|
Post by zwrecker on Mar 29, 2013 21:24:16 GMT -7
The question is self explanatory.... I'm a guitar dummy just trying to learn as much as I can.....¯\_(ツ)_/¯
|
|
|
Post by muZician on Mar 30, 2013 0:57:13 GMT -7
it's a resistor network (called l-pad) which is connected between amp output and speaker cab. it absorbs part of the power which goes to the speaker allowing you to crank your amp and have moderate volume
|
|
|
Post by bryan0418 on Mar 30, 2013 4:42:24 GMT -7
MuSician is correct. Also, tube amps sound best when they are cranked and the tubes cookin. To do this, your amp would be really loud and your band would look at you funny. So the Airbrake/Brakelite absorb some of the power so the speaker receives less power thus resulting in less volume. Your amp doesn't know the difference. To get "Gain & distortion" that everyone playing rock and roll loves, there are 3 basic areas it comes from.
1 - Pre amp distortion. That is when you overload the small pre amp tubes with signal. This is done by boosting your input signal. This distortion can sound "Fizzy" a bit.
2 - Power amp distortion - This is when you overload your output tubes with signal. This is done by cranking an amp. The distortion is very powerful and punchy. I prefer power amp distortion to pre amp. Think AC/DC sound, etc.
3 - Speaker breakup - The speaker being overdrven can also contribute to your distorted signal. Depending on the type of speaker you use, it can break up and color your sound as well. A 30 watt amp into a 60 watt speaker won't break up much, if at all. A 30 watt amp into a 30 watt cabinet will probably cause the speakers to break up a bit at higher volumes. Some guys like this sound, some do not. Using an Airbrake, you probably won't get speaker breakup since you aren't sending as much power to the speakers.
Your distorted sound is a combination of these 3 types of distortion. Being aware of them allows you to mix them to get your desired sound. Good luck!
|
|
|
Post by markT on Mar 31, 2013 6:03:42 GMT -7
|
|