Attenuators

[Yellowjacket]

Power Scaling is basically like a 'power amp gain' knob.  The same you have 'preamp gain' for distortion, with power scaling you can dial in 'power amp gain' and get the power amp to clip at lower and lower volumes.  It gives you that nice 'purr' to your sound, if that's what you're after. 

Yup.  800 pounds + shipping is a bit steep for a single speaker.  If they can drop those things to c.a. $500 (Ģ250) per unit, it will help out immensely.

I think the idea behind the Reignmaker is similar to the fluxtone but the magnetic force acting on the speaker is adjusted mechanically instead of electronically.  (i.e. moving around magnets instead of altering an electromagnet)  I've heard in reviews that when you reduce the efficiency of a variable efficiency speaker, it begins to sound more 'vintage' while it sounds more 'modern' as it becomes more efficient.  The c.a. - 9db range of efficiency from that speaker is appreciable but also not earth shattering.  You can basically turn it down to about half as loud. 

[maxingwell]

Bit late on this one (sorry) but these are worth checking out...
http://www.jetcityamplificationstore.co.uk/product/jettenuator/
I have one and it sounds OK.

[Slartibartfarst42]

I was looking at that, though the reviews on Thomann were a bit mixed. Anyway, I've managed to pick up a Weber Minimass on Ebay for Ģ60 so I thought I'd try that.

[Kiichi]

I was looking at that, though the reviews on Thomann were a bit mixed. Anyway, I've managed to pick up a Weber Minimass on Ebay for Ģ60 so I thought I'd try that.

Ah yes, thatīs the one I have. I rarely use it, but then again I donīt really gig, so I donīt need it that much. Should give it a swirl again though. With my TT I donīt need it for metal sounds, but I should give it a shot for blues.

Generally a good working little thing. Especially the impedance choice and treble boost are helpful.

[Slartibartfarst42]

The Weber Mini Mass arrived today and it seems to be a bit of a mixed bag. The volume control seems far from linear so it seems to have to sit very low all the time, though there may be a fault. Having said that, once it is turned right down it certainly cuts the volume and seems to retain the tone. I'm finding I can't really use my EQ pedal in the loop as it makes the volume control on the attenuator so sensitive it's virtually on zero the whole time. Conversely, the treble boost switch is very effective and with that engaged I don't feel the same need to use the EQ pedal anyway.

[Kiichi]

Yes, once turned on the Weber does immediatly do something. The switch from Bypass to On is noticable even when on tilt. And yes, the knob is not linear, which I recon is due to the construction of having a magnet move, trying to emulate an actual speaker (IIRC). Ultimately on is a big difference from off, then you have a middle ground, and towards the end it goes harder again. Which I have come to know and use accordingly.

Do I read your post correctly in that the issues are more with setting it and less with the tone? Cause if that is the case you can figure that stuff out and be happy with the tone, right?

Still a tad weird about the EQ. I mean I donīt have a loop even, but I am just surprised that the difference is so great.

[Yellowjacket]

The Weber Mini Mass arrived today and it seems to be a bit of a mixed bag. The volume control seems far from linear so it seems to have to sit very low all the time, though there may be a fault. Having said that, once it is turned right down it certainly cuts the volume and seems to retain the tone. I'm finding I can't really use my EQ pedal in the loop as it makes the volume control on the attenuator so sensitive it's virtually on zero the whole time. Conversely, the treble boost switch is very effective and with that engaged I don't feel the same need to use the EQ pedal anyway.

Cool.  Does it do what you want it to?  How does it compare to just turning down the volume with preamp driven gain tones? 

[Slartibartfarst42]

Yes, the issues are about setting so I can work around that. I'd anticipated that turning the volume down to half on the Mini Mass would half the volume but it actually makes very little difference at all until you get close to zero. Having said that, the effect is impressive as you end up with a lovely valve driven tone that is full and rich but at reasonable volumes. If I just turn the volume down on the amp, it starts to sound like someone has thrown a wet blanket over the amp as there's no life to the tone but using the attenuator retains the crispness you want without making your ears bleed. The treble boost switch is vital as with heavy attenuation you do start to notice a dulling of the tone but this switch brings it back to life. I can choose either a 3db treble boost or a 6db boost but I find that even with the attenuator turned right down, 3db is enough. I usually use two EQ pedals in the loop; one to modify my tone and the other as a solo boost but I'm hoping that when I try it with the full band on Tuesday I won't need the first one as a combination of driving the amp more and using the treble boost will be enough to give me the tone I want. If that's the case I can sell one of the EQ pedals and get back most of what the Mini Mass cost me  Of course, then there's a space on the pedalboard to fill