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Post by mantal on Jan 23, 2011 15:34:49 GMT -7
it seems to tame the ultra sensitivity of the amp overall. I have not had mine for all that long, but what I heard right from the start, is exactly what I was hoping for. It seems to have a compression type effect but its not really compression or at least it doesn't sound that way to me. It seems to raise the "Forgiveness" level the amp signifigantly. I really like the dynamics and sensitivity of the Maz Jr. but it can be less than desirable in certain situations. I am hearing the Brakelite not only effect the over all volume level but also the dynamic variable as well. It's like a more mild form of compression, if you will, void of the obvious squash/squish that is typical of compression(in healthy doses). It almost seems to manipulate the threshold of what is percieved as compression... like an adjustable animal leash. As you add more Brakelite you add resistance to the leash... so to speak. Maybe its just me, but this is what my ears percieve... maybe its what the Brakelite is doing that no one seems to be able to put a finger on. Like the tone loss issue (which I really don't hear) or the change in the ear EQ of each individual. I think it has a lot to do with the play of the individual... a rhythym player is going to appreciate this aspect more than a player who plays a lot of lead and depends on the dynamics to enhance his attack and touch. It seems you almost have to approach the Maz Jr as 4 different amps dependant on the setting of the Brakelite... which adds to the versatility of one of the most versatile amps your bucks can buy. Whatever more the Brakelite does in addition to cutting the db rating is something that I really appreciate and truly makes it a "must have" addition. Super glad I got mine... ;D
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Post by Pete aka shouldb on Jan 29, 2011 2:15:09 GMT -7
That's a really positive point of view on a subtle effect many dislike I notice the effect you mention especially at clicks 3 and 4 - so much so that I never use click 4 as it's too compressed for me. I think the effect comes about by reducing the involvement of the speaker in the overall sound experience. DrZ amps are amps you play rather than just plug into, and every element in the signal chain adds to that experience. By reducing the signal to the speaker, without reducing the amp settings, it takes the speaker's involvement down a notch or two. That seems to compress the apparent sound a bit, at least to my ears. Glad you like the effect and find it useful ;D Enjoy! Pete
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Post by mantal on Jan 30, 2011 19:42:06 GMT -7
Thanks Pete... much appreciated!!! Simply stated the Brakelite is like a "Punch-o-meter". I like punch, dynamics, and sensitivity(aka "playing" vs plugging into) as much as the next guy... I do! But the Brakelite gives you another realm of possibilities to an already endless list! I don't have much use for #4 either... the difference between 3 and 4 sonically sounds comparable to a jump from 1 to 3... big difference! I like 2 and 3 the best! I use the "effect" more to determine the setting to use over volume level. I like the way each setting gives you modified sweep of the EQ section as well! The deal is this... the Brakelite's performance surpasses the standard expectation of a classic attenuator... by far!!! Like any other piece of gear... it is not for everyone. With that said, I had a really nice guy sell me his for a c-note and it is the best 100 bucks I have spent since I started playing!
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Post by doctorice on Jan 31, 2011 19:47:15 GMT -7
DrZ amps are amps you play rather than just plug into, Pete Do I get a royalty check?
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Jan 31, 2011 19:59:01 GMT -7
What >>I<< like about the Brake Lite is that it is right there, installed in the back of my Maz Jr, ready for anything, any time, and I don't have to give it a second thought except to turn the knob. That's what I'm talking about!
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Post by mikethebike500 on Feb 21, 2011 23:04:21 GMT -7
I got a brakelite about 3 weeks after I got my maz 38. It is the FIRST attenuator I have ever used with any amp I have ever owned. I didn't order it with the amp, cause I foolishly really thought that I wouldn't want it..I was WRONG!!! LOL I figured best case scenario, I would be saiving myself 150 bucks, and worst case scenario I would only be costing myself and extra 20 bucks, to order it by itself. Once I got it, plugged it in...and jammed with it for about 30 minutes, I felt like getting on the Z forum and writing a GUSHING, RAVING review of it...but I held off, till the honeymoon was over, so I could be objective.....................
So now here is my GUSHING RAVING REVIEW!!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT!!! I haven't bought many pedals, but I have spent some money on a few here and there......and this has really turned out to be the best 169 bucks I have ever spent for a piece of equipment. Clicks 1,2 just seem to knock the db's down just about right for me, only thing I really percieve with clicks 3,4 is that it adds a bit of brightness..to my ears anyway. But not in a way, that I cant tweak the dials to get tones I like. And alot of it also just depends on which guitar I'm using.
And I do like how nicely it mounts right in the back of the cab...works for me, just perfect.
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Post by Brian on Dec 1, 2011 10:53:52 GMT -7
Love mine too...it tames the Maz 18 so you can push it without being overbearing.
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Post by zigzagman on Dec 8, 2011 10:28:43 GMT -7
Topic: What I like most about the Brakelite is..
that it's available in the SA model
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Post by jimmysmith on Dec 13, 2011 19:59:08 GMT -7
i use the stand alone, and use it on "2", it is just enough to cut it down just a little bit,, anymore and it doesnt seem to bloom as much,, it is perfect.. fantastic tool for live sound,,,
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Post by Ridgeback on Jan 20, 2012 10:04:50 GMT -7
New BL appreciation. I'm one of those who never really liked or used the 4 setting but my New Year's resolution was to work on learning to play slide. The compression I didn't like on the 4 setting is great for that purpose, particularly when paired with the Hi input on the Maz 18 NR, which I also almost never used previosly. Pretty cool.
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Jan 20, 2012 12:01:35 GMT -7
It's all about being flexible enough for every situation.
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Post by Maddog on Jan 20, 2012 14:13:02 GMT -7
Actually, I like settings most don't.....I like putting it on full attenuation and cranking the Maz 38 wide open....pretty fun....and loud....
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Post by doctorice on Jan 20, 2012 15:41:56 GMT -7
Air Brake or Brake Lite on 4 is about the only way I can play a cranked Z Wreck at home.
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Post by Ridgeback on Jan 21, 2012 9:17:31 GMT -7
It's all about being flexible enough for every situation. You got that right Steve. You learn not to assume anything and try everything when messing with controls on the Z amps. It took me quite some time to learn to ignore the labels on the controls and just listen to what comes out.
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Post by Maddog on Jan 21, 2012 9:21:33 GMT -7
^^^^^ well-said, Bro!
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Post by doctorice on Jan 27, 2012 6:35:10 GMT -7
I was trying to learn some new tunes yesterday. I knew that meant several hours of listening and playing. Decided to use the MAZ 8 with the BL on 4. I generally avoided that setting for reasons noted earlier, but it actually was fine for what I was doing. I didn't reset any knobs. The ear-brain connection really does adjust our perception after a few minutes.
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Jan 27, 2012 6:45:04 GMT -7
AHA!
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Post by doctorice on Jan 27, 2012 9:44:53 GMT -7
AHA! He said triumphantly as his audio demonstrations were once again verified. Fletcher-Munson effect still there, but not intolerable. Just different.
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Post by rckline on Oct 12, 2012 15:37:52 GMT -7
It's NOT a THD Hotplate (Thank the Good Lord we have choices)
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Post by plexipaul on Nov 1, 2012 7:33:16 GMT -7
Im new to the Z world, I've got a mint 2001 Maz Jr 2x10. I love it!!! I do have a THD Hotplate that I got with my Marshall 1987. What is the difference between the BL and the Hotplate? I have been wanting a BL for sometime now and I need someone to talk me into buying it instead of just using the Hotplate. I have not used the Hotplate with the Maz jr yet BTW. Thanks, Paul
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Post by "Z" Steve on Nov 1, 2012 9:44:06 GMT -7
I can't speak for the tone aspect of the THD but the BrakeLite can be used on ANY ohm setting as opposed to the THD which (unless they've changed) is set for a specific ohm rating - 4, 8, or 16. It is limited to 40 - 45 watts though but you are more than safe with your Maz. For the Marshall you'd need the AirBrake (jus sayin' ) AND - welcome to the forum!!
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Post by plexipaul on Nov 1, 2012 10:07:25 GMT -7
Thanks Steve!!! My THD is an 8 ohm model. My Marshall is hard wired for 8 ohms only (Merk Mag JTM45 OT) wait thats a whole other story!!! I gonna give it a shot tonight when I get home. My jam room (the "Testosteroom" ) is kinda small and the band mates give me a hard time about being alittle on the loud side.
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Post by LT on Nov 20, 2012 20:18:57 GMT -7
The BL sounds like my next purchase......
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Post by rckline on Jan 17, 2013 13:42:57 GMT -7
it's NOT a thd hotplate-(what a p.o.s.)
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Post by wubberdubber on Jan 27, 2013 16:57:07 GMT -7
I've owned and played several Z amps for years now, but just recently got a Brake Lite for the first time, and now I'm kind of wondering how I got along without it. I just tuck mine under the amp handle and it's handy on the gig for adjusting volume quickly if needed. I never was into attenuators at all, but this thing's well worth the money to me.
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Post by BritInvasion on Jan 27, 2013 20:41:44 GMT -7
It adds a whole new level of versatility to my Maz18 , which already is an extremely versatile amp!
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Post by T-R☼CK ♫ on Jan 27, 2013 20:55:12 GMT -7
It's "invisible" in a combo. Oh yeah... clicks 1 & 2 are the Shiznit for "small" stages.
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Post by jawjam on Feb 10, 2013 10:11:43 GMT -7
I had a hot plate and it added a nasty bad sounding clipping distortion to the tone, especially at high levels of attenuation. The BL sounds great to my ears and really is a must have in my opinion.
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