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Best Power Attenuator Tube Amp for Metal in 2020
Best Power Attenuator Tube Amp for Metal Reviewed
Using tube amps has its pros and cons, for instance, you can have a clearer and cleaner signal output compared to solid-state amps. But then one of the cons of a tube amp is its loss of control over its level of subtle distortion or tube saturation, which means if you want distortion out of your tube amp, then you will have to crank the volume way up. A power attenuator gives you the ability to bring out the high-volume characteristics of your amp, at a manageable level. Today we are taking a look at the best power attenuators for metal.
The Two Notes Audio Engineering Torpedo Reload is an attenuator, DI Box, and a Reamping box all in one small package, making this attenuator extremely versatile, and you may find using this with more than one purpose. When using this as an attenuator, this is extremely reliable and will give you the high-volume tone you want at a quiet output. It is also highly versatile in terms of matching your speaker’s impedance as this attenuator also has a three-way switch that switches its impedance to 4, 8, and 16 ohms, to make sure you get what you need.
If you’re more concerned about this as a DI box or as a re-amping box, then you will be surprised. Upon purchasing this attenuator, you also get several cabinet simulations for the free program for this box called the Wall of Sound III that you can then use to put in guitar tones in your DAW that’ll sound as though it is recorded on an actual setup.
Although the cabinet simulation feature is not available for live performances, it can come useful once you do need to record your music. And for metal artists, this box is useful for reaching those extremely high-gain guitar tones without literally breaking your amp and speaker. The high level of versatility makes this box one of the best tube amp power attenuator for metal.
Pros
- Can handle amplifiers of up to 150W RMS
- Can be used as an attenuator, DI box, and re-amping box
- Has a variable impedance switch to quickly match your speaker’s impedance
Cons
- The only con is if you need a more powerful attenuator, other than that you are getting more than what you need with this box
The Tone King Iron Man II Mini is the attenuator you want if you’re looking for a pedal type attenuator that is stage-ready straight out of the box, and you can easily slap this on to your pedalboard, and you are now ready to perform this thing to its limits. Powering this attenuator is a 9VDC enough to bring out a maximum of 30W RMS.
As an extra, and since this is a pedal type attenuator, this now has a volume boost which is the first time for me to see something like this, the boost is ideal for guitar solos making you stand out with your metal guitar riffs and solos. 2 switches can be found on the attenuator, one is the range selector with a high and low option which is used to control the range of attenuation when the solo function is disabled. The other switch is the presence level which you can either choose between 0db, -3db, and -6db.
Other than that, while this is a simple device, you can still use this well with recording your guitar, with an output rating of 10k ohms. But for normal performance use, the input impedance and speaker impedance are both fixed at 8 ohms, so better keep that in mind if you plan on using this on any speaker.
Overall, the Tone King Iron Man II Mini is sure to be a great addition to your pedalboard especially if you are the lead guitarist in your metal band, the solo feature is sure to be greatly utilized, but even if you are a guitarist of any genre, this attenuator is a good addition to help protect and utilize your speakers. With the great usability and portability, this is indeed one of the best tube amp power attenuator for metal.
Pros
- Has a useful Solo volume boost
- Controls look and feel good
Cons
- Has a fixed impedance
Weber is one of the well-known brands that tone chasers love, they are well known with their vintage speakers that work very well with reproducing vintage tones even up to this day. But is the Weber MicroMass Attenuator any good?
The Weber MicroMass Attenuator is designed to work with amplifiers with 10W power or less. In terms of impedance, this is made to work with either 4, 8, and 16-ohm amplifiers. In terms of control, all you get are 2 knobs and a switch, one of the knobs are dedicated with controlling the low-mid tone attenuation, the other one controls the mid-high tone attenuation, and this is pretty unique compared to others that commonly has a volume or level control knob. The switch on the front can be switched to either normal or bypass.
This attenuator may is the cheapest and weakest on this list, but this attenuator should not be underestimated as the Weber MicroMass Attenuator is reliable and works efficiently, it is also worth noting that this attenuator is also the only passive attenuator in this list. Either way, this may be good for band practice, but I don’t think I’ll recommend this for a huge performance, but this may be good for a small event and that’s it. But overall, this is still one of the best power attenuator for metal.
Pros
- Works surprisingly well
- Has simple and efficient controls
- Does not need batteries as this is a passive attenuator
Cons
- Maybe too weak for most guitarists
There you have our best picks for a tube amp power attenuator for metal. Let us know what you think about this, and be sure to consider your circumstances like amp size and the power you need before getting one. Invest what is best for you!
Best Digital Mixer for Home Studio
The Best Digital Mixers for Home Studio Reviewed
The variety of instruments, equipment, and sound sources in your studio are often problematic because it’s hard to keep anything working and ready to use for an extended time. A range of analog and digital mixers with home studio mixers are available to ensure that different inputs are recorded simultaneously.
The challenge with an increasing range of instruments, equipment, and sound a source in your studio is to keep them working and ready for use—especially those with a standard USB audio interface.
These are also used to record your tracks with a few inputs attached. A steady change of jack lead is necessary for some rough buzz in the home studio.
Don’t be afraid, the best mixers here may be just what you need to keep your artistic flow intact. Some prefer everyday simplicity, while others have ingenious tricks to unlock the full potential of the gear. Let’s take a look today after the best home studio mixers.
The R8 is a powerful all-rounder tool used for the in-home DJ and audio system. It has many features but is compact and lightweight and with less and affordable prices.
It represents a high starting point for anyone who wishes to start recording and making their content. It will also attract musicians who want a portable device performing a variety of functions according to the situations required.
Pros
- It provides power to the podcasters with self-audio recording and hears versions of the L8 frequently used with easy access
- The host and any guest on your podcast will listen to production material clearly with stereo headphones attached, having different volume controls and mixing selectors
- Using sound effects and music clips to make the podcasts/Music shows more entertaining with six sound pads that allow triggering different sound effects according to the situations required. For example, music, applause, previously recorded interviews or advertisements
- By giving the option of save setting, it saves the time of use also
- Ideal Small Venue Mixer and Live Recorder are willing to perform in front of the public, having several options adjustable accordingly
Cons
- It is not able to deal with different surface commands at a single time
- Sampler and rhythm sequencer has no tracks adjusted in them
- No tools for audio recording and no software available neither can be installed
- It cannot operate in any system as a controller or by providing an interface
A neo-classical British EQ by Behringer brings back the warmth and musicality of those mega-console desks that made music history in the 1960s and 1970s. The mixing console Behringer XENYX 1202FX has a 24-bit studio FX processor with 100 significant effects presets. Each channel is controlled with 12 inputs and an FX sound power button.
It is a Premium ultra-low noise, high analog mixer headroom with4 cutting-edge XENYX Mic Preamps, equivalent to stand-alone store preamps. It submits one post-fader FX to external FX systems by interface system attached. Output Main Mix plus separate control room, telephone and stereo output CD/tape. — Single input has a balanced input line on a 1⁄4 inch connector.
Pros
- Premium super low-noise analog mixer with high headroom
- FX transfers power by channel for internal and external FX processors attached to it
- Central mix outputs with different control areas with an option of mobile and tape stereo output attachments also
- CD input available for essential mixing with phone monitor outputs
- 60 mm long-wearing fader and screened rotary control options
- Good quality parts and an exceptionally durable structure guarantee long service life
Cons
- Limited range of functions available
- Not durable for an extended period
- Power socket, knobs, and other switches performing on/off functions are doing nothing, the volume buttons are gone, and the FX button becomes power buttons
A portable 12-channel Bluetooth Studio Mixer and DJ Controller Audio Mixing Console System is a Bluetooth-enabled audio mixer for DJs, musicians, sound engineers, and performers in clubs and live stage performers that provides a multi-canal mixing capability.
It has eight XLR-1/4 “combo jack inputs and two 1/4” and RCA jacks stereo sets. The preamplifiers have selectable 48V fantasy control and a boost of up to 64 dB with installed LED light indicators.
There is a 3-band EQ with peak thresholds for both audio channels and +48V phantom power supply attached to it. A knob transmits a signal per channel with a 16-bit internal DSP effects system having 16 selectable features available on the preset option. In the case of visible results, a mono 1/4 “aux send and return also given.
It also helps you Transfer music from your mobile device via built-in Bluetooth receiver or play MP3 audio files on your hard drive using the USB port. The USB port enables the sound interface when attached to a screen.
It is usually connected with the 1/4 “main track, track outputs, and linked with a pair of headsets to a 1/4” stereo headphone jacket that sports a dedicated volume control system.
Pros
- Mixer program for DJ and studio console
- Mixing 12-channel audio content
- Direct connections and the ability to record sound
- Adjustment parameters for FX setup
- LED indicator lights and rotary adjustment knobs
- Compatibility of the MP3 digital audio file with USB flash drive reader
- Link and display an external audio system with the device
Cons
- Some features do not work lousy support system
- Often face a wireless connectivity issue
- The phantom power supply does not provide power for long sessions of use
Final Verdict
The Zoom Live Trak L-8, Behringer Xenyx 1202 Premium, 12-Channel Bluetooth Studio Audio Mixer – DJ are the best choices for Digital Mixer Home Studios.
These have onboard sampling features, powerful processors, hundreds of high-quality micro preamps, and more options, which are perfect solutions for any size recording studio.
As an integrated solution, they offer an efficient and space-saving option that combines every analog I / O you need with the high-quality converters, state-speaking plug-ins, digital patching, and DAW. They have all features required for professional recording to be done in your home studio.