Using output as attenuator?

[docgorpon]

I have a rack delay unit I use in the loop of my tube amp. It has both input and output levels that can be adjusted. I initially had it set to where the amp's volume level without the unit was about the same as with the unit in place.
However, the input indicator on the unit showed that I needed much more juice coming into it as it wasn't even registering. So I can either crank the input of the unit way up or turn the amp way up. Either way, it's above my normal playing volume. So I turn the output down. If I use the option to turn the amp up (seems like the thing to do rather than diming the input level on the unit), and turn the output of the unit down to make up for the increased volume, then my amp is running quite a bit quieter than when the unit is unplugged.
Is this alright?

[jtaylor996]

It's not going to hurt anything, but it's not the same as an attenuator.

[docgorpon]

Yeah, I know. But which would be more preferred... jacking the input of the unit up or cranking the volume of the amp?

[stinkfoot]

What amp is it? Many have level controls for the fx loop, and if you set the send and return levels right, you'll still have unit gain going through the delay, but at a higher overall level (more suited to the delay unit).

[docgorpon]

It's an old randall. no effects loop level.

[ShavenYak]

You have to balance it out. The best signal/noise ratio will come from having the signal at the effects send high and having the delay unit's input gain low. However, your preamp tubes will probably produce more distortion as you turn up the volume, so to get your desired tone, you may have to back it off a little bit, and use the input gain on the delay unit to make up the difference.

[stinkfoot]

If there isn't any way to set the level in the loop, finding unity gain (like you originally did) is probably the best you can do. The amp's signal level is what it is, and cranking the input level of the delay (only to turn it down at the output to match the "without the delay" level) will only produce more noise. So I'd try to find the unity gain point and leave it at that. Yes, you're not anywhere near the level the delay can handle, but then you have headroom if you bring the rig somewhere where you need to play louder.