• From: over yonder....in PA
  • Registered: 2009-02-09
  • Posts: 240

Topic: Advice on attenuating loud amp (speakers, attenuators, etc)

Hey all,

I'm looking for some recommendations on making my amp a little more usable...I'm playing a Marshall 100w through a 2x12 with Eminence Legends (EV Clones). At outdoor venues where I can use a shield it's great, but at some of the smaller venues we play at it's just too much - even with the amp at only 2 and using a shield, the sound shoots straight up into the ceiling and then REALLY fills out the room.


So, does anybody have any experience with attenuators, or using speakers with a lower dB rating? I've heard using lower power speakers can attenuate some volume naturally, but I'm not sure to what extent. Or is this a case where I should (reluctantly) pick up a smaller 40w amp for these gigs?

Thanks!

"The way I like to look at it is....if that's the last time I ever got to play, I'd better give it everything I've got." -SRV
  • RickB
  • RickB
  • BONAMEGAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: San Diego
  • Registered: 2009-10-30
  • Posts: 12,198

Re: Advice on attenuating loud amp (speakers, attenuators, etc)

It's been covered a lot here in the past. Get a good attenuator, crank that amp up to the sweet spot and enjoy the tone while the fans enjoy having their ears not ring for a day.
Rick

Free download from Vienna! http://mbsy.co/bNLR
Lots of unique videos of Joe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwd5vL8fXTw
Buy Joe's merchandise here. http://www.jbonamassa.com/affiliates/id … hp?id=1381

RickB's Website

3 Reply by johnreardon (edited by johnreardon 2016-04-22 10:21:29)

  • From: Brackley, UK
  • Registered: 2012-08-09
  • Posts: 58

Re: Advice on attenuating loud amp (speakers, attenuators, etc)

I used to have a THD Hotplate and whilst it did reduce the volume, I found it affected my sound too much.

If it was me, I would look at a lower wattage amp for the smaller venues.  I often use an Orange Dual Terror for pub gigs.  This can go down to 7.5 watts, although I normally leave it on 30w with volume about halfway.  Plenty of headroom and I easily cut through the rest of the band.

Cheers

John
http://www.thepiecesofmind.com/

johnreardon's Website

  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: Advice on attenuating loud amp (speakers, attenuators, etc)

as already mentioned get a hot plate or obtain a amp that has a really good master volume one that really works that enables you to turn down your overall loudness but not effect tone and still be able to rolloff for cleans. I suggest looking at the Friedman BE100

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others
  • Registered: 2012-03-10
  • Posts: 265

Re: Advice on attenuating loud amp (speakers, attenuators, etc)

cindyron wrote:

as already mentioned get a hot plate or obtain a amp that has a really good master volume one that really works that enables you to turn down your overall loudness but not effect tone and still be able to rolloff for cleans. I suggest looking at the Friedman BE100

Yep....I have a custom made BE50. Awesome amp. Can't beat it. Try one!

  • Registered: 2009-01-01
  • Posts: 665

Re: Advice on attenuating loud amp (speakers, attenuators, etc)

If your amp has an FX loop try the Ceriatone Kleinulator. It eliminates the tone suck of a passive FX loop and the "Send" knob serves as an overall MV which allows you to turn down the volume to bedroom level without getting muddy. Two birds with one stone. The Kleinulator is more transparent, while the C-lator adds more warmth and compression. With higher gain amps I prefer the Klein.

  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,857

Re: Advice on attenuating loud amp (speakers, attenuators, etc)

Grab a Fryette Power Station. They're fantastic for anything that doesn't have a master volume or a FX loop. Version 1 are tough to find but V2 is due to ship in June if you pre-order. I really dig mine. No tone loss! Not cheap but it's worth the price in my opinion. Good Luck.

  • macg1
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: St. Petersburg, FL
  • Registered: 2010-01-21
  • Posts: 1,020

Re: Advice on attenuating loud amp (speakers, attenuators, etc)

So, I have owned and used a lot of attenuators. I have found that some amps don't respond as well, and in my experience I have never been able to use a passive/resistive load attenuator with a EL84 based amp for example. I know your Marshall is not EL84 based but the point is that it may take a couple of purchase/sale cycles for the right sound for you. It will also highly depend on how you play. For me, I settled on a Trainwreck attenuator (no surprise there since my amp is an Express clone). I think Rivera and Fryette are making good and versatile products that are worth your attention. Also the Ultimate Attenuator is cool, especially the ones that can get you a lead boost with a footswitch.

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint
  • From: over yonder....in PA
  • Registered: 2009-02-09
  • Posts: 240

Re: Advice on attenuating loud amp (speakers, attenuators, etc)

Thanks for all the help guys! I've decided I'm going to put a Larmar PPIMV inside of it.

"The way I like to look at it is....if that's the last time I ever got to play, I'd better give it everything I've got." -SRV
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Advice on attenuating loud amp (speakers, attenuators, etc)

I've been in the "100 watt" club for a while, but most recently I've been using smaller wattage amps and a good mic. Less to carry and you can turn them up.

I had plexi shield, gramma, and attenuator - and I just got sick of carrying it all around. If I had a roadie, it'd be no problem.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool