Finbar Posted April 3, 2008 Share Posted April 3, 2008 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted April 3, 2008 Share Posted April 3, 2008 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... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted April 3, 2008 Share Posted April 3, 2008 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waldo Posted April 3, 2008 Share Posted April 3, 2008 Personally, I'd downsize rather than shelling out for a powerbrake. They're rather pricey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Funk Posted April 3, 2008 Share Posted April 3, 2008 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finbar Posted April 4, 2008 Author Share Posted April 4, 2008 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welshbassist Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 What IS the amp? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finbar Posted April 4, 2008 Author Share Posted April 4, 2008 (edited) 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Funk Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 (edited) 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EBS_freak Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 [url="http://www.tedweber.com/atten.htm"]http://www.tedweber.com/atten.htm[/url] for 200 watt models (MASS coming soon) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finbar Posted April 4, 2008 Author Share Posted April 4, 2008 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexclaber Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 Just use a much smaller and less sensitive cab. Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MythSte Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 [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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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