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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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Best Pickups for Epiphone Les Paul Reviewed

Have your humbucker pickups old, broken and dirty? Is there more external sound than the guitar tones? Do you want an urgent, yet an adequate replacement for your Gibson Epiphone Les Paul Guitars? If your answer is yes, then this is the right web-page. We have picked the three of the best Humbucker pickups and reviewed them for you, making your decision easy!

Here are our top picks for the three best pickups for Gibson Epiphone Les Paul Guitars.

One of the most professional and practical pickups for Gibson Epiphone Les Paul Guitars is FOXNOVO Professional Sealed Humbucker Pickups Set. The guitarist can easily play the exact duplicate of classic warm sound with the help of these pickups.

The best thing about FOXNOVO Professional Sealed Humbucker Pickups Set is that the sound output is spectacular. These pickups are specifically designed for the neck and bridge positions of the guitar.

When it comes to quality and durability of FOXNOVO Professional Sealed Humbucker Pickups Set – it never disappoints. It is made with hard plastic and durable copper – making it the perfect replacement for an old, dirty, and broken humbucker pickup!

One of the highlights of this humbucker pickup set is that it is coated in triple wax followed by vacuum sealing. It means that there is no risk of unwanted noise or feedback while playing the guitar.

Another striking feature of this pickup set is that each pickup is height adjustable – as there is 4pcs height adjusting screws for individual pickup. The black color of the pickups goes with all guitar colors and designs without affecting its overall look.

What makes this pickup set more competitive is its neck and bridge rating! Both the neck and bridge pickup are rated 8.5K out of 9K. All these features and benefits make FOXNOVO Professional Sealed Humbucker Pickups Set, the right choice for the Gibson Epiphone Les Paul Guitars, add extra crunch to the punch.

HS2 Humbucker Pickups set is one of the ideal solutions for guitar humbucker pickups replacement. One of the reasons why it is one of the most popular choices among guitarists is its broad applicability.

Whether it’s a Gibson Epiphone Les Pauls’ or any electric guitar, HS2 humbucker pickups would be compatible with all. One of the prominent features of this pickup set is its construction and manufacturing. It uses the Alnico II magnet types.

Furthermore, the baseplate of the pickup set is manufactured using the customized etched nickel silver wire. The use of double conductor wire along with 42 AWG enamel coil wire makes these pickups ideal for all electric guitars.

Be it’s the material quality, tonal quality or output – HS2 humbucker Pickups are known to deliver best in all areas. The output and tonal quality produced by these pickups are sturdy and powerful – perfect for adding extra crunch to the punch for music lovers.

HS2 pickups provide maximum control over the high-frequency region, allowing to generate robust and high-pitched ending sounds. The pickups are carefully coated with wax and then sealed to avoid unwanted noise and feedback.

The quality, manufacturing, compatibility and other features of HS2 Humbucker Pickups make them an excellent LP alternative as well as a direct replacement for Gibson Epiphone Les Paul and electric guitars.

A great humbucker pickup replacement for Gibson Epiphone Les Paul Guitars is Kmise1set Humbucker Pickup Gold. For someone who wants to replicate the classic warm guitar sounds with more output must use these humbucker pickups for their guitar.

The sound output of these pickups is remarkable. Furthermore, when it comes to quality and durability – Kmise gives a healthy competition. This pickup set is manufactured using only 100% high-quality copper and plastic material.

Unlike many other pickups, Kmise is known for its noise and unwanted feedback-free output. It is because this pickup set is dipped and coated with triple bee wax. Kmise pickups are also vacuum-sealed to ensure the best output quality; hence there’s 0% noise distortion when playing the guitar.

These pickups are ideal for the guitar neck and bridge positions. The rating for neck and bridge positions is surprisingly 9K for both positions. Furthermore, this set comes with height adjustment screws and springs – allowing better performance, with greater convenience and more customization.

Last but not least, the color combination of the Kmise Humbucker Pickups set is very classic and chic. The gold color cover complemented with black colored frame enhances the look of the guitar. Overall, Kmise is a good pickup option for Gibson Epiphone Les Paul Guitars.

Conclusion

No doubt, there are hotter, more professional and practical humbucker pickups available in the market. If you want an inexpensive pickup set with high bridge and neck rating, along with strong and powerful output and durability, then the above humbucker pickups are ideal.

While they may not be a permanent solution, they are cost-effective and perfect for a temporary replacement. Whether you decide to buy these for your Gibson Epiphone Les Paul guitar or not, make sure to purchase the pickups from the reliable sources only.

Also, don’t forget to read the reviews first to ensure whether the pickup set provides all the features that you have been looking for or not.

Best Small Guitar Amp for Home Use Reviewed

If you’re looking for a quality guitar amplifier, there’s a chance that you might not have that much room for it at home. There are, however, some good options available for small guitar amplifiers — all without having to sacrifice sound quality, adjustment options, or ease of use. This article will look at several amplifiers and try to determine the best small guitar amp for home use.

The Fender Mustang I V2 is a 20-watt amplifier with 24 presets, 17 amp models and an 8″ speaker. It features USB connectivity, a headphone (line-out) as well as a portable music player MP3 (line-in) jack.

Its dimensions are 7.6 inches long, 15.5 inches wide, and 14.5 inches high. It has a weight of 17 pounds.

Its distinguishing features are the Fender Fuse software (which allows for a wider variety of amplifier presets) and the built-in ability to use reverb, echo, phaser, tremolo, and other effects. 

The Boss Katana MKII-100 is a 100-watt solid state (that is, there is a current flowing to the output devices instead of voltage) 12-Inch speaker system. Its dimensions are 14 inches high, 18.5 inches wide, and 9 inches deep.

It has a weight of 23.5 pounds, and has one 12-inch speaker (there is another MKII-100 model also available with two 12-inch speakers).

The defining features of this amplifier are built-in effects options, “one-touch” automatic recall of effects settings, enhanced effects software, and USB, line, and phone/recording outputs. 

The Orange Amps Electric Guitar Power Amplifier (Crush 20RT) is a 20-watt solid state amplifier with one 8″ speaker. It has a 3-band equalizer, with volume, gain, and built-in reverb dials.

Its dimensions are 7.87 inches long, 13.78 inches wide, and 15.75 inches high. It weighs 17.64 pounds. It has a headphones jack, an auxiliary in, and a guitar input port.

Its distinguishing features are dials for dirty and clean sounds, a built-in tuner, and separate dials for treble, middle, bass, and reverb effects. 

Conclusion

Depending on your home, you may want to choose a smaller, lighter amplifier with better adjustments available for primarily volume, and secondarily, sound features and quality. Therefore, the Orange Amps Crush 20RT would come in first overall. Its no-nonsense board, light weight, simple features, and affordable price (around $190) would be great for the casual home player. 

However, the Boss Katana MKII-100, with its different wattage settings and effects variations, would be a very close second. At the price, the MKII-100 may not be the best choice for those on a budget, and the larger, heavier dimensions of the amplifier are something to consider. 

Finally, unless you can use the Fuse software, the Fender Mustang I V2 can not really be recommended. Though less expensive, (at around $140) its settings and sounds are limited in scope. But hopefully, you can take all these considerations into finding the best small guitar amplifier for home use.

[Read more…] about Boss Katana 50 vs 100 – Which is Better?