|
Post by John on Jan 14, 2006 5:23:14 GMT -7
Does anyone have any experience comparing these two? I've been using the Marshall Powerbrake for 15 years. Never thought there would be a difference in these things.
I've read in this forum that some people think the Marshall Powerbrake sucks. Why? What about it makes it suck?
I understand that when you really turn down the volume on the Marshall, there is a tone difference, but I figure that's due largely to how your ears hear at different volumes and how the speakers sound at different volumes. I've seen reviews such as: "I'm 16 years old and been playing for 3 months, and when I played the Marshall Powerbrake, it sounded different, therefore it sucks!"
I"m looking for someone who can give me details. Why? Is the compression different? Of course I notice a compression/dynamic difference when really turning down the Marshall. I use the Marshall just like another review her in the forum: use as little attenuation as possible.
|
|
|
Post by billyguitar on Jan 15, 2006 12:43:34 GMT -7
The first attenuater I had was the Sholz. Next was the Marshall Power Brake. Next the Kendrick Air Brake. The last I bought was the THD. The Sholz definitely was the worst sounding. The Marshall a little better. The Kendrick better yet but awkward size. The best for me was the THD but I sent it back and had the attenuations clicks changed to 2 db each instead of 4 db. It is a very good sounding unit. As you said the whole key is to use as little attenuation as possible. I rarely used more than one or 2 clicks down. If I was playing blues or rock and had a non-master volume Z I would definitely have an attenuator. The Zs that have a master volume work so well that an attenuator wouldn't be an improvement. Tonewise the Marshall and the Sholz units really roll off the high end enough that you lose the sparkle. The newer/better designs retain more of the amp's natural sound. They really are a worthwhile expense, if you need to use one. I've never heard the Z atten. but I'm sure it's a good one.
|
|
|
Post by imyurhuckleberry on Jan 15, 2006 21:24:03 GMT -7
I just had someone ask me this not long ago, and I'll attach the answer I gave. I used a Marshall PB-100 for years, and just assumed it would be cool with my RxES, but it wasn't the case. It suffered tonally with the PB-100...as you know when you go through attenuation you can lose some sound characteristics that can only be achieved by playing at loud volumes. The Airbrake stays true to my tone as far as the actual sound that the amp produces, and from the minimum to maximum attenuation that the unit is designed for it does its job better than any other I have ever heard, and primarily because it does not rob the amp of its tone, the sound is the same just quieter. I found the Marshall PB-100 to be very much of a tone robber. But remember, that is with my RxES, the PB100 was fine with a JCM800. I'm not sure if it is the clean headroom that's affected by the PB100, or if the Z is just a better compliment. I will say the Airbrake sounds great through my Z, or my Marshall, and the PB100 only sounds good with a Marshall. Just my opinion though. Hope that helps.
|
|