Valve Amp Dummy Load / Attenuator products...?

[VTypeV4]

I've been looking at one of these recently..

[url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RAT-HOTROD-SPEAKER-DUMMY-LOAD-HEADPHONE-VALVE-AMP-AMPLIFIER-LINE-OUT-BOX-TUBE-/350634502945?_trksid=p5197.m1992&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D14%26meid%3D3232749446668399860%26pid%3D100015%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D350634502945%26"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RAT-HOTROD-SPEAKER-DUMMY-LOAD-HEADPHONE-VALVE-AMP-AMPLIFIER-LINE-OUT-BOX-TUBE-/350634502945?_trksid=p5197.m1992&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D14%26meid%3D3232749446668399860%26pid%3D100015%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D350634502945%26[/url]

I've got a couple of recording jobs coming in and was thinking about taking the Ashton. It will sound great but it would be even better without the bulk of carrying a speaker round with me.

When I had the V4, it was awesome as it had a built in dummy load so you could use the pre-amp with worrying about a speaker connection. One of the really features on that amp as Longtimefred will testify to!

The Rat product looks pretty tidy with plenty of features should I wish to use them. The 50w rating is acceptable as I'm not bothered about running the amp up to flat out and all that with the Ashton, I simply want to use the existing XLR out without mauling cabs about.

Just to be clear its not really an attenuator I'm after but a dummy load..

Does anyone have any opinions or thoughts?

[flyfisher]

Are you handy with a soldering iron? High wattage resistors are pretty cheap and 50w is not that much so it would be fairly easy to build a similar dummy load if you wanted to save a bit of money.

Something like this could be the basis of a pretty hefty dummy load for under a tenner:
http://cpc.farnell.com/welwyn/wh25-8r2-ji/resistor-ww-25w-5-8r2/dp/RE03432

[Mr. Foxen]

Where is the XLR out coming from? Might be cheaper pulling out the power valves so just the preamp is running, unless its from an output transformer tap.

[VTypeV4]

Some interesting suggestions there gents..

Never thought about making one myself but it does seem very simple. I could screw the resistor(s) to a little block of ali with a jack socket on the front. Simples!

As for pulling valves, even simpler! I believe the direct out is entirely pre-amp derived, nothing to do with the output stage / transformer..

Food for thought indeed.

[longtimefred]

or just use my v4! when its back from the menders

i can drop it off whenever you need it mate. save you some pennies.

[VTypeV4]

Cheers man, you're a star and in the mean time, if you need an amp, come get the Ashton!
[quote name='longtimefred' timestamp='1352134200' post='1859173']
or just use my v4! when its back from the menders

i can drop it off whenever you need it mate. save you some pennies.
[/quote]

[longtimefred]

thanks pal. should be alright as its gone today so should be back next week. If i dont need to pay for new output transformers or anything nasty.

[VTypeV4]

It's probably something simple dude, I expect a failed valve has taken something out with it. I would say it unlikely that it's hurt the output transformer.

[umph]

i didn't know v4's came with a dummy load?

also pull the output valves, that rat dummy load will get hot quick and you don't wanna be in the way when it goes off!

[VTypeV4]

[quote name='umph' timestamp='1352151392' post='1859511']
i didn't know v4's came with a dummy load?

also pull the output valves, that rat dummy load will get hot quick and you don't wanna be in the way when it goes off!
[/quote]

Yup, the MK2s did.. Both the head and combo models came with the switch. Very handy!

Definately don't want to be in the way when anything goes off! So tubes out wont upset the power supply or anything?

[umph]

[quote name='VTypeV4' timestamp='1352162361' post='1859667']
Yup, the MK2s did.. Both the head and combo models came with the switch. Very handy!

Definately don't want to be in the way when anything goes off! So tubes out wont upset the power supply or anything?
[/quote]

nope,