Attenuators vor valve amps

FenderBender · 2009-04-03T20:31:27+00:00

Fritz Brand wrote Would you guys say it is at all possible to get decent tone out of this baby without alarming the neighbours? I am trying to make plans to get the bucks, only way I see it happening is by selling / trading my AD50VT, but then I need to know that I can actually use this thing of beauty in my house without having the cops show up. Fritz, I'm presently looking at building attenuators for valve amps that will allow full tone at low volume. I have been meaning to get around to this for Alan for a few months now. The best attenuators are ones that are matched to the impedance of the amp driving it. I could either design a unit to handle a specific impedance, or design a universal unit that will handle 2,4,8 and 16 ohms. The second option would make the unit far more expensive, larger and somewhat less reliable due to all the fancy switching and extra components needed. I don't own a valve amp, so maybe some feedback from our members as to what impedance to design around would be a good starting point.

Manfred-Klose

I forgot that there is a external speaker output next the footswitch input.

A stupid question:
Can i use my speaker and my external speaker output at the same time?

If so, we can just make up a lead and get a extra speaker somewhere and use the external speaker out?

FenderBender

Manfred Klose wrote Can i use my speaker and my external speaker output at the same time?
If so, we can just make up a lead and get a extra speaker somewhere and use the external speaker out?

Yes you could without risking any damage, although the speaker in the amp would be blaring at the volume set on your amp and the external, attenuated speaker would be drowned out. Kinda defeats the point of attenuation ?

FenderBender

Hi again. My apologies for taking so long with this project. Between public holidays, out-of-stock suppliers, circuit mods, busy engravers and kids I have been seriously delayed. I decided to wean myself off gfsa during this time or I'd be delayed by at least another 2 months ?

I meant to get the proto to Alan for evaluation two weeks ago already, but decided that I would rather finish the unit off properly with a metallic faceplate as I did not like the plain look of the prototype. I also modified the circuit slightly to improve performance. At this stage I have a local engaving company busy with the faceplate for the unit. I expect delivery of the plates early next week and should have the proto ready for testing by the weekend.

Will keep you all up to date...

inflames

Well done so far Graeme, I can't wait since I will need one of those for my almost in SA 120w valve amp ?

Why not bring it along to our meeting? You can show it off and we can have a exclusive preview ?

FenderBender

I'm planning on doing that Lean ? Gotta rush those engraver men!

inflames

Super! Can't wait!!
I held thumbs that my amp would be here by then, but doubt it!
I will bring the little monster with when it arrives!

FenderBender

The prototype is good for 50W, so I will start working on a 100W and 150W model in the meantime ?

inflames

Great, I will need one for a 120w head.
Would it be possible to make this a rackmount unit?
Sure you could custom one for me when you are ready for production ?

I can get the rackmount casings for you!

FenderBender

No prob there Lean. I can produce a custom unit for you. I'll start working on the price of components so long ?

inflames

Great thanks! I will continue our chat at the get-together!!!!

FenderBender

Looking forward to Thursday ?

Manfred-Klose

So the att. was a huge success. ?

Cracked the pre-amp channel full and added a Boss SD-1(unmodded) for a boost, and it sounded really good, i could easily get some classic tones anything from def lepard to ozzy.

I would certainly save up for one of these, i can imagine that it does wonders for recordings.

Thanks Greame.

AlanRatcliffe

I'll be testing it for review next week...

matta

Alan Ratcliffe wrote I'll be testing it for review next week...

Alan,

What were your thoughts? I missed it at the get together, would love to have seen/heard it. Graeme how is it coming along?

Cheers

Matt

FenderBender

Hey Matt,

I have been massively delayed in the launching due to a few hectic personal circumstances over the last 2 months.
My proto has not gone off to Alan yet, but I am getting back on track quickly and should have it ready this week provided I have no more crap ?

FenderBender

Ok some feedback:

After a much needed cash injection, I have redesigned the Tube Tamer for 100W RMS capabilty, changed the enclosure and sourced a few top quality components for critical areas. All in all this will provide greater flexibility and reliability in the long term. I'd rather have the thing bomb proof!

I expect delivery from RS on Tuesday latest and should be ready for Alan to have a go with it by Thursday ?

AlanRatcliffe

Great to hear Graeme! Was cranking the Vox and the Twin simultaneously yesterday to test an effect pedal in stereo. As the soles of my feet were being massaged and my eardrums were pummelled, I thought of you. ?

FenderBender

Hopefully you will not have to relate me to sore ears for much longer Alan ?

AlanRatcliffe

I thought we agreed never to discuss that incident?

?

FenderBender

Sure, but I thought I'd tell you I found a great bulk deal for razors this weekend!

?

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