That Pedal Show - Introduction To Guitar Amp Attenuators

Welcome to That Pedal Show! Please subscribe to our channel and visit our store www.thatpedalshowstore.com
Life too short for long KZbin videos? Please see the ‘Interesting bits and go-to sections’ information below.
In this episode we venture tentatively onto the thin ice of attenuators for guitar amps. It is a contentious subject, so here we are simply discussing the common approaches as an introduction to the concept.
THIS VIDEO IS NOT ABOUT IRs AND DIRECT SIGNALS. It’s simply about making your really loud amp a bit quieter through your cabinet/speakers.
We discuss the concepts of active and passive attenuation, reactive and non-reactive loads, resistive power soaks and voltage attenuation. We’re not particularly scientific about any of the technical stuff, so if you want to understand the physics, please hit up any number of websites, not least Wikipedia. Many of those pages will go into massive technical detail and you won't hear a single guitar tone. We're trying to do the opposite.
“But why didn’t you include //insert every attenuator ever available here// because I think it sounds much better.”
Good for you. Please make a video about it and educate us with sound.
• An explanation about the mic preamp volume changes you’re hearing in this video…
A sound needs to be at a certain level in your ears for you to hear it, enjoy it, and sound ‘good’ for want of a better word. That’s why mic preamps exist: to bring the level of the source to an appropriate level.
For example, a Marshall Plexi may be putting out 118dB (as a random number). Then you stick a mic in front of that, and set your mic gain accordingly.
Now turn the amp (or attenuate it) down to, say, 95dB, and you will perceive the sound to be weak, thin and quiet if the mic gain remains the same. Increase the mic gain, and it gets louder, fatter and fuller in the recording. With apologies for the technically basic explanation, that’s what Mick is doing in this video. As the amps get quieter and louder from the speaker, Mick is turning the mic preamp gain up and down accordingly to try to level out what the recorder is seeing in terms of input level.
To balance that, there is a visual guide to the volume in the room with the dB meter on the pedalboard. It’s not accurate - this isn’t science, but it’s at least a guide.
Enjoy the video!
Attenuation devices used today…
• Palmer PDI06 - Please check you ave the correct impedance model
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2hjWu5T
• Fryette Power Station
www.fryette.com/power-station-...
• Lazy J20
www.lazyjprojects.com/amps.html
• Victory Sheriff 22
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2hhOUbV
* Why do we have preferred retailer links? Find out here: www.thatpedalshow.com/partners
Pedals in this episode…
• TheGigRig QuarterMaster QMX4
bit.ly/2xgSTvC
• JAM Pedals Delay Fuzz Phrase
UK & Europe: bit.ly/39Iq8uW
USA: bit.ly/3dCLpqs
• Keeley D&M Drive
UK & bit.ly/2oTblU1
USA: bit.ly/3E2Eqmw
Australia: bit.ly/2pUDUAE
• Hudson Broadcast Dual Footswitch
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2fkpnOX
• Boss MD-500
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2wfNNiu
USA: bit.ly/3s50WYL
Australia: bit.ly/2CboWhy
• TC Electronic PolyTune Mini - No longer made, link to latest version
UK & Europe: bit.ly/30GVcUn
USA: imp.i114863.net/agPoY
Australia: bit.ly/348bMOY
• Kingsley Page DS
www.kingsleyamplifiers.com
• Free The Tone Flight Time
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2uCOem6
Interesting bits and go-to sections…
- Introduction & background: 00:00
- What’s that click? 2:00
- What are we doing today? 2:40
- Palmer PDI06 MkII and brief info on a passive, resistive loads: 4:50
- Fryette Power Station and brief info on active/reactive loads: 8:30
- Power scaling? 11:20
- A summary so far: 13:00
- Our 50-watt Marshall 1987x: 13:40
- Palmer PDI06 sounds and functions: 17:45
- Reactions so far? 21:45
- Fryette Power Station sounds and functions: 24:03
- What is Mick doing with the mic preamp gain? 29:00
- The Fryette’s FX loop: 30:40
- …and with a Kingsley Page DS in the loop? 32:20
- Lazy J20 Attenuation: 38:50
- Attenuation? All you’re doing is playing really loud: 50:00
- Victory Sheriff 22 and 0.3 watts: 52:00 (54:15)
- Round up and closing thoughts: 58:20
Guitars in this episode
• Duesenberg Bonneville - www.duesenberg.de/en/guitars/...
• Fender American Vintage ’62 Stratocaster - watch Mick’s video at bit.ly/2cQv3yT
We hope you enjoy this video. Please subscribe to our channel.
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/ thatpedalshow
Please visit our preferred retailers!
UK & Europe: Andertons Music bit.ly/2cRvIvt
Australia: Pedal Empire bit.ly/2mWmJQf
USA: That Pedal Shop www.thatpedalshop.com/

[@cnelsonmusic]

I worked in a music shop for 5-6 years, while going to college for music and teaching way more guitar lessons a week than I probably should have. On top of that, I got into a band that, for a few years, played around 10+ gigs a month, (plus all rehearsals, recording, etc), and I eventually got so burned out that I quite everything, got a normal job and sold quite a bit of my gear to help support the family that my wife and I made. A few years on now, That Pedal Show has completely revitalized my obsession and love with music and gear, and brought all the wonderful things about guitar and playing music back...thanks guys! Can't get enough of it!

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Cody Nelson That is a fantastic story Cody, thank you for sharing! We wish you great tones and much love with getting your mojo back for playing. :0)

[@YesuAiNimen]

My exact story 20 years ago

[@lucaserikadams]

Dude. I’m 40. This is exactly my story. This KZbin channel and Julian Lage.

[@lovecraftmusic8717]

This is what separates mere mortals from professional like Iron Maiden in their 60 who still stand touring worldwide for almost a whole year long... And they're in this shit since 1980 (40 fucking years!).

[@dv318]

I've learned more in the past 2 weeks of watching TPS episodes then in 21 years of playing, reading, googling and figuring things out. This show is hands down the best information on electric guitar rigs ever. Period. Thank you and please don't stop doing what you do!

[@JwMcLaughlin]

I know i am going to learn something when Dan says "so what happens is.....".

[@kimhansen6384]

For instance that "the loudspeaker impedance changes with power" - it does not, it changes with frequency.

[@jeremiahmountain2460]

"For me..." that's the one I listen for haha

[@hammyjammies]

Before I watch the video, I have a potentially fun idea for a video similar to the impractical board vs practical one: lots of knobs vs not very many. Basically pedals with the most fiddling options, against no knob, single knob etc,

[@trickyrjb1]

There are other videos on this subject, but I just trust you guys. Your pedal recording setups plus playing styles and opinions make you the go to place for everything pedal/amp/guitar, so many thanks!

[@RandyP9890]

I just absolutely love how much Dan lights up every time I've seen him play a properly crankin amp. Cheers guys, thanks for all the great, informative content

[@4stringjoe2]

I took a 4.5 year break from playing while I was at school. I made a New Year's Resolution (ya, I'm 1 of those people :P) to really get back at it. Watching you guys the past 10 months or so has helped jump-start my return to guitar! Pedals, tone, tricks, interviews with pros, etc. I've learned more the past year than I even knew was out there. Just wanted to let you guys know that I personally love the channel, and this has officially become part of my weekly Friday morning routine! Happy playing and as you gents across the Atlantic say...cheers!

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Joe Massie Thank you Joe! It means sooooo much to us to know that we’re a part of people’s inspiration to play in some way. Makes it all worthwhile. Happy tones to you and thank you for watching!

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

The best explanation I have ever heard about how attenuators work with amps. Great channel guys! Love it. Probably my favorite guitar gear channel online.

[@leifmorrismusic]

you guys are currently my morning start to the day routine, geeking out ,making my rig, learning sounds..thanks fellas!

[@JackstandJohnny]

THANK YOU !!!!!! I am one of if not the only guy who kept bugging yall to make a video about this. I love you both, a massive thank you from Virginia, USA!!!!!

[@HunterLeachMusic]

Absolutely loving these longer shows! Look forward to you guys every Friday :)

[@ericventers]

I see a new coffee mug: That Pedal Show - "Be the man you were meant to be."

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Eric Venters We like this. :0)

[@TheRealReTox]

:)

[@billphillipstube]

Sold!

[@realoscaryarrito]

With a graphic of a Volume knob turned to "Eleven". ; )

[@allboutthemojo]

@@ThatPedalShow the Marshall dsl 100 has a master volume. A lot of user's post that they can use it to turn down the amp to bedroom levels ( 80 db or so) using just the master volume without an attenuator ( still usinga 4x12 cab without sacrificing tone). Have you guys tested this to be true? Also , what is the difference between using a dedicated attenuator vs using a volume pedal or an eq with a volume control in the effects loop of an amp that does not have a dedicated master volume ( but is still an amp that's too loud for home use) ? Have you guys tested attenuation using passive volume pedals ?

[@DoubleDguitar]

Oh man! I can’t wait to watch this one over and over this weekend. Thanks guys!! I have always wanted to delve into this.

[@bradallen5571]

Yet another stellar video. Just keeps getting better. Dan, don't forget us on the G2/pedal switch vid. And thank you for your response to my last comment on it. It truly is IMO a needed video and no one (in their right mind) could possibly accuse anyone of grandstanding. I'm sure I'm not the first to ask and it's been a couple of years now since the show started. You'e had TC, JHS, Kingsley and others on. Time for some G2!! (and others if you must)

[@wgb01001]

Awesome Shawn Tubbs shout-out. So many excellent guitarists on KZbin - Pete Thorn, Mike Hermans, Andy Martin, and even Mick here, but Shawn Tubbs honestly smokes them all. He's unbelievable. Hope to see him on the show one day!

[@imcttunome]

Love your channel, guys. I use an old Tom Schulz Power Soak that I bought a few years ago. The seller "interviewed" potential buyers. I didn't know that until he told me it was mine. He was so attached to it since '79, and wanted to be sure I wouldn't flip it next day. I find that even an 18 watt TMB Marshall clone/head into 1960A needs attenuation sometimes. I had made an attenuator from a RadioShack in-wall volume control. Good up to 20 watts and 8 ohm impedance. Keep up the good work. I love it when you two go into the weeds and try to get back!

[@Claimjumper55]

Terrific episode. I own the Power Station II and it does an incredible job of taming my powerful amps and cranking up my 20 watt amps. It also works really well paired with my Helix and a cab. Plus I like that it can go out to dual cabs.

[@alexmc69]

That opening jam by Mick was amazing, loved the tone change half way through!

[@rugbynut]

Another great video guys!! And I'm so glad it steered towards just rolling off that top 30% as opposed to squashing a loud amp for bedroom use. My main amp at the moment is a DIY Tweed Champ-esque amp, single-knob, running at about 15w with a 6L6WGC-STR in the output. I since installed a VCB (VVC) into it for the sole purpose of having the ability to roll that top 30% off live without affecting the gain in pre & post-amp sections (much) - keeping both the sound guy and myself happy! P.S. - your playing is on FIRE!!

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Andy Hosker Nice one Andy. To us that’s where attenuators make the most musical sense. Thank you for the kind words. :0)

[@whiskersb5296]

What you mentioned around 8:54, about perceived differences in eq is so interesting and so important. Today I mentioned to my wife I was going to buy some musician's earplugs to use while playing at home. She asked why don't I just play softer. I tried to explain that it just wouldn't be the same. And here there's a scientific term for it.

[@ultratone]

"It's positive"... love you guys!, Always entertaining, informative, and musical.

[@francisgori5631]

"It's positive!" - I dropped my phone at that point, thanks Mick! Never delved into attenuation, but it's fascinating... the Power Station is really impressive... if I ever need to go the attenuation route, I'll be better prepared- thanks guys!

[@glassmoon91]

Very informative! I'm currently shopping for this sort of set up! Its always cool when you can hit up a show you like to watch and get a little educated on things you are interested in using!!! Thanks from TX fellers!!!

[@richardhunter9779]

I built my own fixed attenuator with a bunch of Visaton resistors. Sounds good. Haven't stopped using it. If you can solder, you can build one too.

[@Konsaliki]

Speaking of Palmer: they had this sweet little amp out (don't know whether or not it got discontinued in the meantime) which allowed you to blend three different types of power tubes in parallel (6V6, EL84 and one I forget). I just thought it might be a great thing for you to check out in the context of low volume power amp saturation. Great show as always. Greetings from Germany!

[@Yupppi]

Really good episode! And very complicated subject. All the technical but also the observable differences with pure amp vs different attenuators. It really comes through how much the mic adjustments change the perceived sound and loudness. I feel like the Fryette's adjustments were really important in keeping the tone big and ballsy with attenuation. And that amp is just godlike. Good job with the episode! Also made me think about when you can take two of the four power tubes out to make it from 100 to 50 W with some amps without mods and biasing. I understand that wouldn't make it quieter in practice but help reaching that power section distortion easier, without blasting your ears out.

[@davidwoods80]

Another great video...but while a Sheriff 22 is the sensible choice, rock should never be sensible. I'm at that age where soon enough some nurse in a 'home' is going to be telling me it's time for my pills. My hearing is shot from doing sensible things, like earning a living for 40 years. I've never had the pleasure of owning a big Marshall stack, but by God I'm going to have one, and damn the attenuation. I want my internal organs shaking, the windows cracking, and the neighbours pounding (fruitlessly) on my door. The music that was born the same year I was shall not be compromised. I WILL NOT GO QUIETLY!

[@ThatPedalShow]

+David Woods let us know which nursing home you end up in, we'll join you. We'll be the old boys with cranked Marshalls, and a wing all to ourselves ;)

[@Infinighost]

Idk man, I have the Mesa Mark V 25 and it can loosen some stubborn bile when it needs to lol I still can't turn it up all the way at gigs.

[@nigelpickett2471]

Make this happen!

[@TheAnotherjonesy]

We need to start a Kick Starter for a low cost Rock Retirement Residence. ;)

[@gregcharles999]

Sign me up! Got a Sheriff 22 this past year which to me does the Marshall thing pretty well and with a drive pedal in front is plenty loud with the vol half way up. To me the clean channel with a creamback is very fender sounding while channel 2 is a nice more marshall tone, worth a try if you want to hear a few more years. I had played a 40 watt Weber Climax amp with a THD attenuator which sounds great but the little lunch box 22 head and 2 little cabs with a creamback and a vintage 30 are so convenient and just perfect set up for most club gigs. Great show as usual guys!

[@petercoldwell6900]

Brilliant, as always, guys. You make my Fridays!

[@fishypaw]

Thumb up for leaving a good comment and not saying 'first'.

[@1ido9not8exist6]

That first 14 minutes taught me many things. 1. After playing for a week Mick is especially rippin. 2. Dan is wonderfully knowledgeable about sound and amplification. Thanks!

[@ThatPedalShow]

+1ido9not8exist6 ah, cheers mate, yep, Mick is on fire

[@MartialDriscoll]

What Jesse has done with the LazyJ is remarkable. I spent the best part of an hour on the phone to him in early July talking about his new models among other things. My neighbours are out today so I took the chance to play my J20 for a bit. That attenuator is a piece voodoo magic if you spend enough time working it.

[@TheDancingSaxophone]

Great episode! I bought my first attenuator 4 years ago and used it for some practice, but eventually left it and haven't used it in quite some time. My 3rd Power British Dream amp has a 30 watt Plexi channel (as well as an AC30 channel) and even at 30 watts that thing is a religious experience when fully cranked! There's nothing like the high SPL of a cranked amp, really.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Andrew Riley Mick here. I agree absolutely entirely. Cheers!

[@Em_Dee_Aitch]

I could have just listened to the Victory for an hour. That amp is an absolute no brainer!

[@Rideandlively]

These guys always come up with the best tones imaginable..

[@ThatPedalShow]

Awesome! Hopefully that’s us, or you forgot to post the link. /0)

[@jake-jk5rg]

I know this isn’t TPS’s reason for being but it’s good that you guys are addressing this in some form, thanks. Not everybody is a gigging guitarist playing flat out on stage. I think there are many low volume, home players that need help and advice. Not sure if starting loud and turning down is the best way to test this ? In my experience if you start low and get a good sound at a certain db level the perception is much better than going high to low. If you go from low to high the louder output often sounds compromised IMO which probably shows that your ears will attune to the starting point and any change isn’t perceived particularly well unless you have a long time to adjust to it. The speakers can also make a difference, (type, output and configuration), I get great results with a 0.5 power scaled Laney head (at around 80-85db) through a 2 x 12 cab with 1 x Celestion Type’ V’ 1 x Type’ A’ (I’d love to demonstrate this to the world but don’t have any recording equipment !). Manufacturers seem to match low power ‘practise’ amps with single 8 or 10 inch speakers when the breadth and depth afforded by a 2 x 12 produces such a positive effect the volume becomes less of an issue. There’s also no guarantee that a rig tailored for low volume will work as well at full tilt ! Apologies for the long (and a bit off topic post !)

[@ThatPedalShow]

+jake We absolutely agree Jake, thanks for taking the time to comment. For us it’s like cars or shoes. You don’t wear wellies and drive your muddy Land Rover to a wedding. Or indeed your handmade Church’s brogues and Ferrari in a field. They’re separate things for separate jobs. Horses for courses, etc. Cheers!

[@hukl3945]

Oh this is just perfect timing. I'm currently looking into attenuators. Currently thinking about the two notes captor or reload. But I'm looking forward to all your explanations!

[@BV_Beve]

Great show. the Fryette is brilliant ! Great intro Mick!!!! Dan knew the lesson would be awesome & no doubt the convo about switching for Shawn's demos was too 😊

[@tominthehat5145]

Great info and video chaps. Most of us only have 'modest' size amps, but still converted! Saved me going out and buying a small 1watt amp!

[@BlueSkyDogs]

DUDE! I dont remember going but I must have been to jazz school too! I'm so good I am always just behind or just in front of the beat!!

[@OriginEffectsUK]

Inspiring tone in the intro, Mick. And of course superb playing!

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Origin Effects Thank you guys. It was happening today. And next week. :0)

[@edtweed5e4-a]

The tone with the Page DS in the Powerstation loop after the pushed Marshall was killer, top playing all round

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Ed Tweed 5E4-A You should have heard it just with the Marshall and no attenuator. It was biblical. :0)

[@StanleyCullerEsq.]

Mick! That playing at the top of this video is GLORIOUS!! Nicely done, sir!

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Stanley Culler Why thank you Stanley!

[@mpwithad]

Oh man. The Page gets me every time.

[@MarkArtyniuk]

Man, that intro was super dynamic! Great playing Mick

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Mark Artyniuk Thank you Mark!

[@ttbfan]

Greg Koch on TPS! I can't wait to see this. It is going to be epic. Thank you for making this happen!!

[@tomhand1070]

This is too much awesomeness in one video!! Really regretting selling my 1987x now!! 😩

[@fonzybrookestone727]

I love how excited Dan gets with great sounds, or when Mick plays something great!

[@23dvs]

Another fun and informative episode.....thanks, Guys!! 👍

[@Jmyers5326]

After a late night visit from my neighbor asking me to turn down my amp...which was literally at room volume...I purchased a Rivera Rockcrusher Recorder for "bedroom" volume from my Mesa MV paired with an AC 30 and sometime the Rivera 100. I liked the idea of working with my gigging rig to practice what I specifically want on stage (thanks for the idea from your previous vid). I was skeptical about tone but the Rockcrusher shines with its graphic EQ and multi switches. I like it so much I now gig with it as a part of my rig to brush some of the harsh from a cranked amp in some room applications. Thanks guys for the quality info you deliver week in and week out! I'm a better player because of you!

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Joseph Myers that's great J, yes, must get a rock crusher on the show :)

[@Jmyers5326]

Yes please. I'd like to hear your take and how you'll expand my knowledge and usage.

[@nicklarson2640]

Working in a guitar store, this show is the best thing to have playing in the background. Great work as always! You guys need to pull down that Mutron from the wall for more videos, though

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Nick Larson cheers Nick, and yes, some Mutron love on the way :)

[@alanr.johnson7222]

Fascinating video with many useful points to think about, thank you!

[@Sylvain44]

Great video! I own two 1W Marshall heads (JCM1H and JVM1H) on a stereo 4x12, sounds amazing at apartment level with the volume at 3 or 4.

[@musicbox4022]

"I want to grow a mustache, buy a mustang, and be the man I was meant to be"

[@ruffryder13]

Yeah, seeing Dan get so excited about the Marshall halfway up was great!

[@TheMerc1950]

Just the outline of his arms raised and his tele and head with the words in the middle... perfection.

[@colefisch931]

Excellent video, thanks guys!!

[@andreweasombentley4703]

Thank you for adjusting the mic preamps when testing the low wattage mode on the Sherrif so we could hear it properly. It's rare that people do that when comparing to 'full power'

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Andrew Bentley Essential! Such a cool low power mode. I tend to think low power modes always sound rubbish in amps (Mick here). But that one really works!

[@abramtreadwell722]

Love my Power Station 2. The effects loop is shockingly good.

[@jeremiahmountain2460]

Yes! Love my 50watt reissue! Great video guys

[@sonofbarnsey]

I've been the proud owner of an old Marshall Super Lead for a couple years now, and as great as it sounds just cranked full tilt for gain, I've been using it at more an edge of breakup sound recently. Its a great pedal platform at that point, and you don't have to soak the signal too much to get that sound down to a stage level. Love it

[@ThatPedalShow]

Totally agree - Mick here. Don’t tell anyone, but I actually prefer Plexis used like that. Niiiiice!

[@babydaddy1930]

Yes....I do...I have 5 Marshalls from 67 to 72....I need 2 thd 16 ohm hot plates

[@adalbertoschuckjr.1509]

This was truly inspiring...I cannot close my mouth...Oh my...

[@MrCrapheadist]

Yes!!! Been waiting for this one!

[@lunarstablos]

Not even pressed play yet and I know it's going to be a great episode. Sat here with my Blues Junior and Two Notes Reload in anticipation

[@ThatPedalShow]

+lunarstablos Aha, well this is old school attenuation - no IRs or direct signals here. We’re getting to that in a few weeks. Cheers!

[@JustenStoodley]

Great episode guys! Reckon a hour spent exploring gain attenuation would normally be as interesting as watching a public health video on vasectomy.... But no! Completely informative, lots of concepts and practical outcomes to explore. BTW, love Dan’s playing this week!

[@lance134679]

I had to re-watch this as I recently bought a loud amp. I forgot what great tones you can get from a bit of attenuation.

[@fishypaw]

This is one I've been looking forward to. I've just made a fresh cup of tea and I'm ready to be educated and entertained. Bring it on! :0)

[@Pierrestrata]

Well i know the dangers of high volume. But for some reason i still have good hearing. I have played for 20 years. I know people think i am crazy. But i play marshall super 100 on a daily basis (2 4×12). I really NEED that fix, it is the Only drug i use. The way i react to that "explosion" affect totally how i feel when i play (and how i play). I definetly wont stop, i cant stop. I love it so much. Btw love the show :)

[@ajsrhodes]

Good show guys. I occasionally use an attenuator on my Ampeg J20. Some days I need that pushed power tube sound but the volume is too much for the venue we're playing

[@stevendobias2960]

Thanks for this video - I knew nothing about attenuators. After contemplating for some time and looking at all the options, I decided to get a Fryette Powerstation to use with my Fender Reverb Deluxe. Now I can get the crunchy out of the amp I have not really heard very much until now because it just gets too darn loud. Love it. As I haver recently learned it will also give you a line out for direct recording or a feed to a front of house board without a mic, and can also boost a low wattage amp to be much louder. What an amazing box. Thanks for revealing it to me Pedal Guys :)

[@playAgainMe]

great information delivered in a entertaining format.

[@ThunderboltProductions]

That tone at the 43min mark is spectacular!

[@mrc2662]

This vid is manna from heaven for me. Just bought a Two Rock Classic Reverb Signature 100w with a 2x12 (Mick’s rig) and am just finding it too damn loud - waaaaay more than my Mesa 100w (!!!). The Powerstation sounds perfect - just hope it doesn’t rob the Two Rock of too much gooey loveliness ….

[@joaolisboa3451]

Man, I absolutely love strats. No other guitar sounds quite like it.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+João Lisboa No arguments from me. (Mick here).

[@jakestewartmusic]

I've been considering the Bad Cat Unleash for the venues that tell me to turn down because I usually crank my 14 watt, non-master volume amp to 10 and dial the guitar back for rhythm. You can footswitch between two volume settings, run an effects loop, run direct with speaker simulation, and even do a wet/dry rig with it just running an extension speaker. Definitely take a look, I'd love to see you give it a test run!

[@fossilmatic]

Have a power scaling type bedroom amp. Does a good job. Have owned a 1972 Fender Twin since 1989 and married an understanding wife. That amp defines my tone. Nothing like loud enough.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

I needed one so I can crank my tube amp in my apartment without getting evicted :-)

[@STRATOHOLICRichman]

I got a Torpedo Reload a month or so ago and I can use any amp at any volume (150W max). It has a reactive load that keeps the feel of the amps when they're cranked and even better is I can go direct to a mixer/laptop and record silently. I mean, I'm cranking a Mesa Rectifier at 1:30 in the morning and the people around me are sound asleep... Doesn't get much better than that.

[@jessecollier2628]

Hey guys, love the information, I was wondering if you had or could make a video about running multiple modulations without the tone muddy?

[@NeillRobinson]

Letting us know the price of these things as you mention them / bring them in would be really useful. No point me getting excited and the googling something only to discover it costs as much as or more than my amp already

[@MartinCliffe]

Another great video. I've used a Palmer PDI-06 for years (since moving to a small apartment in Hong Kong!), works great. Just wish they made a 4 ohm version.

[@jasfiona]

Mick, your playing on the intro was sublime

[@ThatPedalShow]

+jasfiona Thank you sir!

[@fletches4084]

And here I am sat in a 6x8 office with a 100W HiWatt next to my desk......

[@ThatPedalShow]

+fletches40 You win the internet today.

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

6X8 feet? No offense but it sounds like they gave you the janitor's closet.

[@fletches4084]

TBF its probably 6x10 but the beer fridge and the filing cabinet take up some space.

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

Hahaha. Not to mention that HiWatt stack. Now you just need a big `ol fridge of effects from the `80s behind it and you can pretend your back stage warming up for the big show. Though I don't know what a filing cabinet would be doing there. You can just pretend it's a rolling hard case for all your guitars.

[@FencingAt]

I pressed "Like" at the very beginning when I heard that strat grunt.

[@MrNocaster]

I had a brake lite with my Dr. Z...not a fan, sold it. I checked out Shawn Tubbs and WOW!! That guy is amazing...Thanks for the suggestion.

[@PhilHeesen]

Another great video, guys! And yes, Shawn Tubbs is a MONSTER!

[@TheNorthernChris]

Great intro. Well played Mick.

[@nickfit3]

It is a visceral experience to hear that type of dB with that Marshall midrange! ! Face melting indeed! !

[@ThatPedalShow]

+nicholas ditolla sure is, it's the experience that gig s lot of us hooked on guitar in the first place ;)

[@cyrusfontaine2598]

The "Turny Thing" on those Eminence speakers moves the magnet in relation to the voice coil, I believe! A gentleman from Eminence demoed it for me at Sweetwater earlier this year, and it's really effective!

[@RichardSmith-bj3bo]

Swart make really good and small attenuators AND they flash blue when you play! Would be great to see you guys demo some Swart gear.

[@theHlessOne]

Good stuff as always, gents. I have both a Suhr Reactive Load and the original Fryette Power Station. Both are great. I use the Suhr for direct recording, and the Fryette for boosting a lower wattage amp, direct recording, and attenuating the absurdly awful volume pot on a Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue. I hear the Two Notes gear is also good and I’m eager to try out the Torpedo Captor. Of course when you use these things for recording you’ll need some good speaker IRs, but that’s a whole other can of worms.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+theHlessOne We’re diving down that rabbit hole soon. There’s a cool new product coming out that we’re going to start with... :0)

[@c.p.1589]

I've never tried an attenuator (resistor type not voltage scaling) that I could live with. The one interesting application I found was in driving a couple of vintage tweed amps I had. I got to hear the sound of the amp, itself, distorting without the sound of farty speakers. Taking speaker distortion out of the equation made them produce tones I couldn't otherwise get.

[@chrisbordeaux3399]

Thanks so much guys! This was such great education! You guys should teach classes at Berkley or GIT! This is education all guitarists need! I wish I would have had access to this info as a kid! I'm heading over to your store to buy a set of "That Pedal Show Nunchucks" to show my support! (or maybe a T-Shirt! Lol!) However, I think the Nunchucks would actually sell. I'd buy a pair!

[@KozmykJ]

We used to reckon on the PA rig we used to run back in the 80s that the old Marshall 50 2x12 combo was the loudest amp in the world. Holding them down in the mix was a nightmare. Lot's of sneaking round the back to turn 'em down, when they weren't looking, went on. I'm currently in the middle of a DIY attenuator build for my old Selmers. The Concord 8 is just WAY too loud for the house... Simple passive resistive divider. Easy to get power resistors these days 100W & 50W. In the old days (70s) we used to sink a load of low Wattage resistors in paint cans full of engine oil. That crapped out sound you got from the FX Loop was the same noise I was getting from my ValveKing II just before it died. No conclusion from that, just the same noise.

[@superderv]

I had a crash course on this a few years ago, I have a Friedman Buxom Betty and it's a great amp but man is it loud! Could not get it past "number 2" ish and the sweeter spot is around 4/5 and that would peel wallpaper off the walls, I have no idea how anyone would need an amp that loud. This vid would have helped me a lot, I ended up with a DrZ airbrake that I've fitted inside the cab, works great, just on the verge of a tiny bit of break up and its a great pedal platform. Loved this episode guys :)

[@ThatPedalShow]

It’s amazing what happens when you get into a bigger space with a bass player and drummer/keys etc and how loud you can be playing sometimes. That’s changing for many people, especially in function type venues, but plenty of bands still play loud. It’s a whole other experience. If you ever wonder why either of us (me especially - Mick here) struggle to do much creatively or play with any feeling or conviction on the show, it’s because I’m used to playing loud with other humans. Everything is different at that point... but not everyone does it, so it’s only of partial relevance to TPS. Cheers!

[@superderv]

Hi Mick, I love that you have replied... I am a recent convert to the show (no idea how I've gone so long without knowing more about your show) Currently working through the back catalogue :) By the way, you playing on the show is great, and Dan's of course, perfect for demo purposes without showboating. I'm a nightmare in any other situation apart from performing or in a whole band, for me there is nothing worse than being in a guitar shop and trying to play something that actually sounds like me in any other time or place. I'm fine with playing loud but most venues like back line PAs so that limits output volume and thats when attenuation is valuable. Also my singer and bass player hate it when I turn up enough to cut through the mix. Sorry for rambling and keep up the great work.

[@dylanlittle4086]

I truly love your videos!

[@MatthewJohnCrittenden]

Best advice - Attenuate the positive, Eliminate the negative and don't mess with Mister In-between. Good vid as ever That Sauna Show.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+TheVimFuego You saucy devil. Don’t mention the sauna!

[@maconins123]

great as always

[@davidnunn1306]

I love my Cornell Vintage Brown set at 0.05 watt output. Bedroom level with tone!

[@ruthiesbbq]

Cool! Ive been doing the db meter test with the eminence maverick and reign maker in a 66! ampeg gemini 1, and a 65 deluxe reverb, amazing control of volume +/- 9db, and tone. Please do eminence speaker demo, with your amps and gear. Your db meter was a few feet away from the speakers, what is the level right at the amps? Do the decibel levels decrease at distance with different power amps pushing air?

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

Be warned: Only attempt the EVH variac trick if you don't mind blowing through a complete set of tubes in next to no time. Any fluctuation in the heater voltage, particularly if it drops below 6.3v - even by as little as 10% - reduces the life of the tube by a large amount (upwards of 50%, at a 25% reduction in voltage the life is reduced by 75%. The cathodes get stripped of their coating and eventually fail to produce enough electrons to create the space charge.

[@simon01ize]

Great show guys

[@partridgejoshua]

I look forward to the attenuating speaker episode.

[@ETILHK54]

I've recently diy'ed the Ep-3 preamp, put it at the end of my chain, and now i can successfully attenuate my board as much as i want without loosing much. Not the same thing of course as attenuating the amp itself, but if you're like me and 99% of you'r sound lies on a pedalboard, it kinda works. By the way, did you guys got you'r hands on a Belle Epoch Deluxe already?

[@charlesmahon6487]

Haha “and you’re back in the room”…great reference! “Look in my eyes….” Good Fry!