Do those simple volume boxes in the effects loop work?

[Acid Test]

These are the little $25 boxes that sit in the effects loop that allow you to crank your channel volumes without knocking down the house? Is this a viable, low-cost alternative to the more expensive units?

Not my auction (am I allowed to post this here for just reference?)

http://cgi.ebay.com/SPONGE-BOX-CONTR...mZ220426464103

[Austinrocks]

no they are not attenuators, they are like the master volume and just add to the master volume, if you want something adjustible a volume pedal in the effects loop is a good adjustible master volume, and you can use it live. Get one with a min range so you don't turn off the amp.

[Acid Test]

Originally Posted by Austinrocks

no they are not attenuators, they are like the master volume and just add to the master volume, if you want something adjustible a volume pedal in the effects loop is a good adjustible master volume, and you can use it live. Get one with a min range so you don't turn off the amp.

The little boxes are adjustable as well, but not from the floor like a volume pedal. Have you used one of these boxes?

[DickensCPA]

I bought, and still have, one of these. Although the amp it was bought for is long gone and I have no amps with an FX loop. It served an $18 purpose for me at the time. Does it work in a way that allows you to drive power tubes as advertised? No.

I used to have a BDRI. The volume pot on it went from silent on 1 to full blown on 2. Really no in between. It allowed me to dial it in a lot easier. Nothing reconfiguring the master volume wouldn't have done. Just easier on my time and warranty.

[5E3]

Originally Posted by Austinrocks

no they are not attenuators, they are like the master volume and just add to the master volume, if you want something adjustible a volume pedal in the effects loop is a good adjustible master volume, and you can use it live. Get one with a min range so you don't turn off the amp.

This is exactly what I do. My Boss volume pedal has a minimum adjust on the side, so I can tilt it all the way back for a preset, then tilt forward for more as needed. :AOK

[Julia343]

I built one. It's a simple audio taper pot. I've used it in the amp's loop that sometimes can put out a signal a bit too hot for the pedals. You just tone it down with this thing until the pedal no longer clips. It's like a pre pedal board level control that is more controllable than a Line Level Shifter.

[Austinrocks]

Originally Posted by DickensCPA

I bought, and still have, one of these. Although the amp it was bought for is long gone and I have no amps with an FX loop. It served an $18 purpose for me at the time. Does it work in a way that allows you to drive power tubes as advertised? No.

I used to have a BDRI. The volume pot on it went from silent on 1 to full blown on 2. Really no in between. It allowed me to dial it in a lot easier. Nothing reconfiguring the master volume wouldn't have done. Just easier on my time and warranty.

I assume Blues Deluxe Reissue, same stupid volume that a hot rods have, input 2 is attenuated, so easier to set the volume when using input 2.

[Austinrocks]

Originally Posted by 5E3

This is exactly what I do. My Boss volume pedal has a minimum adjust on the side, so I can tilt it all the way back for a preset, then tilt forward for more as needed. :AOK

exactly, the box with a pot has to be adjusted, so you can not use it as a boost, not much more than a master volume cut.