So... why do I need a dumbelator?

[Bob Simpson]

It's just an active loop thingie, isn't it?

Comments here indicate it is essential for a "real" Dumble sound...

So what's it do, and is a Nik version any better or worse than one
which costs as much as the amp?

TIA

Bob Simpson

[kd]

I'm chasing blues and rock type tones not the typical Dumble type tones(Ford, Carlton,etc). I posted a question asking if a Dumbleator type loop would be beneficial to me and the answer was "yes", the amp tone would benefit from using one. I have everything completed but not wired yet, so I can't tell you from personal experience what the difference is.

It's an easy build and not too expensive. Talbany posted a good layout drawing recently if you want to take a look at what is involved.

Ken

[bluesfendermanblues]

If you're after a rootsy blues tone, try the "bluesmaster" variety of the Dumble amp. It uses a bassman preamp and is less round sounding.

[rob@tele]

A dumbleator or an active loop in essential for matching the high impedance and high signal level of the tube preamp output to the low signal level and low inpedance input of almost all effects units that you want to place in the loop. Furthermore you need to re-amplify the signal from the effects unit to have sufficient output for driving the power amp. This was the primary reason for HAD to design the dumbleator. Many have found that using the dumbleator in the loop without even adding an effects unit changed the sound of the amp in a pleasant way.

[Structo]

Bob, all I can say is that I'm glad I built mine.
It takes a few days to figure out the best settings but to me it was a very worth while expense.