Express with 1 output tube

[dartanion]

VVR is best solution in my mind, however there are some attenuators that work really well. I used an L-Pad for a while and it worked okay, but was a pretty crude solution. The big issue for me was that as you attenuate, you're adding resistance between the OT and speaker, which darkens the tone as you attenuate. Most attenuators suffer from the same effect.

[Cliff Schecht]

The quickie attenuator I built the other day was a pretty lame example. I stupidly wrapped the power resistors together with a zip-tie and used under-rated parts for the application. About 10 minutes into the practice session I started to smell melting plastic and felt that the attenuator was COOKING hot. I switched the amp off and picked up the attenuator by the end of the case only to find bits of melted zip-tie and solder falling out from some of the "ventilation" holes!! It sucked too because the other attenuator I built was a bit too quiet for a full band situation and so I ended up struggling to hear myself the rest of the practice :-/.

[dartanion]

Yup! That energy needs to be dissipated somehow!!

Just be thankful that your OT didn't get "unloaded" in the process. Full melt down of an attenuator actually sounds kind of fun.