attenuators

[mrfjones]

okay so my route 66 is a little bigger than i need. i like the way it sounds even when it is not cranked but i would like to get some overdrive at more usable levels. which atenuator is the most transparent? i have thought about just getting a dr.z airbrake but i don't know anything about it. so guys please tell me what kind you are using and why. this way i can make a really informed decision when i spend money i probably don't have, yet.

thanks

SA

[DestroyAllGuitars]

The THD Hotplates are my favorite, and they are the most
widely used attenuators out there. They have some nice
options such as a bright and deep boost switches that are very
helpful when you are using greater amounts of attenuation.
They also have a noise reduction circuit that can be bypassed
if you choose not to use it. Some other good features are
the adjustable line out which is handy for alot of applications
such as running a wet & dry rig etc and it also is the only
attenuator that compensates for the perception of sound, by
the human ear, at different volume levels. A lot of very useful
features that you won't find on most of the others on the market.
I just added another 16, 8, and 2 ohm units to my studio recently.

I've used others with favorable results but the Hotplates work
the best for me as I primarily use them for recording and those
extra features that I mentioned above get used quite a bit.

Also, THD's customer support is incredible.

[tillerusa]

THD is, in my experience, a great company and the Hotplate is an outstanding product. The Hotplate, if I remember correctly, can also be used as a dummy-load when you bias your amp.

But, for my purposes the Airbrake is my preferred attenuator. This is primarily because it can use a number of different Ohm ratings. I tend to change amps and cabs frequently and the adaptability of the Dr. Z is a major plus. It sounds pretty good too.

[Blueser]

My opinion on attenuators is also based on the type of amp. You may think I'm crazy, but I think the Weber MASS sounds the best on smaller bottle amps (EL84s), but I like the THD on the EL34, and 6L6 amps. I'm not sure why this is, but to my ears, it just worked out that way.

[cr8z4life]

Another vote for the THD.....but in answer to your question....there is no best....different amps react differently.....I have found the different attenuators work "best" depending on the amp it is plugged into...sorry, I know its not the answer you would want but thats the way it is.....that said I now only have a hotplate

[mrfjones]

thanks for all the information. hopefully i can find a couple of these soon and try them out. i don't live far from a thd dealer or the weber factory so hopefully i can try one or both of them out. keep the replies coming guys the more info i have the better i feel about buying if i don't get to use one first.

[JES1680]

I use a 16ohm Hotplate with my RT66. Works great. I usually use fairly high attenuation and it sounds really good without haveing to resort to the high and low switches. It's also dead quiet. Let's me get those big bottles cooking which really makes this amp shine.

[SQUAREHEAD]

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/sea...der=descending

[spikeRI]

just a observation and not a flame........but if everyone just used the search option........wouldn't be much of a forum anymore. Plus (and I use the function quite a bit) most searches especially something as vague as attenuators could be a mile long. Don't know about you but, after a few million brunos rule and I love my Z28........I'd just ask

think I'll go search under "search function".......bet that produces a long list

[spikeRI]

like I said 1 of 58

[spikeRI]

I hear ya and that how I usually research stuff........my comment was more toward the old tired "use the search function" comment tho I also get tired of the same ol stuff being brought up every week and certainly have felt like saying it but, ya gotta realize (and I'm sure you do) most of these questions are by new guys who just don' know the ropes yet. Your first response sounded cold, the second sounded like you really wanted to help the guy.....JMHO

[papa taco]

Originally posted by spikeRI
after a few million brunos rule and I love my Z28........I'd just ask

Hey, is that some kind of crack against Tag and Big Mike??? Do you want a piece of me, man? Don't be dissing Big Mike and his Z28 love, you hear? Or I'll get you. Big time.















I kid.


By the way I LOVE MY Z28 TOO.

[spikeRI]

who Tag and Big Mike?

and PS- I love your Z28 also.....

[riverastoasters]

Originally posted by cr8z4life
Another vote for the THD.....but in answer to your question....there is no best....different amps react differently.....I have found the different attenuators work "best" depending on the amp it is plugged into

I have the same view. Usually I like THD Hotplate but some amps like the Airbrake better.

[papa taco]

Originally posted by spikeRI
who Tag and Big Mike?

and PS- I love your Z28 also.....

I'm glad you said "Z28" and not "wife."