Post by dreamlander on Jun 29, 2016 18:51:32 GMT -7
Well after getting a chance to use my Air Brake I must say my expectations were surpassed for tone quality and the amount of attenuating it actually does. I was impressed by the tone in the demos I have seen, but read so many things online about people not being happy with the amount of volume reduction, some even saying it is barely noticeable. I am not sure if these people didn't know how to use it (is that even possible?) or if they have no perception of volume, or most likely they probably didn't compare it with anything to actually hear the difference.
I ran a/b using a Radial Headbone with my EZG with the Air Brake against my 12 watt Carr Skylark, both through an Avatar 1x12 loaded with an EV12l. With the Air Brake on 0 it blows the Skylark away and is LOUD. On Air Brake setting 4 it almost becomes identical to the Skylark. Skylark volume 11 and EZG pre and post about 11. Very similar volume and both on the edge of break up, and both sounding fantastic I might add.
The Skylark has a built in attenuator that goes from 0-1.2w. I flipped that on and put the Air brake on the bedroom setting with the knob about 11 oclock to match the Carr volume. I will say the Skylark did sound better here, but that is why I bought it, for bedroom/grab n go. The bedroom setting on the Air Brake can get the amp quite quiet though it gets pretty sterile sounding and loses its body. The Skylark actually loses more of the highs if anything.
Conclusion: I have know idea what people are talking about when they say the Air Brake doesn't do much to the volume. It can tame the EZG and sounds great doing it. I prefer the Air Brake over the Bad Cat Unleash I had. It sounded good, but with loud amps it created way to much compression. Now I am gassing even harder to try a Zwreck having the confidence that the Air Brake can keep it at a reasonable volume.
Maybe people are expecting to turn their stadium amp into a 1am with the baby sleeping amp, which is just a bad idea. Get the right tool for the job. I have enjoyed the Vox Ac4tv for years at bedroom volume and am now loving the Carr Skylark.