Hondo
108 posts
Dec 31, 2010
8:09 AM
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I would like to know whether I should use a volume pedal or install an attenuator to control the volume in a small living room.
I have an Epi valve jr. cabinet (12" speaker) and would love to be able to work on amplified playing without it being very loud. The mics that I want to use are vintage and don't have volume control knobs. It would also be helpful to get the amp higher than a crack to be able to hear the tube drive.
As always-THANK YOU
P.S. I do know about Gregs' controls- they are on the after Christmas list as well. One mic can't use one due to a stem (Astatic 200)
Last Edited by on Dec 31, 2010 8:54 AM
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Greg Heumann
962 posts
Dec 31, 2010
8:30 AM
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A volume control turned down WILL let you turn the amp up further, but by reducing the input signal so much that the output is way down, you get terrible signal to noise ratio and you're not really driving the amp's preamp OR power amp section very hard.
Attenuators are more expensive but because they truly soak up the output energy of an amp, they will give you the best results - your rig actually IS operating under high volume setting conditions - its just that most of the energy is being turned to heat instead of sound.
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/Greg
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Hondo
109 posts
Dec 31, 2010
8:57 AM
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Thanks Greg. Attenuator it is.
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5F6H
457 posts
Dec 31, 2010
9:06 AM
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A simple "resistive attenuator" (google this) can be built for a 5W/lo power amp for just a few dollars, I wouldn't bother with less than -6db attenuation (equates to 1.25W output on a V Jr)
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Hondo
110 posts
Dec 31, 2010
9:58 AM
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I googled it but what I saw was a language and diagrams for someone that understands electronics. That wouldn't be me. I would need an idiots guide Youtube video.
Last Edited by on Dec 31, 2010 10:01 AM
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Joe_L
948 posts
Dec 31, 2010
8:24 PM
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I have had success getting some really nice sound out of an amp by using a Lone Wolf Harp Tone+. You can crank the amp to it's sweet spot and use the volume control on the pedal to control the volume out of the amp.
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