Power Brake/Hotplate etc

[Finbar]

Just been looking at stuff like the Marshall Power Brake and the THD Hotplate, and I must say I'm quite interested.

I run an all valve head that is FAR too big for what I use it for really... But rather than downsize, I'd like to just be a stubborn fool and see about going down this road!

Anyway, basically are these attenuators worthwhile? I'd love to be able to run the amp flat out and get the best out of it at lower volumes. My amp is only 2 or 4 ohms, and I don't think the Marshall Power Brake even goes that low, but the 4 ohm Hotplate would work fine. I'm aware of the fact that higher volume means higher valve wear, but other than this is there anything 9good or bad) I should know about these attentuators?

[BigRedX]

Remember these devices were designed for use with guitar amps, so check that the Hotplate can cope with your bass amp running full-tilt into it. I use the PowerBrake in my guitar set up and it's invaluable but it's only rated up to 100W and I'm using it with a 50W amp. Also so extreme phased and flanged sounds cause the fan on mine to go into overdrive...

[chris_b]

The guitarist in one of my bands uses a THD Hotplate. He plays a Marshall 100 valve amp at full whack (to get the sound, he says!!) and has to take the signal to the cab down to a manageable level. It's usually a guitarist's toy and it was expensive, nearly £300, so I think you'd be better off getting a smaller amp.

[Waldo]

Personally, I'd downsize rather than shelling out for a powerbrake. They're rather pricey.

[The Funk]

Why downsize at all? I still don't understand the question.

Guitarists use the Power Brake or Hotplate when they want the amp to overdrive and distort at lower volumes. Unless you want an overdriven or distorted tone at all times at a lower volume, just turn the volume knob down.

[Finbar]

Valve amp driving needs the amp to be at a prohibitively high volume. Turning down doesn't get that sound. I don't get what there isn't to get about the question.

I'd rather not downsize though, I like the amp too much!

[Welshbassist]

What IS the amp?

[Finbar]

Marshall VBA400.

Though I may be selling up in order to buy a Hiwatt 200. Which isn't as loud, but will have the same problem to an extent I think.

Edited April 4, 2008 by Finbar

[The Funk]

If you want preamp and power amp overdrive at all times at a low volume then you'd probably have to buy a 100W guitar amp.

I don't think the Marshall or THD come in a 200W model.

Edited April 4, 2008 by The Funk

[EBS_freak]

[url="http://www.tedweber.com/atten.htm"]http://www.tedweber.com/atten.htm[/url] for 200 watt models (MASS coming soon)

[Finbar]

That is much cheaper than the THD or Marshall, for sure. It is probably worth shooting them an email about it I guess. If they say 'nah mate', at least I know for sure

[alexclaber]

Just use a much smaller and less sensitive cab.

Alex

[MythSte]

[quote name='alexclaber' post='169762' date='Apr 4 2008, 01:18 PM']Just use a much smaller and less sensitive cab.

Alex[/quote]

I'll be you didnt wake up this morning thinking "hmm yes, today i shall advise someone to use less efficient speakers!" heh.