Thanks for the info.

There is much dsicussion on the web of power attenuators “smoking” the output transformer or the output tubes.

How has this L-pad performed?

I am looking to use it on a 5watt class A Epiphone VJnr as well as a 15watt Super Champ XD.

Any views?

Thanks

Greg

dave

[...] Found this cool how-to at Make today on creating your own Low Wattage Attenuator Box on the cheap (around $40). Use this box when you would like to boost your input signal on lower wattage amps without distorting your waveform giving you an extra punch. Link to project site… [...]

[...] more about making a DIY: Attenuator Box for your amp Read more | Permalink | Comments | Read more articles in Music | Digg [...]

You can’t use this with a 100 watt valve amp as it is too much power for this attenuator.

If it’s solid state you could probably get away with it, but try and source a 100 watt L-pad, although there’s probably no real benefit in attenuating a solid state amp.

Thanks for the question.

Depends on the amp. Most valve combos have their speakers wired using a 1/4″ Jack, so you can just unplug the speaker and run an extension cabinet easily. There are a few around that don’t offer this flexibility though.

If your amp doesn’t, you would have to disconnect the wires from your speakers and solder them to a 1/4″ jack. This would now be the output from your amp, which goes to the input on the attenuator. Then you would need to solder another set of wires to your speaker and fit a 1/4″ jack to the end of that, which goes to the output on the attenuator.

You would have to leave the box permanently fitted though and bypass it when you didn’t need it, as you couldn’t revert back to how it was originally without re-soldering the wires back.

Hope that helps. Let us know if you need any more clarification.