wilzgt
Full Member
I plumb for Z-Tone !
Posts: 151
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Post by wilzgt on May 4, 2006 11:20:38 GMT -7
I've been doing a lot of reading regarding the Dr Z airbrake and almost have my questions answered. I thought I'd post a few questions so some of you could share your thoughts and experiences---especially from you Mazerati users!
My reason for getting an airbrake would be to set my amp up at 1-3pm on the volume and use the airbrake to tame the overall volume. This way I can get a nice natural power tube distortion all the time. Usually, 9-10am is already too loud and I'm forced to lower my guitar volume as well. Even though it sounds good, I feel I'm robbing myself of the ultimate tone that I could have.
1. Do you prefer using your Airbrake with the amp cranked vs. an OD pedal with the amp at lower volume such as 9pm?
2. How do you like the airbrake and Mazerati at bedroom volumes?
I love the sound of my amp cranked between 1 and 3pm. So, if I can get some advice to attain this at lower volumes it be great. Thanks in advance!!!
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Post by kruzty on May 4, 2006 11:35:02 GMT -7
I haven't used an Airbrake, so I can't comment on it specifically. I currently have a Weber Mini MASS and I had a THD BiValve that had a built-in attenuator. From my experience, bedroom level attenuation does not "sound the same only quieter." Part of it may be what it does to the load and I'm sure part of it is the speaker just doesn't sound the same without a fair amount of power. I find that attenuators work best when attenuating least.
Have you considered a practice amp for use at "bedroom levels?" I've heard those Roland min cube amps are pretty good. There are other small or headphone amps, too.
In the end, you can use an attenuator to bring it down to low levels and it is OK for practice, but it is not the same.
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Post by billyguitar on May 4, 2006 12:10:54 GMT -7
A pedal is nice because then you can instantly access a clean tone when you want. Also it doesn't wear out your output tubes as fast. I agree that an attenuator is not the same only quieter. Without the speaker jumping it sounds better than a pedal but not that much. If you never take your amp and use it with a band then an attenuator makes more sense. If you're just curious and don't mind spending the money then get an attenuator, it is a fun thing to have.
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