Dummy Load and H&K Red Box

[10thTx]

I am looking at doing a version of the D'Mars ODS with 6K6 power tubes.

The challenge is that this amp is for someone who is using it in a "zero volume" stage set up meaning the amp can NOT produce volume thru the speaker.

So, I am considering using a 100w/8ohm dummy load resistor and a Hughes and Kettner Red Box speaker emulator which will run directly into the PA system.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdet ... er=019-020

http://www.hughes-and-kettner.com/produ ... %20Box%205

Has anyone tried this before? Think this will work OK?

I have already been successful using a line out after the PreAmp of the amp but I think the tone would be better using the LTPI and power tubes also. So, I can use the speaker emulator with the PreAmp line out if needed.

With respect, 10thtx

[Reeltarded]

Been using load boxes for years and years. It will work. Haven't used a Redbox but it should work as you expect.

[10thTx]

Thanks for the reply! It is appreciated.

Did you use a line out with D.I. box with dummy load? Or was it for just "testing or servicing" amps? or both?

I was somewhat concerned that using the 100w/8ohm dummy load for several hours at a time with the Red Box (speaker emulator - direct input) could be an issue. But it doesn't sound like it.

With respect, 10thtx

[Reeltarded]

I run big Marshalls on loads then those are channelized to a line mixer where effects are added then to a stereo power amp that drives 4x12 cabs.

You are doing something a little different than that, but yeah it works fine.

[10thTx]

You are doing something a little different than that, but yeah it works fine.

Thanks! That is helpful information to me. I appreciate it.

With respect, 10thtx

[vibratoking]

I sometimes do it the same as Miles. Other times I use a Palmer load box/speaker simulator. The Palmer gives me better results and has the ability to adjust the tone. I don't use these methods in a strictly quiet situation.

For that I would probably use a POD, AxeFX, ampfarm etc...There are some pretty good sounds to be had that way.

[Reeltarded]

You don't use the Palmer so much.

You don't. Trade you a pod for it.

[roberto]

I've used the redbox for years in live situations. The ones without any supply.
99.9% of the times between the amp and the cab.

It may sound a bit crisp, expecially with resistors as dummy loads.

[LeeMo]

You might get an idea from Retro-channel. They have a pre-amp that is really a power amp and a small speaker built in for a reactive load.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ml3_rpyz1S4

LeeMo

[overtone]

I did not know the redbox was also a simulator, I thought it was just a plain DI box!
I have been using the Palmer set up like in the sketch above but sending to a recording interface and EQ from there. This is for dead quiet recording at night use.

Concerning your load, if you get to peek inside a Palmer they use multiple high-wattage resistors in parallel. For their 100W rating they have 200W in the box. To spread the load is sensible and the load resistors are spaced out over the 19" rack for more cooling. There is quite a bit of other gubbins inside the Palmer box.

[roberto]

Here you can find RedBox ver. 1, 2 and 4.
I had the 4.

[da Geezer]

Wow....those 3x versions are about as different as you can get, yet still calling it the same name(?)

The MKII could easily be built on vero for under $20......including the box

http://www.sabrotone.com/wp-content/upl ... RedBox.gif

[10thTx]

I can not get the O-ring of the dummy load resistor to take solder.

Think that using a speaker jack plug & wire & aluminum O-rings will work
IF I bolt the O-rings together?

See any problem with that approach? I don't want to damage the OT or power tubes?

Thanks, 10thtx

[Blackburn]

You must not have the temp high enough. I soldered to the rings just fine.

[10thTx]

Well, maybe so ............. ? You might be right?

It's a 40 watt soldering iron and I can solder a buss wire to the back of pots with zero problems but this wouldn't solder at all. The O-rings looked like
they had chrome on them possibly?

IF I can't get them soldered ............. think the bolted up O-ring to O-ring idea should work out OK?

With respect, 10thtx