Interest in Airbrake

[Big Jim]

I've been enjoying my Express, thanks everyone for the help! I borrowed my sons attenuator yesterday. It is a Weber Mass Stereo. I wasn't crazy about the way it sounded with my JTM45, but with a gain monster like the Express I found it to sound pretty good. Me being the do it myself minded person I am, the Airbrake build seems like the way to go. How does the Airbrake build measure up against the commercially available attenuators?
Is there a build guide available? I am a little concerned about placing a homemade (by me) unit between my baby and my cab (love for transformers). Any war stories or advice?
Jim

[ampgeek]

Hey Jim,
I am in the exact same mode as you!

Here is a link to some stuff in the Twreck files section:

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.php?t=8733

There are other links in that thread as well.

Cheers,
Dave O.

[Cliff Schecht]

I like the Airbrake myself, pretty darn transparent until you really start cutting down the volume. I used an A3801 in my Express build and I've never had any qualms about using an attenuator with that amp. The only thing to keep in mind is what KF says about using the attenuator at more extreme settings (i.e. more volume cut). He recommends (IIRC) the amp be set to 8 Ohms because of the impedance mismatch at higher attenuation levels. Maybe someone can elaborate on that more, but I've never had an issue with my Express/Airbrake combo.

[Big Jim]

I like the Airbrake myself, pretty darn transparent until you really start cutting down the volume. I used an A3801 in my Express build and I've never had any qualms about using an attenuator with that amp. The only thing to keep in mind is what KF says about using the attenuator at more extreme settings (i.e. more volume cut). He recommends (IIRC) the amp be set to 8 Ohms because of the impedance mismatch at higher attenuation levels. Maybe someone can elaborate on that more, but I've never had an issue with my Express/Airbrake combo.

Amen Cliff, I ran mine on 8 ohms yesterday. I would hate to do any detriment to my Express. I actually read a little something quoting KF somewhere to that end. I really didn't notice any appreciable heat on the OT or the attenuator either.
Jim