Author Topic: Instead of an attenuator... (Read 5387 times)

gamesandy135 · « **on:** November 19, 2007, 07:06:53 PM »

Some people might be interested in this site:
http://www.londonpower.com/

Has some really good looking (at least on paper) amp mods.

I was looking for an attenuator before, like THD but this is way cheaper (depending on how much an amp tech would charge for install) and a much better way of getting low power cranked sounds.

Dakine · « **Reply #1 on:** November 19, 2007, 07:10:59 PM »

posted MANY times before.

Thing is, they are NOT suitable (according to designer Kevin O'Connor) for all amps (mostly for lower wattage and less gainy amps).

London Power are supposed to be bringing out their own high gain amp 'Zen', but look at wattage of ones they offer/plan to offer;

http://www.londonpower.com/amps.htm

FELINEGUITARS · « **Reply #2 on:** November 19, 2007, 07:11:25 PM »

Do a search for Power Scaling on this forum
It has been discussed a lot of late and there are some clips too

I do agree with you - It seems very interesting

gamesandy135 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 19, 2007, 07:12:09 PM »

My bad, should have searched for it in here, still, might be good for some people.

martinw · « **Reply #4 on:** November 20, 2007, 07:26:22 AM »

Quote from: Dakine

Thing is, they are NOT suitable (according to designer Kevin O'Connor) for all amps (mostly for lower wattage and less gainy amps).

I can't agree with that. As far as I'm aware, after immersing myself in the subject, reading much literature and maybe 40-50 emails back and forwards with KOC, PS can be fitted to lower power amps, and less gainy ones, without problems.
Specifically for example, the Fender Champ is listed (amongst others) as being a suitable candidate.

Whether you'd need PS on an amp that size is another issue, but I suppose a Champ can be quite loud for home use when cranked. Certainly I've never been able to crank a 5 watter at home.

Cheers,
Martin. :)

the_bleeding · « **Reply #5 on:** November 20, 2007, 08:00:00 AM »

i laughed when i saw that website because they're located in Thunder Bay Ontario, home of Lakehead or "bakehead" university, where all the hippies and potheads go. Oh thunder bay, not suprised the hippies are working on amps too hahahahah.

I love hippies :)

hamfist · « **Reply #6 on:** November 20, 2007, 08:00:54 AM »

Quote from: martinw

Quote from: Dakine

Thing is, they are NOT suitable (according to designer Kevin O'Connor) for all amps (mostly for lower wattage and less gainy amps).

I can't agree with that. As far as I'm aware, after immersing myself in the subject, reading much literature and maybe 40-50 emails back and forwards with KOC, PS can be fitted to lower power amps, and less gainy ones, without problems.
Specifically for example, the Fender Champ is listed (amongst others) as being a suitable candidate.

Whether you'd need PS on an amp that size is another issue, but I suppose a Champ can be quite loud for home use when cranked. Certainly I've never been able to crank a 5 watter at home.

Cheers,
Martin. :)

You tell 'em Martin !!

BTW, if anyone wants power-scaling installed on an amp in the UK, Martin is THE man to talk to IMHO.

martinw · « **Reply #7 on:** November 20, 2007, 08:07:46 AM »

Thanks Alan, but in the spirit of fairness I should add that there is another UK installer on the London Power Links page, who as far as I know does good work.
There is also the guy in the South West who does "Rat" VJ conversions who is an installer too.

Twinfan · « **Reply #8 on:** November 20, 2007, 11:36:52 AM »

Martin - I think Dakine is saying that PS is most suited to lower power and lower gain amps. Higher power and higher gain cause problems with PS.

As you know ;)

gamesandy135 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 20, 2007, 01:51:09 PM »

Just been looking at their Bias mod kits, something that I'm interested in learning/playing with and was wondering if anyone could give be more info on this product or an alternative product that would let me control the bias of my tubes, which are fixed bias (no doubt at about 60%).
Does it involve extensive modding or soldering etc?

Dakine · « **Reply #10 on:** November 20, 2007, 03:08:24 PM »

Quote from: martinw

Quote from: Dakine

Thing is, they are NOT suitable (according to designer Kevin O'Connor) for all amps (mostly for lower wattage and less gainy amps).

I can't agree with that. As far as I'm aware, after immersing myself in the subject, reading much literature and maybe 40-50 emails back and forwards with KOC, PS can be fitted to lower power amps, and less gainy ones, without problems.
Specifically for example, the Fender Champ is listed (amongst others) as being a suitable candidate.

Whether you'd need PS on an amp that size is another issue, but I suppose a Champ can be quite loud for home use when cranked. Certainly I've never been able to crank a 5 watter at home.

Cheers,
Martin. :)

I was saying that lower wattage amps ARE best candidates, NOT other way around.
The higher wattage/higher gain amps have not reacted well thus far by all accounts.

martinw · « **Reply #11 on:** November 20, 2007, 03:46:00 PM »

Well the amount of gain is irrelevant. It has no bearing, as all you're talking about is a change in signal level and resultant drive level throughout the amp. I've just Scaled a Cornford Hellcat, which has a ferocious amount of gain, with no problems.

High power amps can be problematic, but we're talking about unusual cases. A typical 100W Marshall (high enough power for you?) presents no problems.

Dakine · « **Reply #12 on:** November 20, 2007, 04:16:45 PM »

Quote from: martinw

Well the amount of gain is irrelevant. It has no bearing, as all you're talking about is a change in signal level and resultant drive level throughout the amp. I've just Scaled a Cornford Hellcat, which has a ferocious amount of gain, with no problems.

High power amps can be problematic, but we're talking about unusual cases. A typical 100W Marshall (high enough power for you?) presents no problems.

sounds like you are angry?

I said 'best' candidates. I have heard some higher watt amps that have had some issues. And we are talking about moving air here when it comes to some tone/amps.
I am sure you CAN fit PS on anything, but with varying results.
PS is still pretty new in grand scheme of things, I expect it will become much more prominent soon.

martinw · « **Reply #13 on:** November 20, 2007, 04:28:07 PM »

Angry? :) No, not at all. I'm a blunt northerner! :lol:

In some ways, the best candidates for PS are bigger amps, because they can be transformed from almost unuseable, into something you can practise with.
One of the best I've done was a Marshall Superbass 100W, which had never in it's life been over 3 on the volume. After Power Scaling, you could get all that awesome grunt at pub/rehearsal/living room volume.

Some smaller amps can be tamed with a master volume, or a degree of attenuation, albeit at the cost of a little sound quality.

The vast majority of grown up amps (i.e. yer typical 50 watter or 100 watter) are ripe for PS and the results can be extremely good, way better than an attenuator. (EDIT: It's also cheaper, if you consider a Hotplate at £250ish.)

The challenges don't really start till you get up towards the 200W amps, such as Marshall Majors, bass amps. And Laney Klipps.

:lol: :x

noodleplugerine · « **Reply #14 on:** November 20, 2007, 04:40:10 PM »

Quote from: martinw

Angry? :) No, not at all. I'm a blunt northerner! :lol:

In some ways, the best candidates for PS are bigger amps, because they can be transformed from almost unuseable, into something you can practise with.
One of the best I've done was a Marshall Superbass 100W, which had never in it's life been over 3 on the volume. After Power Scaling, you could get all that awesome grunt at pub/rehearsal/living room volume.

Some smaller amps can be tamed with a master volume, or a degree of attenuation, albeit at the cost of a little sound quality.

The vast majority of grown up amps (i.e. yer typical 50 watter or 100 watter) are ripe for PS and the results can be extremely good, way better than an attenuator. (EDIT: It's also cheaper, if you consider a Hotplate at £250ish.)

The challenges don't really start till you get up towards the 200W amps, such as Marshall Majors, bass amps. And Laney Klipps. :lol: :x

Wait wait wait - It's cheaper than a hotplate?!

How much would it cost to install this on my Engl Screamer combo?!