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Post by robertt on May 28, 2007 7:54:59 GMT -7
I'm hoping to get some info from people who use the Airbrake with an amp with a Master volume. I don't want to get the Airbrake if it doesn't really add much to what I can do with the Master volume already.
I have a Maz 18 jr and find that setting the volume up to 3 o'clock and then dialing in the Master volume works pretty well and keeps the volume down to acceptable levels. Also, rolling back on the guitar's volume allows me to increase the Master volume. Any thoughts, comments, observations from forum?
thanks
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Post by iggs on May 28, 2007 8:30:12 GMT -7
Still waiting on my Airbrake ... but, I have a THD hotplate and I use it with my Bümbox Lead 50, a JMP style amp with Master volume. It definitely makes a huge difference regardless of master volume because I'm able to crank the MV and really get those output tubes and the PI (pre-PI in my case) working, distorting and compressing.
As a side note: I like MV amps not because of the ability to set overall level but because it enables me to get the exact amount of drive and compression from the PI and output tubes. For that reason I like the pre-PI MV as well ... I know I'm probably in minority when it comes to this but that's what works for me. Having said that, I also LOVE my non-master Route 66.
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Post by flem on May 28, 2007 19:10:33 GMT -7
I have a MazJr and an Airbrake, and the sound is a bit different. I could be wrong on this, but I think with the volume up and the master down you get more preamp OD and with the master openned up and an airbrake you get more poweramp OD. I've heard the airbrake works well with the Route 66 as well. Either way it sounds good to me
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Post by benttop (Steve) on May 28, 2007 21:56:19 GMT -7
Still waiting on my Airbrake ... but, I have a THD hotplate and I use it with my Bümbox Lead 50, a JMP style amp with Master volume. It definitely makes a huge difference regardless of master volume because I'm able to crank the MV and really get those output tubes and the PI (pre-PI in my case) working, distorting and compressing. As a side note: I like MV amps not because of the ability to set overall level but because it enables me to get the exact amount of drive and compression from the PI and output tubes. For that reason I like the pre-PI MV as well ... I know I'm probably in minority when it comes to this but that's what works for me. Having said that, I also LOVE my non-master Route 66. +1 on this - use the MV to get your power amp doing what it does to the amount you want, then use the attenuator to set your level. Once you get to where you can hear it, there's no going back.
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Post by drew on May 29, 2007 6:13:06 GMT -7
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Post by dock66 on May 29, 2007 7:12:53 GMT -7
+1 on this - use the MV to get your power amp doing what it does to the amount you want, then use the attenuator to set your level. Once you get to where you can hear it, there's no going back. [/quote] That is exactly how I use it for my amps and why I have more than one AirBrakes.
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Post by propellr on May 30, 2007 11:59:07 GMT -7
These guys know their stuff, especially about the differences between the pre-amp and the power amp sections of their amplifiers.
+1, gentlemen (and you, too, benttop) ;D Just kidding, Steve.
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Post by benttop (Steve) on May 30, 2007 13:04:30 GMT -7
These guys know their stuff, especially about the differences between the pre-amp and the power amp sections of their amplifiers. +1, gentlemen (and you, too, benttop) ;D Just kidding, Steve. Hey, I get that at work and at home, may as well get it here too....
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Post by dirtymatt on Sept 7, 2007 12:00:37 GMT -7
+1 on using the Airbrake with a Master volume amp.
My Airbrake sounds great with the Maz JR NR/Z-Best.
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Post by dixiechicken on Sept 7, 2007 12:36:47 GMT -7
I use my Weber Minimass with my Music Man RD-112-50. It doesn't have a true master volume, but...
1) In the dist/compression channel the sound IS NOT the same when I run this channel on low volume and low dist settings, 2) compared to when I hook the Minimass in, lower the volume on the Weber Minimass and crank the volume and gain settings up a lot.
Number 2) yields a lot fatter tone to my ears more compressed and though the distorsion is too heavy for my taste, it sounds more organic and actually better.
In the number 1) example the dist is a bit grainy and thin sounding.
Cheers: Dixiechicken
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Post by lowwatt on Sept 30, 2007 7:50:32 GMT -7
I had the AirBrake to use with my Maz Jr. NR and I ended up sellling it. I'm not saying you shouldn't consider buying it, but should understand where it excels and where it does not.
Cons: If you are using it to get great power tube distortion at bedroom levels, don't bother. The Maz Jr. has a phenomenal master volume. That and a good OD pedal like a Hot Cake got me a much better and realistic sounding distortion tone. And that level of attenuation (even if I wasn't using the bedroom control), the AirBrake can sound chewy and fake.
If you are using it as an additional Master Volume for non-live use, don't bother. It does affect your tone slightly when it is in your signal path (even when set to zero attenuation) and I could easily hear a difference with it in the path at home and at rehearsal. If you can just walk up and tinker with your controls and pedals when you need to, this option will get you better tone.
Pro (big pro) : If you are going to use it as Doc recomends, it is a godsend. Using it for playing live to give you a quick volume adjustment as the room fills and empties and your volume needs change, it is perfection. I use pedals for enough of my gain, that I can get by without this, but it does this very well. Instead of having to adjust everything, you just make 1 or 2 clicks on a knob. Totally professional.
For subtle attenuation in general. If you have particular settings that you like and you generally play within certain volumes, a couple clicks either way as you need it can give you different volumes while providing you with a consistent tone.
Summary : The Z AirBrake is the best attenuator I have ever tried. It pretty much smokes everthing out there. But you need to keep in mind that attenuators work best in subtle incremements and don't deal well with major volume reduction. It's like a compressor. When used well, you can't even tell its there, but if you overdo it, everyone will wonder why everything sounds a little off.
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