV or non MV!!
Enjoy!
I'm sure you'll be more than happy with it!
I have the old big grey box 100watt MASS that I use for my JCM2000 DSL50, And for gigs It's one of the best pieces of Gear i've bought!!
And the Attenuator will work just as well with MVs and Non MV amps. It reduces the amount of power Getting to the speaker, So you can get the power tubes cranked in a MV or non MV!!
Enjoy!
Reckless Abandon
New member
Re: Weber mini mass
I did not like it. But I was not after power tube warmth. I wanted more gain. So I sold it and moded my amp. But looking at the amps you are using you will love it!
I did not like it. But I was not after power tube warmth. I wanted more gain. So I sold it and moded my amp. But looking at the amps you are using you will love it!
Rich_S
HomeGrownToneBrewologist
Re: Weber mini mass
Au contrair - a master volume and an attenuator are quite different. A master volume turns down the signal before the output stage, reducing or eliminating output-stage distortion, leaving only preamp-stage overdrive. Distortion from the preamp and the output stage are very different. Adding an attenuator to a JCM 800 gives you a great deal of control, using the gain and MV controls, you can experiment, and mix varying degrees of both types of distortion. Then regulate the overall volume with the attenuator.
I love my MiniMASS. Definitely the bang-for-the-buck leader in the attenuator marketplace.
TimmyPage said:
Au contrair - a master volume and an attenuator are quite different. A master volume turns down the signal before the output stage, reducing or eliminating output-stage distortion, leaving only preamp-stage overdrive. Distortion from the preamp and the output stage are very different. Adding an attenuator to a JCM 800 gives you a great deal of control, using the gain and MV controls, you can experiment, and mix varying degrees of both types of distortion. Then regulate the overall volume with the attenuator.
I love my MiniMASS. Definitely the bang-for-the-buck leader in the attenuator marketplace.
TimmyPage
New member
Re: Weber mini mass
Random off topic question.. with master volume at 10.. is it louder than the amp would be without a master volume circuit? Like is it a boost at 10?
My amp sounds freakin wonderful at Gain 5, Volume 6 and Master 5.. I think I might get a Minimass now..
Random off topic question.. with master volume at 10.. is it louder than the amp would be without a master volume circuit? Like is it a boost at 10?
My amp sounds freakin wonderful at Gain 5, Volume 6 and Master 5.. I think I might get a Minimass now..
Rich_S
HomeGrownToneBrewologist
Re: Weber mini mass
Most MV circuits "get out of the way" when they're turned up to ten. There might be a little bit of loading, meaning you might notice a tiny increase in volume if you physically removed the MV pot from the circuit, but it would be extremely small.
Good techs who retrofit older non-MV amps with MV's often put in a pot with a switch so the mod can be completely removed from the circuit. However, I think this "return to un-modded state" switch has more of a mojo benefit than a sonic one.
I played JCM800 amps for years (100 and 50 watters) with the masters on 2 and liked them. But I would urge anybody who uses a lot of pre gain to either get an attenuator or buy a low-wattage amp to investigate the wonderful world of output-stage overdrive. It's different, useful, and many folks think it's better.
Most MV circuits "get out of the way" when they're turned up to ten. There might be a little bit of loading, meaning you might notice a tiny increase in volume if you physically removed the MV pot from the circuit, but it would be extremely small.
Good techs who retrofit older non-MV amps with MV's often put in a pot with a switch so the mod can be completely removed from the circuit. However, I think this "return to un-modded state" switch has more of a mojo benefit than a sonic one.
I played JCM800 amps for years (100 and 50 watters) with the masters on 2 and liked them. But I would urge anybody who uses a lot of pre gain to either get an attenuator or buy a low-wattage amp to investigate the wonderful world of output-stage overdrive. It's different, useful, and many folks think it's better.
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TimmyPage
New member
Re: Weber mini mass
Yeah I'll get one. I see that output distortion is smoother and the preamp is buzzier, so like.. this could correct my problem where short of gigging volume my distortion was far too buzzy.
Wierd question.. why does it sound all pushed and percussive and.. bad on 10? Is it just overloading the speakers because they arent broken in yet?
Yeah I'll get one. I see that output distortion is smoother and the preamp is buzzier, so like.. this could correct my problem where short of gigging volume my distortion was far too buzzy.
Wierd question.. why does it sound all pushed and percussive and.. bad on 10? Is it just overloading the speakers because they arent broken in yet?
Rich_S
HomeGrownToneBrewologist
Re: Weber mini mass
10 isn't always the best. Every amp has a sweet spot where it will sound best. Lots of things can start to happen when you crank the master to 10 - speaker distortion becomes a larger part of the overall sound, output stage distortion increases, the power supply might sag. Who knows, maybe you just don't like combination of all those types of distortion. Keep trying different combinations of settings 'til you find one you like. Attenuators aren't perfect (they all color the sound to some degree), but they provide one more element of control that can be very useful.
10 isn't always the best. Every amp has a sweet spot where it will sound best. Lots of things can start to happen when you crank the master to 10 - speaker distortion becomes a larger part of the overall sound, output stage distortion increases, the power supply might sag. Who knows, maybe you just don't like combination of all those types of distortion. Keep trying different combinations of settings 'til you find one you like. Attenuators aren't perfect (they all color the sound to some degree), but they provide one more element of control that can be very useful.
junior
New member
Re: Weber mini mass
Just got it ! I think its pretty cool- won't know for sure until I've used it on about 20 gigs and it still survives, but as of now, it looks like it can take the abuse. Have 2 gigs this weekend, so I can't wait. It really lets the tone of the amp shine through! i think it was a wise investment.:banana:
Just got it ! I think its pretty cool- won't know for sure until I've used it on about 20 gigs and it still survives, but as of now, it looks like it can take the abuse. Have 2 gigs this weekend, so I can't wait. It really lets the tone of the amp shine through! i think it was a wise investment.:banana:
Stevo
Tonus Maximus Pacificas
Re: Weber mini mass
I use my MASS all of the time. I use it with my plexi and I used it with my JMP 50. I have the older style, larger units. I am thinking about getting a mini.
It's not that great for trying to get low low volume, but it is really cool when you want to take off that massive volume edge.
I use my MASS all of the time. I use it with my plexi and I used it with my JMP 50. I have the older style, larger units. I am thinking about getting a mini.
It's not that great for trying to get low low volume, but it is really cool when you want to take off that massive volume edge.
Corbic
New member
Re: Weber mini mass
Is it safe to use a 50W MASS with a 50W amp? I remember when John Spina was buying a MASS he bought the 100W because he said the 50 might not be enough. I'd much rather to buy the 50W MiniMASS then buy the 100W MASS once I get my Edana, to save some money, but if its going to blow something up I'd gladly spend more.
Is it safe to use a 50W MASS with a 50W amp? I remember when John Spina was buying a MASS he bought the 100W because he said the 50 might not be enough. I'd much rather to buy the 50W MiniMASS then buy the 100W MASS once I get my Edana, to save some money, but if its going to blow something up I'd gladly spend more.
Rich_S
HomeGrownToneBrewologist
Re: Weber mini mass
Depends on what 50-watt amp you're talking about. Many of them (especially EL34 Marshalls) can put out more than 50 watts cranked.
A rating of "50 Watts" is a somewhat arbitrary measurement at a specified (and also arbitrary) level of distortion. If you can stand a higher level of distortion, then the amp is capable of more power.
Does that make sense? I'm tired - I understand all this perfectly well, but seem to be having trouble explaining it tonight.
Depends on what 50-watt amp you're talking about. Many of them (especially EL34 Marshalls) can put out more than 50 watts cranked.
A rating of "50 Watts" is a somewhat arbitrary measurement at a specified (and also arbitrary) level of distortion. If you can stand a higher level of distortion, then the amp is capable of more power.
Does that make sense? I'm tired - I understand all this perfectly well, but seem to be having trouble explaining it tonight.
Stevo
Tonus Maximus Pacificas
Re: Weber mini mass
Still, it doesn't hurt to get an attenuator with a higher rating. It wont get as hot
I have used my 50w MASS with both of those amps. Weber attenuators are designed to work with 50w RMS tube heads. Most tube amps are rated in terms of RMS wattage. 50w RMS is equivalent to 140 watts peak-to-peak.
Still, it doesn't hurt to get an attenuator with a higher rating. It wont get as hot
suislidE03
New member
Re: Weber mini mass
I have a 50 watt mini, use it on my Laney 90% of the time. If you want to crank your amp, you should be in a place that can afford the volume anyway. I even let my buddy use it on his 100 watt valveking, but wouldnt let him turn the knob on it below 5.. his volume on the amp was on 5 also. It gets pretty hot, but i dont think it will kill it unless its a constant thing.
I say dont worry about it getting overloaded with your marshalls unless you constantly run your amp dimed.
I have a 50 watt mini, use it on my Laney 90% of the time. If you want to crank your amp, you should be in a place that can afford the volume anyway. I even let my buddy use it on his 100 watt valveking, but wouldnt let him turn the knob on it below 5.. his volume on the amp was on 5 also. It gets pretty hot, but i dont think it will kill it unless its a constant thing.
I say dont worry about it getting overloaded with your marshalls unless you constantly run your amp dimed.