Aracom vs Unleash

[Gallery]

Has anyone compared/owned both of these?

Which is more transparent?

 

[Ugh]

The Unleash isn't really an attenuator; it's actually a reactive load with a built in class D solid state power amp. Basically, it's a re-amping device with an effects loop. It not only allows you to make a big amp quiet, you can go t'other way and make a small amp super loud (180 watts at 4 ohms). I have one and it's super awesome.

I've heard that the Aracom is one of the better attenuators you can get, but the two are really different beasts...

 

[Figaro]

The Unleash also has two footswitchable volume controls!

 

[Gallery]

Yep I understand the differences. Sorry let me rephrase.

Which is more transparent?

 

[Gallery]

Can anyone who has used these two tell me which one they preferred for reducing volume at home and why?

 

[DGTCrazy]

It's too much of an Apples to Oranges comparison IMO. Sorry...as I know that doesn't help with your question. I've used everything, from a Faustine Phantom Dx, Rock Crusher, Aracom, THD.....and several others. The Bad Cat is unique unto itself as it sounds just as good as the others I've tried, yet offers so many killer options to turn an amp into a variable Swiss Army Knife.

 

[traynor_garnet]

I've owned both. The Aracom was more transparent with my rig. The Unleash had fizz on my rig at all levels.

PS Could we officially stop the "the unleash is not an attenuator" statements that seem to always accompany these threads. Look up the meaning of the word attenuate and it is obvious that the unleash IS an attenuator (don't mean to sound snarky, no offence to the poster).

 

[Gallery]

It's not an apples to oranges comparison if I ask which one you "prefer" for a specific function.

 

[8len8]

I've owned both. The Aracom was more transparent with my rig. The Unleash had fizz on my rig at all levels.

PS Could we officially stop the "the unleash is not an attenuator" statements that seem to always accompany these threads. Look up the meaning of the word attenuate and it is obvious that the unleash IS an attenuator (don't mean to sound snarky, no offence to the poster).

BUT, and it's a big but, a re-amper is a different animal than a "typical" passive attenuator. IMHO you cannot group the two in the same category. That would be like saying cars and motorcycles are the same since they both can transport people to different locations.

 

[DGTCrazy]

It's not an apples to oranges comparison if I ask which one you "prefer" for a specific function.

Bad Cat Uneash. I sold all of my Attenuators after getting one. Not sure where the "fizz" issues are emanating from, but my unit, in the manner I use it, it's as quite as all the other units I used. That said, when I need "dead" quite, (for recording), I use the Two Notes Torpedo Live.

 

[Crash-VR]

Now that I'm playing a 7 watt amp and it's just barely not loud enough to gig, the Unleash is the only option. The fact that I can use it as an attenuator if I get a bigger head is a huge plus. The fact that it's half the price of the Aracom or Iron Man makes it a no brainer. For pure attenuation, I would go Iron Man. The fact that you can mismatch impedances and that it's passive make it superior to most.

 

[traynor_garnet]

BUT, and it's a big but, a re-amper is a different animal than a "typical" passive attenuator. IMHO you cannot group the two in the same category. That would be like saying cars and motorcycles are the same since they both can transport people to different locations.

He wants to know which one will attenuate his amp's volume with the least artifacts. Everything else is moot and well known on the board. You can group many units in the same general category without saying they are the same.

Anyway, back to the OP. If you have any questions let me know.

 

[8len8]

He wants to know which one will attenuate his amp's volume with the least artifacts. Everything else is moot and well known on the board. You can group many units in the same general category without saying they are the same.

Anyway, back to the OP. If you have any questions let me know.

It may not be well known to the OP. It's like the posts up here where people are asking about how to measure "ohms" and someone correcting them saying what they are measuring is "resistance" or "impedance".

Just because you don't see the need for certain info being presented on this board doesn't mean it shouldn't be presented. IMHO it would do the OP good to know the difference between an attenuator and a re-amper.

 

[Gallery]

It may not be well known to the OP. It's like the posts up here where people are asking about how to measure "ohms" and someone correcting them saying what they are measuring is "resistance" or "impedance".

Just because you don't see the need for certain info being presented on this board doesn't mean it shouldn't be presented. IMHO it would do the OP good to know the difference between an attenuator and a re-amper.

Thanks but as I already stated all the way up at the top of this thread... I'm well aware of the differences. Transparency is my concern.

 

[goldtop4g63]

BUT, and it's a big but, a re-amper is a different animal than a "typical" passive attenuator. IMHO you cannot group the two in the same category. That would be like saying cars and motorcycles are the same since they both can transport people to different locations.

I agree. They might get you the same desired results but two very different ways getting you there.

 

[Gallery]

I agree. They might get you the same desired results but two very different ways getting you there.

Uhg...

...but that's not my question. My question is, do they in fact produce the same result or is one more transparent than the other?

 

[the tourist]

Uhg...

...but that's not my question. My question is, do they in fact produce the same result or is one more transparent than the other?

Quite literally the only way you're ever going to know is to buy both and compare them.

 

[Gallery]

Quite literally the only way you're ever going to know is to buy both and compare them.

True. I was just hoping for some feedback to help me decide which one to try first.

 

[suits]

I have only used the unleash. But I am blown away. All my amps sound the same just quiter. I have used it for recording and it really sounds great, it's going to sound a little different as the speakers pushing less. Never had any problem with it at all as far as non-transparent, or added noise. Also having the channel switch and the FX Loop is awesome.

 

[goldtop4g63]

I think the tourist is right. I have the Aracom and i think it is pretty transparent and has sounded great with all my amps. I tried the two notes reload it was really good with my 100 watt amps but i didn't like the way it sounded with my low power el84 amps. It sounded dull to me and it wasn't getting better messing around with the contour knob. I havent tried the unleash yet and i don't think i will. I'm going to try a rockcrusher next. If i can get the same transparency as with the Aracom but for $200 cheaper I'm all about it.