is there a layout for simple attenuator ?

jamme61 · Post by **jamme61** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 2:34 pm

I like to build a simple Attenuator for a 100 watt marshall. it's for an 8 ohm cab and I need 4 to 12 db drop. Is this a cheap easy build? or should I just buy one? I think the cheapest one out there is the Recycled Sound attenuator$89. I have a lot of parts laying around from amp builds and mods so I was hoping I could build this myself cheap. Thanks for any help

Bob S · Post by **Bob S** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 2:48 pm

In the Trainwreck Files section check out the Airbrake.
Lots of info.

jamme61 · Post by **jamme61** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 7:10 pm

Thanks I will. I should have checked the search engine more.

Bob S · Post by **Bob S** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 7:23 pm

No prob.
The only reason I know is I want one.
My Weber Mini Mass doesn't do it for me.

jamme61 · Post by **jamme61** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 8:42 pm

Bob S wrote:No prob.
The only reason I know is I want one.
My Weber Mini Mass doesn't do it for me.

I had a mass lite that was ok but in the end sold it. Thanks again

ic-racer · Post by **ic-racer** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 10:05 pm

The resistors needed are big and sometimes ugly. Factoring in the time and expense of mounting them in a nice enclosure, there are commercial units that are already built that represent a good value.
I use both resistor units and impedance units. Personally I like Marshalls with the resistor units.

For example my Marshall with the Power Brake (impedance) sounds about the same with and without it. Whereas with the Scholtz Power Soak (resistor) gives a nice smooth distortion. Also, something like a Mesa TremoVerb, which has too much treble for my tastes, is permamently mated to a resistor attenuator. Cutting the highs on that amp really improves it a lot.

My Dumble style amps sound better with the Power Brake.

I think you might need to try both types with your amp to see what you like best.

LeftyStrat · Post by **LeftyStrat** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 10:15 pm

ic-racer wrote:Whereas with the Scholtz Power Soak (resistor) gives a nice smooth distortion.

Glad to see someone else actually say good things about the Power Soak. I used one for years to reduce stage volume on a 100 watt Ampeg and found it to work quite well. I never used it to play at bedroom levels, I don't think any attenuator will do well in that situation.

jamme61 · Post by **jamme61** » Sun Dec 23, 2012 5:34 pm

[quote="ic-racer"]The resistors needed are big and sometimes ugly. Factoring in the time and expense of mounting them in a nice enclosure, there are commercial units that are already built that represent a good value.

AGREE - decided to buy a THD hotplate used ($145 ) I don't have much time right now to build one and I only need to knock off around 8 db's. someday I want to build one. I like to add an EQ, if possible? Thanks for all the info

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