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Base theme by DesignModo & ported to Powered by Vanilla by Chris Ireland, modified by the "theFB" team.
Comments
Totally non-invasive and retains the power supply dynamics, which is part of what makes a pushed non-MV amp sound good. Though they are harder on the power valves, which is their main disadvantage.
Power scaling sounds like a slightly superior MV, to me. Not worth the extra complexity, alteration and cost unless you're building the amp with it from the ground up.
In my opinion...
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
I apologise since you own one . But don't judge all attenuators by it, and don't use it with any amp which needs a lower impedance than 8 ohms - possibly 16, with some - no matter what its maker claims.
There are many proper attenuators which sound better, are simpler (no power supply needed) and aren't as likely to break or damage your amp...
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Both or either. I've added Master volumes and fitted Power Scaling to many amps.
It depends on the amp. Some need only a master volume (either pre phase-inverter or post) because their primary tone influencing area is the preamp (or preamp and PI), and they sound fundamentally good without having to add output stage compression and drive.
Others (such as many small single-ended amps and the simpler '18W' style amps) generate their 'tone' in the output stage, or a combination of all the different stages. These of course benefit from Power Scaling, or a post PI master, or both.
Power Scaling is useful as the main volume control on simpler amps, or as a 'bulk' volume reducer in larger amps, used in combination in both cases with 'drive compensation'.
At £250 for a typical installation in a fixed bias amp, and £150 for cathode biased, I think PS is good value when compared with any decent attenuator, and I personally think it sounds better.
Edit: oh, and not all PS/VVR installations are equal.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
I thought the Marshall powerbrake was not as good as the THD ones
But even those ruined the tone I felt
power scaling is a bit better I think
What is your purpose in reducing volume? quieter gigs, practice or recording? the answer will determine the best solution
if it's gigging, a good attenuator or power scaling will do
I've preferred (the right) attenuator to power scaling, with any of the amps I've tried with power scaling - including fitting a couple - but it may also depend to some extent on the amp, as well as personal taste.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein