Contents
- The 8 Best Amp Attenuators
- 1. Two Notes Audio Engineering Torpedo Reload Advanced Attenuator
- 2. BUGERA POWER SOAK PS1
- 3. THD Electronics HP8 Hot Plate Power Attenuator, 16 Ohm
- 4. Weber MicroMass Attenuator – 15 Watt
- 5. Rivera RockCrusher Power Attenuator & Load Box 8/16_ 120W
- 6. Two Notes Audio Engineering Torpedo Reload Advanced Attenuator
- 7. Electro-Harmonix Nano Signal Pad Passive Attenuator
- 8. Tone King Iron Man II Mini Attenuator
- What is a Guitar Amp Attenuator?
- Conclusion
An attenuator is a bit of equipment which goes between your tube amp’s speaker and output to mitigate volume without forfeiting this sweet-spot character. Needless to say, connecting between the amp speaker and output is readily performed using an amp-and-cabinet rig, but in case you’ve got a combo amp, simply check to get a cable running out of the back of your amp into its internal speaker. Many times, it is possible to easily unplug that cable and then plug into an attenuator in between.
Attenuators arrive in many different fashions, in different price points and also with distinctive feature sets. In this article and through the guide below we highlight a number of the best attenuators available on the market that will assist you to find what is ideal for you.
The 8 Best Amp Attenuators
1. Two Notes Audio Engineering Torpedo Reload Advanced Attenuator
If You’re serious about recorded guitar tone, then You Have to Check at the Torpedo Reload by Two Notes Engineering
It’s a superbly designed amalgam of four crucial components of your record signal path
Two Notes culture is steeped within their standing as a premier producer of cabinet simulators
The engineers in Two Notes have bridged a technological difference using a Torpedo Reload that interrupts this core competency using a power attenuator, a multi-impedance loadbox, a DI and re-amping box, and also have done it perfectly
2. BUGERA POWER SOAK PS1
The Weber MicroMass is a more flexible attenuator that could switch between 4, 8 and also 16-ohm outputs. According to the’micro’ title, it is tiny but additionally, it is well constructed and not overly pricey.
Unlike many other goods on this listing, this apparatus does not have any attenuation or level control and can be managed completely using two tone controls. The low/mid controller doubles up as a volume controller, and also the mid/high knob types out your treble.
In addition to the 2 dials, there is a bypass switch so that you can flick it off once you are in a position to delight in your amp at loud volumes.
3. THD Electronics HP8 Hot Plate Power Attenuator, 16 Ohm
HP8 Hot Plate is undoubtedly among the hottest power attenuators available on the marketplace. It is easy, powerful, and includes specific characteristics that are particular to the model and brand. HP8 Hot Plate is secured to one impedance setting. In this case it is the 8-ohm variant while you will find 16-ohm variations along with much more obscure 4 and 2.7-ohm versions.
THD Electronics HP8 Hot Plate sport an extremely straightforward design. The case is constructed from quality thick steel that protects the innards of this unit just fine. On the front desk you’ll get all of your controls.
From left to right, there is the major attenuation knob with five positions, the maximum individual being -16dBs. This knob also offers a Load setting which lets you use the line from the attenuator itself rather than a speaker box.
4. Weber MicroMass Attenuator – 15 Watt
The attenuator includes two toggle knobs — just for low-frequency bass and one for high-frequency treble. Having the impedance of 8 ohms, it is going to operate on amps with 4, 12, or 16 ohms of impedance. Based upon your taste, the MicroMass may decrease the output volume of your amp by up to 50 decibels.
This version has an integrated engine that sends processed signals straight into the speaker. Therefore, you are going to acquire minimal tone loss regardless of what setting you elect for. And due to its small size in comparison to other attenuators on the market, it’s possible to easily package this one on your bag and take it to the street.
5. Rivera RockCrusher Power Attenuator & Load Box 8/16_ 120W
The RockCrusher is useful & unbeatably versatile as it is possible to put it between your speaker & amp cab for a power attenuator, or utilize it directly in place of your own speaker cabinet for a load box whilst sending its own balanced XLR or unbalanced 1/4″ lineup to a different amp for a servant, or perhaps send its output to a mixer for live or recording performance.
Besides supplying exceptional tone, impedance matching is essential to your tube amp health & longevity. Rivera gave the RockCrusher an 8/16-ohm selector switch so it is possible to use both worths to correctly match your cupboards & amplifiers. The RockCrusher is not hard to use the two on-stage & at the studio. For”bypass on the fly,” that enables you to use the amp with a speaker cupboard when complete output level is needed, Rivera added a front-panel full bypass switch that eliminates the load completely.
6. Two Notes Audio Engineering Torpedo Reload Advanced Attenuator
Two Tones is easily among the most recognizable manufacturers and attenuator companies in the market, so if you’re trying to find a trusted and dependable version that’s designed to survive, in addition to being packaged with all the features you could ask for, then there is no need to flip your focus anywhere else.
Needless to say, using all the Torpedo, you are going to have the ability to pick between 4, 8, and also 16-ohm impedances and revel in whole compatibility with all amplifiers up into an amazing 150-watts. This usually means that you can make certain your tone will stay consistent and plays into the highest quality possible. Moreover, you are going to have the ability to reap the advantages of the patented RE-ACT technologies, which means that you may safeguard your amplifier from harm, whatever you are placing it through.
7. Electro-Harmonix Nano Signal Pad Passive Attenuator
This attenuator operates the opposite way from the way the RockCrusher works since it’s totally passive. It’s also distinct from different attenuators since it’s built in the kind of a foot pedal. The Nano Signal Pad is good as it lets you switch to another preset volume in an instant, which makes it basically your guitar’s very own volume knob.
Additionally, the Electro-Harmonix Nano Signal Pad works if you plug into your guitar into the input. The pedal comes with a volume knob which can be turned down or up to deal with the volume coming out of the amp. It may likewise be utilised as a booster pedal since it on/off switch functions as a quiet/loud switch.
8. Tone King Iron Man II Mini Attenuator
In accordance with all the miniature attenuator motif, the Iron Man II guitar amp attenuator might be small but it packs some punch. Using its responsive load technologies, the Iron Man responds with your amp for a speaker will and consequently enables you to reduce your volume without compromising on tone.
The Iron Man is ideal for mid-powered tube amps also comes at a pedal format. This format ensures you’ve got easy access to it through performances and it offers you access to this Iron Man’s best feature — that the 3dB/6dB boost. It sets it apart from other guitar amp attenuators.
What is a Guitar Amp Attenuator?
A guitar amp attenuator is a system that is connected between the electricity and the speaker segments of the amp, or involving the head and the cab. They convert a number of the power between the speaker and power segments of the amp from audio to heating. This energy conversion lets your amp to allow the sign you have dialed in, the tubes obviously breaking up into overdrive, with no speaker volume which goes along with it.
Are there any drawbacks to using just one? Since the volume is diminished, some guitarists complain of a loss of tone. This is occasionally true, naturally, but on most occasions, it is more of a sound illusion. How we perceive quieter sounds differs from the way we hear sounds in a greater volume. Start looking for one with good EQ controllers to compensate for any perceived loss of tone.
A few of these goods are compatible with footswitches so that you can stamp them off and on on stage. These are helpful for actors that are utilizing the apparatus to restrain their on-stage audio and occasionally may want to utilize them in reverse for a boost.
Conclusion
It is my hope that this guide has helped you discover the very best amp attenuator to guitar-playing needs. Not only can a great attenuator help you make a rich sound at lower volumes but it can also extend the life span of your amp. Just be certain you go to get a version that meets the impedance rating and output power of your amplifier.
