- Build Rating
This is a passive DIY attenuator, designed by JohnH at the Marshall Forum ("Simple Attenuators - Design And Testing"). I must have missed this when it was originally posted, but @mjh36 posted a build of the same design a couple years ago.
I use primary Hiwatt amps, which have a great master volume control, and I use them as a clean pedal platform, so I don't have a strong need to crank my amps. But, I find my DR504 clone seem to sound a bit better when it starts "breathing" a bit, that is, when it's a notch or two above family-friendly volume (like driving a Lambo to the grocery store). So the attenuator allows me to get the "RPMs up", so to speak, while keeping the family happy.
I've actually only used it a little bit so far, mainly as testing. But it works as advertised. It does get warm when I have the amp cranked. I really should drill some ventilation holes on the top and bottom of the enclosure. But for now, for just a little bit of attenuation, it should be OK. I've since added feet and labels since taking the pictures.
Build time, effort and difficulty is roughly the same as a pedal. I did read that entire thread about a year ago (when it was half as long), but all the necessary details to build the basic device are in the first post (and a couple links therein).
I used the "premium" name-brand resistors from domestic sources, but even with that, I've got less money in this by far than any boutique attenuator. It would be quite cheap using no-name offshore resistors. Mine is built for 50 watts (since that's my most powerful amp). My friend wants me to build him one for his 100 watt Marshall. I also want to build another with a headphone out and aux in, so I can use it for truly silent practice. My work queue only seems to get longer!
Highly recommended if you like DIY and are at all curious about attenuators!
I use primary Hiwatt amps, which have a great master volume control, and I use them as a clean pedal platform, so I don't have a strong need to crank my amps. But, I find my DR504 clone seem to sound a bit better when it starts "breathing" a bit, that is, when it's a notch or two above family-friendly volume (like driving a Lambo to the grocery store). So the attenuator allows me to get the "RPMs up", so to speak, while keeping the family happy.
I've actually only used it a little bit so far, mainly as testing. But it works as advertised. It does get warm when I have the amp cranked. I really should drill some ventilation holes on the top and bottom of the enclosure. But for now, for just a little bit of attenuation, it should be OK. I've since added feet and labels since taking the pictures.
Build time, effort and difficulty is roughly the same as a pedal. I did read that entire thread about a year ago (when it was half as long), but all the necessary details to build the basic device are in the first post (and a couple links therein).
I used the "premium" name-brand resistors from domestic sources, but even with that, I've got less money in this by far than any boutique attenuator. It would be quite cheap using no-name offshore resistors. Mine is built for 50 watts (since that's my most powerful amp). My friend wants me to build him one for his 100 watt Marshall. I also want to build another with a headphone out and aux in, so I can use it for truly silent practice. My work queue only seems to get longer!
Highly recommended if you like DIY and are at all curious about attenuators!
