Dr. Z AirBrake and BrakeLite differences

[Rusty G.]

I've got a Dr. Z AirBrake attenuator and really like it: I find it works great for cranking my non-master volume amps to their sweet spot while taming the volume issues:

However, I have recently heard of the Dr. Z BrakeLite, and would like to know if anyone here has any experience with both. I like the idea of being able to install the attenuator in the back of the amp. Are there differences in the amount of volume that they knock off the top or differences in tone? Does anyone here have any experience with both?

 

[Peteyvee]

Well, for starters, the Brake-Lite only works with amps up to 45 watts (instead of 100, like the AirBrake) which is why I bought an Airbrake. I know it's a brick to carry around, but I feel much better with that giant ass resistor in there even with my 50 watt small box...

Then there's the attenuation amounts. The Brake-Lite and Brake-Lite SA work like this:
"Each click yields more attenuation: 1=2dB, 2=5dB, 3=8dB, and 4=11dB."
The Airbrake works like this:

"Attenuator: This is a rotary switch that selects the amount of attenuation. 0 is true by-pass. Positions 1-4 each click adds 1.8dB of attenuation per click (-7.2dB total). Bedroom level: A rheostat that will adjust the amps output from -7.2dB to -30dB."

That's much more useful to me...


What I want to know is when they took off the Trainwreck logo, which mine has. Anybody know?

 

[Rusty G.]

What I want to know is when they took off the Trainwreck logo, which mine has. Anybody know?

That's a good question. Mine has the Trainwreck logo also.

So, the Brakelite has more attenuation per click down to 11db, but doesn't reach as much as the AirBrake does with the rheostat from bedroom at -7.2db down to 30db?

I'm thinking about getting a Brakelite and mounting it in the back of my Victoria 20112. The AirBrake knocks off enough volume for home use and doesn't shake the windows. Maybe I'll get enough with the Brakelite and go back to using the AirBrake with my Club 40.

 

[Peteyvee]

Right. It would be nice if someone knew the answer to the the Trainwreck question though...