So you use a cheaply-made overseas Variac to calibrate your (very fine but expensive) product? You might want to consult your marketing department... the older US-made Variacs have been used for decades without issues for thousands of hours of continuous use in amplifiers, auto garages and electronics shops. Where are all the dead people? I own a BrownBox and appreciate your fine product, but I also use a metered US-made Variac nearly every day for hours working on vintage tube amplifiers, as well as onstage. Please don't scare people about these very useful and reliable devices. And please get a better older Variac to calibrate your units more reliably and safely. (:
A variac must be used with a good voltmeter on the side, every elec guys know that... Now for the benefit of the brown box why don't you just tell about filtering capability or some ? Does it filter power supply ? Thx
I bought an UPS for my 24-track recorder that is quite sensitive. Always 100% stable voltage no matter what happens with the house supply. Still works even if there is a short power outage. This gives me time to stop it properly and avoid any pops being left on the tape.
Reading a lot of negative comments here... and maybe not the best sales pitch, but nonetheless, I do believe the BrownBox is a better option vs. variac. I own one, and it's definitely a well built bit of kit. The best part is the screen. No guess work. And for any of you that do play clubs, you know that the wall voltage can vary... and vary by quite a bit. I'm running a modern Mesa, so it's built for 120v, and I think feels better at around 116-117. Using the BrownBox lets me dial in the input voltage for my amp at every venue I play, so I get a consistent sound and feel at every show. Is it more expensive than a variac?... sure, but not crazy expensive. It's worth the extra money for peace of mind and ease of use.
A lot of good comments. It seems people are waking up about the high price. I do agree that a small variac shouldn't be used for extended periods of time or for gigging, etc. What this brown box salesman here neglects to inform you of, as previously mentioned by other posters here is that you can find a schematic anywhere on the Internet on how to build your own for pennies on the dollar. Dr. Z even displayed his own homemade unit in a video where he is advocating for the brown box company. Filtering is the key component here with an adjustable switch. I built some for friends over twenty-five years ago that I basically sold for the parts invested, $50 that are so over built that the brown box pales in comparison, especially in amperage stabilization. What the brown box is really selling is a small compact easy on the eyes, carry around unit, apparently with enough filtering for one amplifier. I would not plug more than one amplifier into a brown box. The pricing is high, because there are more guitar players ignorant about this subject and have the funds to just purchase one, the convenience and the little digital window is nice, so that's what they are focused on in the sales department. I don't have a problem with capitalism or their product so far outside of the pricing. I would like to open one up just to check it out and do some tests. Maybe someday, if one falls in my lap. However, like Dr Z stated, these are really for a vintage tube amplifier and not necessary for a modern amplifier built on todays 120+ voltages. If you have a modern tube amplifier, then a "Furman" filtering unit should cleanup your wall voltage for home or gigging consistant tone. Unless, there are more serious electrical issues where your rig is plugged into.
The Brown Box is certainly safer than a variac that could be accidentally turned up higher than 120 volts and damage your amp but beyond that much of the info stated here is incorrect or misleading.
My house voltage fluctuates between 122V and 124V throughout the day. My amp guy informed me my Bogner Ecstasy really needs to see no more than 120V or even down to 118V to run properly. That's what I'm looking for...not necessarily a change in sound, but for the longest life of components in the amp. Will this device do this for me long term?
Nice product that the Chines will Clone and sell at a less ridicules price.. Sorry but if you haven't noticed most musicians are Ramen Vienna Sausage eating poor, we don't have money like Keith Richards. This box point to point wired with solid gold wire or something? A boutique Voltage regulator, got it..
give the info here a c- at best. misleading. Buying a cheaply made china junk variac is spotty , (especially if this is what you're using to certify your test equipment) ) in any variac you need a good meter to ensure the variac output is correct. never trust the dial knobs on any variac especially Chinese junk. #2 decreasing the voltage into the amplifier (to 90v) will run the output tubes colder not hotter and will extend the life of the tubes especially if your amp is biased for 120/117 or 110. #3 a quality variac can be plugged-in for years without any problems, the only issue is the load / draw on the coil and the gauge wire and breaker on that circuit. running a vraiac at 200v ~on a 15 amp breaker with 14 guage wire with excessive load will burn the insulation from wires in the wall. #4 dropping and damaging the coil is a problem. #5 dropping it on your foot is a problem. - conclusion, the brown box is simpler and less hassle
I think your biggest beef here is with the crappy variac. And I'd agree. When I got into building amps in highschool in the early 2000's, I bought a used Staco. Big old brick of American iron. And of course, I had to try browning out my plexi and fender clones, measuring the output on my fluke. Never had any issues and it worked. I think the biggest dangers were then and are today for curious amateurs are, like you said, the onboard voltmeters can't be trusted. Even my old staco's analog voltmeter was off calibration by 15 volts. That's a lot. Second, it had a range to go above 120, I think to 140. Put it a nooby's hands and you've got a scenario where he thinks he's supplying 115 volts, but actually the amp's seeing 130 and then the smoke alarm is going off. Haha.
There are chinese made variacs that are pretty good and reliable. Surely the computer/phone/tablet you used to post your comment was made in China and works as intended. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater, not everything made in China is junk.
Question ❓ please Why are these Brownies so expensive 😂.
"please buy my product, the product that its been used for decades is now dangerous for life" 😂
So you use a cheaply-made overseas Variac to calibrate your (very fine but expensive) product? You might want to consult your marketing department... the older US-made Variacs have been used for decades without issues for thousands of hours of continuous use in amplifiers, auto garages and electronics shops. Where are all the dead people? I own a BrownBox and appreciate your fine product, but I also use a metered US-made Variac nearly every day for hours working on vintage tube amplifiers, as well as onstage. Please don't scare people about these very useful and reliable devices. And please get a better older Variac to calibrate your units more reliably and safely. (:
That's a good point. 👍
Thanks for the content. It was informative.
A variac must be used with a good voltmeter on the side, every elec guys know that... Now for the benefit of the brown box why don't you just tell about filtering capability or some ? Does it filter power supply ?
Thx
It reduces voltage to your desired voltage taking the wall voltage and stepping it down.
I bought an UPS for my 24-track recorder that is quite sensitive. Always 100% stable voltage no matter what happens with the house supply. Still works even if there is a short power outage. This gives me time to stop it properly and avoid any pops being left on the tape.
I know alot of people that use quality variacs and NEVER blew up an amp!
Reading a lot of negative comments here... and maybe not the best sales pitch, but nonetheless, I do believe the BrownBox is a better option vs. variac. I own one, and it's definitely a well built bit of kit. The best part is the screen. No guess work. And for any of you that do play clubs, you know that the wall voltage can vary... and vary by quite a bit. I'm running a modern Mesa, so it's built for 120v, and I think feels better at around 116-117. Using the BrownBox lets me dial in the input voltage for my amp at every venue I play, so I get a consistent sound and feel at every show. Is it more expensive than a variac?... sure, but not crazy expensive. It's worth the extra money for peace of mind and ease of use.
Eddie didn’t have a lot of money when he was using a Variac around the LA clubs before hitting it big.
He used them in the studio right on up through the one he built.
His amp was biased to 90, that’s how he could do it. George Lynch does the same thing
Can you go down to 90 volts on the Brown Box?
I bought what I thought was a new one a couple years ago but it was black. Did I get a fake?
Does this provide any isolation or is it an autotransformer?
I’m not in the market for a Brown Box, but you sure educated me about variacs. Edit: I’ll definitely spread the word if anyone brings it up.
excellent!
A lot of good comments.
It seems people are waking up about the high price. I do agree that a small variac shouldn't be used for extended periods of time or for gigging, etc.
What this brown box salesman here neglects to inform you of, as previously mentioned by other posters here is that you can find a schematic anywhere on the Internet on how to build your own for pennies on the dollar. Dr. Z even displayed his own homemade unit in a video where he is advocating for the brown box company. Filtering is the key component here with an adjustable switch.
I built some for friends over twenty-five years ago that I basically sold for the parts invested, $50 that are so over built that the brown box pales in comparison, especially in amperage stabilization.
What the brown box is really selling is a small compact easy on the eyes, carry around unit, apparently with enough filtering for one amplifier.
I would not plug more than one amplifier into a brown box.
The pricing is high, because there are more guitar players ignorant about this subject and have the funds to just purchase one, the convenience and the little digital window is nice, so that's what they are focused on in the sales department.
I don't have a problem with capitalism or their product so far outside of the pricing.
I would like to open one up just to check it out and do some tests. Maybe someday, if one falls in my lap. However, like Dr Z stated, these are really for a vintage tube amplifier and not necessary for a modern amplifier built on todays 120+ voltages. If you have a modern tube amplifier, then a "Furman" filtering unit should cleanup your wall voltage for home or gigging consistant tone.
Unless, there are more serious electrical issues where your rig is plugged into.
The Brown Box is certainly safer than a variac that could be accidentally turned up higher than 120 volts and damage your amp but beyond that much of the info stated here is incorrect or misleading.
BrownBox is handy but way over priced for what it is. A good U.S. made variac works great. This is just a sales pitch in my opinion.
My house voltage fluctuates between 122V and 124V throughout the day. My amp guy informed me my Bogner Ecstasy really needs to see no more than 120V or even down to 118V to run properly. That's what I'm looking for...not necessarily a change in sound, but for the longest life of components in the amp.
Will this device do this for me long term?
Yes, The Brown Box is exactly what you need.
Nice product that the Chines will Clone and sell at a less ridicules price..
Sorry but if you haven't noticed most musicians are Ramen Vienna Sausage eating poor, we don't have money like Keith Richards.
This box point to point wired with solid gold wire or something?
A boutique Voltage regulator, got it..
I wish the chinese made these but they don't, so we're stuck with this or a variac.
give the info here a c- at best. misleading. Buying a cheaply made china junk variac is spotty , (especially if this is what you're using to certify your test equipment) ) in any variac you need a good meter to ensure the variac output is correct. never trust the dial knobs on any variac especially Chinese junk. #2 decreasing the voltage into the amplifier (to 90v) will run the output tubes colder not hotter and will extend the life of the tubes especially if your amp is biased for 120/117 or 110. #3 a quality variac can be plugged-in for years without any problems, the only issue is the load / draw on the coil and the gauge wire and breaker on that circuit. running a vraiac at 200v ~on a 15 amp breaker with 14 guage wire with excessive load will burn the insulation from wires in the wall. #4 dropping and damaging the coil is a problem. #5 dropping it on your foot is a problem. - conclusion, the brown box is simpler and less hassle
I think your biggest beef here is with the crappy variac. And I'd agree. When I got into building amps in highschool in the early 2000's, I bought a used Staco. Big old brick of American iron. And of course, I had to try browning out my plexi and fender clones, measuring the output on my fluke. Never had any issues and it worked.
I think the biggest dangers were then and are today for curious amateurs are, like you said, the onboard voltmeters can't be trusted. Even my old staco's analog voltmeter was off calibration by 15 volts. That's a lot. Second, it had a range to go above 120, I think to 140. Put it a nooby's hands and you've got a scenario where he thinks he's supplying 115 volts, but actually the amp's seeing 130 and then the smoke alarm is going off. Haha.
There are chinese made variacs that are pretty good and reliable. Surely the computer/phone/tablet you used to post your comment was made in China and works as intended. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater, not everything made in China is junk.