Attenuators

  • Thread starter Thread starter Hard&Heavy
  • Start date Start date
Finally figured out how to get the Slavemaster of my Rivera to jam and it's basically Bluesbreakers/Smashing Pumpkins Siamese Dream studio tone built into the amp. I sold my Big Muff recently and this is literally THE SOUND.

Slavemaster is the biggest secret in the attenuation game. It even has a loop/line out.

Doesn't sound right for cleans but who needs an attenuation for CLEANS?

So much functionality!

Slavemaster

SLAVEMASTER is an alternative to running the output of the amplifier through load resistors into effects devices such as digital delays. Although load resistors do work (up to a point), they are an inefficient means to the goal, as they turn an expensive amplifier into a glorified fuzz-tone, generating lots of heat, smoking output transformers, and gobbling up output tubes. SLAVEMASTER duplicates the effect of running a big amplifier through load resistors, without sacrificing reliability (or flexibility). SLAVEMASTER can be used by itself or with its built-in effects loop.

Without Effects

Set your channel tones and levels with SLAVEMASTER off. Next turn on SLAVEMASTER by pressing the SLAVEMASTER GAIN control (or the button on the optional footswitch) and initially set the SLAVEMASTER LEVEL control to about 3. An LED next to the SLAVEMASTER GAIN control shows whether SLAVEMASTER is on or off. (SLAVEMASTER works with either preamp channel.)

Adjust the SLAVEMASTER GAIN control until you reach the desired amount of distortion. Set the SLAVEMASTER LEVEL control to adjust the difference in volume when SLAVEMASTER is turned on.

NOTE: On Mono Combo models, the LED indicator next to the FOCUS control that is unlabeled is the level indicator for the SLAVEMASTER circuit It glows in relationship to how hard SLAVEMASTER is driven. It is activates only when Slavemaster is turned on.

With effects

The Slavemaster circuit Includes Send and Return jacks, which allow the use of effects devices with SLAVEMASTER as if it were an effects loop. This means you can use effects devices within the SLAVEMASTER circuit, so that when you kick in Slavemaster, you also kick in additional effects.

As a line-out

If you wish to run the output of the SLAVEMASTER to an external source (amplifier, mixing console, etc.), run a patch cord from the SLAVEMASTER Send jack on the rear panel of the Combo to the desired source. There is no need to use the SLAVEMASTER Return jack in this set-up.
 
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Like already said they all change your tone, just some worse than others. Fryette was the best to my ears but still has a baked in tone
 
MadAsAHatter said:
Fryette PS2 or PS-100 seem to be the way to go, but good luck finding one right now. They've been backordered for a while. I put my order in for a PS-100 back during November and I'm still waiting. I checked just now and GC/MF has an open box PS2 available online if you don't mind that.
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Try Tone merchant's. Better price too
 
I’ll throw this in the mix, I’ve used a Ho attenuator for years with NMV Marshall style amps. I’ve recorded with and without it, the tone difference is so minimal that slight adjustments to the amp eq make up the difference. I just found a 2nd one for $200 on Reverb. You can also fine the Ultimate Attenuator which is the same thing
 
dstroud said:
I’ll throw this in the mix, I’ve used a Ho attenuator for years with NMV Marshall style amps. I’ve recorded with and without it, the tone difference is so minimal that slight adjustments to the amp eq make up the difference. I just found a 2nd one for $200 on Reverb. You can also fine the Ultimate Attenuator which is the same thing
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Me also and remember when everybody was hating on the UA/Ho and then /badcat came along and people buying it up left and right? Its the same damn principal, i would say its the same design for the most part. Same with the other ones they just added tube power section.
 
They all change the sound, but IMO the Fryette power station is the best sounding and most versatile.
 
I generally prefer reamping (slaving is the old term) to passive attenuator.

Favorite passive attenuator is the Alex/scumback attenuator, but both are out of production.

Favorite reamper is the fryette power station, I have the ps2. Also very high on the Suhr rl into a Marshall 8008 power amp.

And I agree with others, that everything changes the tone, but I am fine with that to be able to run my big monster Vox ac50 with the channels jumpered at home. It starts at like 80ish db and goes up from there.
 
The more you attenuate, the more you affect the tone.

There is nothing that attenuates without affecting your tone.

I installed a master volume in my 100w Plexi and use a Hot Plate.

I can get a good sound by using a small amount of both.

Also, the Hot Plate has a line out which you use to make a wet/dry rig.
 
panhead said:
Me also and remember when everybody was hating on the UA/Ho and then /badcat came along and people buying it up left and right? Its the same damn principal, i would say its the same design for the most part. Same with the other ones they just added tube power section.
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oh yeah!! heated debates lol. everyone arguing if it hurts your amp. Ive used mine 20+ years playing at least a couple hours every day 5 days a week, never had any issues and again the tone sounds 95% just like the amp wide open
 
I have a Weber Mass, sounds good and pretty versatile DI.
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I have a prototype ultimate attenuator that I like but that’s actually a reamp and not a true attenuator.
 
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