$100 Attenuator vs $500 Attenuator
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- Опубліковано 17 чер 2018
- Bugera PS1 Passive 100-watt Power Attenuator
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Rivera RockCrusher Power Attenuator/Load Box for Amps
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As some of you know I am not a Bugera fan, but I have to give credit were credit is due.
Phillip McKnight is Bugera a part of Behringer?
yep
Phillip McKnight But why not? I have the v5 infinium and it's great for low level playing.
Is it you or is it your wife who doesn't like Bugera/Behringer? ;)
Phillip McKnight have you tried rack mounting the Rockcrusher? I'm considering buying one and would like to place it in a gear rack.
Edit: Fryette makes a power attenuater, I think you should look into it sometime.
After playing full stacks for years my ears ar attenuated.
Speak up please I can’t hear you 😂 I can’t hear either
Sorry to hear that damn
@@LennySugiono Her what?
😁
Mine to. Only right side works 100%
I bought the Bugera PS1 for my Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier so I could finally play without shaking the whole house. It's a 100 watt amp, I practice daily for 2/3 hours and the unit never got warm, always stays cold. I love it.
Ive been needing something loud enougth to jam with my boy, but i never even use my 2x12 combo cause by the time it comes on its too loud for practice, but all the way up it cant compete with a drumset, i'm a noob when it comes to guitar rigs.... but I want to get one and be done i knoticed there are a bunch of amps i like that can toggle output voltage can be got for 1800-3000, but theres a few that don't for 1300 that I like....
Is it worth the extra 400 to be able switch voltage, or should get the fixed voltage head and have 400 to use elswhere in my rig?
My attenuator MADE me $600.
I sold my amp
No way BRO....
Did you at least play 0-3-5 before you sold it?
@@mikolajsosnowski5622 he sold his amp to the devil
Lol liar
New to attenuators and literally stopped at my computer on my way out the door to research this exact question! Good work!
The Bugera sounds perfect for us "guitar legends" I use the term loosely, restricted to the basement or bedroom, especially on a very limited budget! I can only get my Hotrod Deluxe to 2, & still I get complaints because 2 - 2.5 is too loud! My hearing still works, except when the wife calls, then I've gone deaf (& hide in the garage).
The Rivera Rockcrusher. I saw that on Mick Thomson’s rig rundown video. Except he used the Rockcrusher Recording with an 11-band eq. His tech was using that to dial in a setting for the front-of-house engineer because each venue has different acoustics and therefore to get the same sound they just collaborate to create an ideal setting for any given concert venue.
Video couldn't B better, you covered everything I wanted to know: sound mic'd, sound direct, does it get hot, where's it made... and you played RHYTHM guitar which is a lot of what I'd play if evaluating live. Kudos 2 you Phil. As good as being in a store! I purchased the Bugera. Thanks 4 the gain reduction tip to add 'cabinet realism'. And hey, NIIIIICE Spector bass hanging there.
I learn something new with every video I watch of yours Phillip! Great work!
Excellent video. Told me all I needed to know and hear about the cheap unit. Just the right amount of talking unlike some other channels that waffle on for days. Thank you. Keep it up.
Thanks for this vid Mr. McKnight, needed this info big time . I love your hands on, no nonsense approach!
Thanks Phil, I always learn something new on your channel, I've never even heard of an attenuator (just a bedroom player).
Great demo, and really great thing you did with the live mic in the room comparison. Excellent for reference.
I’d go with the Bug. The overall tone is very good. It’s smaller and the price is right for a home-y like me. Thank you, Philly👍
As always, very informative video. I just purchased the PS1 and I’m loving it so far.
First, thanks for posting useful reviews; I'm a huge fan! Second, I've tried several attenuation units (Including the Jet City and Rivera) and found them all disappointing. In a live situation, they lost tone and feel, so I opted to just turn down (because that still sounded better than the same volume of attenuated signal)... that was until I tried an SPL Reducer. If you have access to one, I highly recommend it. It was the only thing that allowed me to play my Marshall 1987x at a volume that was bearable and not loose a bit of that glorious power stage overdrive.
Thanks for comparing these, Phillip! I've been using a Scumback DBL/Attenuator, which from your review, seems very similar to the Rivera in design and price. It has 4 notched db settings, and a sweep control to bring all the way down to silent on the -12db setting. Running the line out through a good impulse response or cab emulator has gotten me so close to the real thing, but recorded silently (or much quieter). Fun stuff. The Bugera line out EQ sounded a bit muffled in comparison, maybe they were going for something that sounds better without having to use a cabinet simulator.
i love phils honesty and knowledge.its made buying gear for me real simple
Hi Phil, great video! My experience with the Bugera is just really good. I use it on a Marshall 2061x. It does lose some treble, but that is easy to compensate and then it stays more or less consistent over the damping range. More importantly it does not FEEL different to play it in my opinion. Keep your good work up!
Thank you Phillip! Ive been contemplating getting the Bugera but was hesitant until seeing this video. Going to give one a shot now.
Thanks! I've been waiting for this review
Great video, Phil! The little Bugera box sounds nice
Great video and very informative. I appreciate it Phillip.
Another great video, thanks Phillip. I bought my Rockcrusher instead of buying a practice amp. It lets me push my Mesa F50's clean channel into breakup without waking the kids - and lets me use the same amp for practice and for gigs. Keep up the good work :)
Thank you for this video. Its amazing how difficult it is to find a basic demo of an attenuator.... attenuating. I've got no interest in playing live, but I would love to own an amazing 100 watt tube amp for all the great tones. Knowing I can pick up a RockCrusher and still get those amazing tones without waking the wife is a godsend. I've been doing the DI box into my workstation PC for years, but sometimes I just want to flick some switches and start jamming. Great video!
I know that this is a bit late, but I purchased the Bugera for $65 from Sweetwater during a sale. Great product for the price. Phil, your channel is the first one I check for new content everyday. I’ve learned a great deal from your channel and really appreciate all that you do.
A useful tool for sure thanks Phillip 🎸
The post eq'd Rivera line out sounds like my first CRATE combo from 1984- total shitbox box of bees!
Good to know...there's sooo much stuff out there that I have no idea what does what anymore...Thanks man
I’ve got a Z amp brake lite attenuator. Love it. I can crank my egnater rebel 30 without shaking the neighborhood
I purchased the bugera today on your recommendation with this video. Thanks Phill
Was it any good?
Great comparison. I've had the Jet City Jettenuator for 2.5 years now, no issues. I haven't run it to 100 Watts, but used it a lot with a JCM 900 (50 Watts) and Fender Hot Rod Deville (60 Watts). I've been thinking about "upgrading" to another attenuator, but after seeing this video I don't think it would be that much of an improvement and since I haven't had any issues with it, I think I'll just stick with what I have and save some money.
Well done. I think this is a very important demo. It's always informative to hear lower cost devices put up against those that are far more costly. Big eye or ear opener, however you want to look at it. We need more demos like this, especially to weed out the price gougers.
Great review - granted this is an older video but wanted to say that I’ve found the Bugera to be very useful when I practice/am on the road. Not wanting to lug around a lot of gear, I usually travel with a Princeton reverb that works really well with this attenuator. At home I use a Boss Waza TAE on my main recording gear but have found this little guy to be a perfect travel companion.
great review Phill, great demo, thank you for your time as always, Cheers
I went down the volume pedal route which I had never even considered until I stumbled across an old video of yours. Now I can play my evh lbx through my 4 x12 without annoying the family. Thank you for that tip!
You can use a volume pedal instead of an attenuater and it works just as well?
@@MrFoerster100 No.
@@TheGriff7628 in the effects loop
@@rudijurgens2166 it just works as a secondary master volume, the power tubes dont stay saturated. You need an attenuator to get the best effect.
@@MrFoerster100 It's a workaround kind of. It lets you drive the preamp section without raising the volume as much from the added preamp gain, and then you lower the volume in the fx loop before it hits the power section. This lets you get a bit more out of the power section since it is compensating for the lower volume of the preamp section. So, in general, your tubes are working harder. The attenuator, instead of taking out volume *between* the sections, takes the volume down *after* both sections but before it gets to the speaker(s). The attenuator gives you more flexibility ultimately, but the volume pedal method is a neat and handy trick that could get you some great sounds if you happen to have one lying around. Another thing is that the volume pedal needs a power supply usually, but not all attenuators do, so it could maybe add more clutter unless you go the battery route, and then you have to keep those changed.
Well done! Thank you for the great review.
Great demo! Thank you for your time making this comparison 🤘
I have a Torpedo Captor. At the time it was the only 4 Ohm load box I could find to work with the head unit I have. Works like a charm and with the VST for cab/mic emulation I have lot's of options for tones. Thumbs up.
The most straight forward and unbiased reviews on YT. I prefer the THD Hot Plate. I bought one each of the 4, 8 and 16 ohm units used for about the price of the Rock Crusher. My concern with the Bugera would durability. How well built and what quality of components can they be using if the device retails for $100? That is something to consider when you are pumping high wattage and current into this device and hoping it keeps it together to protect your favorite tube amp.
Thanks Phil, bought this Bugera after your review. Fantastic bit of kit!
I'm impressed! I kinda want to get a PRS MT15, but I'm only an at home hobbyist, so I knew it would be too much amp for that. But for $99, the Bugera can solve that issue pretty easily!
Thank you for this video Phillip, I need this info as I recently bought a 6505+ 112 combo, I love it but must get it under control to drive the amp high and hard but keep volumes agreeable. Love your show
I have the same amp.
I used to have a 1976 Peavey Classic and wanted one that was similar.
I miss the 76, but am liking the new one.
Goddamned powerhouse! I need an attenuator.
Nice I’ve been looking forward to this since you mentioned it in another video.
Thanks Phil. Time to buy the Bugera. Price wise you can’t go wrong.
Hey, Phil, contrata for the great work you’ve been putting up. I would like to see you testing the torpedo captor, which 2 notes claim can both attenuate and serve as a load box. Speaking of load boxes, what’s your take on Bluguitar products such as the BluBox, and the Amp1?
What an eye (and ear) opener!! Well done and very informative.
Thanks for the demo. Really good comparison.
Hey Phillip, I love your channel and I'm so glad you did this video. I just ordered a Vox AC10 and the Bugera. Sounds like I made a good choice!
I didn't care for the line out sound of either. I would like to hear to them eq'ed. Thanks for the video. It was real informative.
Collin the Plonker oh, yeah. Of course. The line out sound shows how important speaker and cab emulation would be if you wanted to record in this way. But, I’m sure it would sound good with decent emulation. (I’m just getting back into guitar after years away and I’m being blown away by how good so many types of emulation is these days.)
Line out on everything sucks. Mic your cabinet. Get real.
@@rockdaddy2168 and on tape
Hi, I use the Harley Benton clone of the Jettanuator and it works also perfectly as a load box for silent recording. Just disconnect the speaker cable and set dial at about 3 and connect line out to a cab simulator or IR plugin. Even without speaker connected the resistance is maintained on the amp side.
I have had my Bugera PS1 for about 2 weeks and I have had nothing but luck with it so far. It works wonders for my Jet City Custom 22. Now I need to save up for a Mini Rec!
This video really hit the spot! Thanks Phil!!! Rock on!!!
Love your videos! Many thanks
What a great video. Indeed i think the buguera sounds really good
Thanks Phil, I've been interested in attenuation for home recording using my Peavey Delta Blues and Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, because of feeling of authenticity if nothing else over software amps and you make a strong case for the Bugera and so I'm going to give it a close look. Thx again!
Thanks for the string volume reference.
If you put out a decibel reader out while you did this, it would have made so much more sense.
I just tried five different attenuators (Torpedo, OX, Palmer etc) with a Marshall 1959 and the Rivera is definitely worth the extra cost. The EQ is great and you're up and running with a great sound in no time. Solid keeper IMO. Beware of units with active fan cooling.
Does the Bugera have active fan cooling?
@@atomicdruid Bugera seems to be fanless. Some users claim it gets really hot, but that's what to expect w/o fans I guess.
Thanks Philip. I'm getting a 30watt amp head for Christmas and I'll be needing one of these as I'm just a beginner practicing in the house. No need to piss my wife or the neighbors off to bad😁. Looked on Amazon for reviews. Pretty hit and miss with the quality. Going to have to learn how to build my own.
the line out on the Rock Crusher reminds me of the guitar tone on Territorial Pissings by Nirvana
It's a reactive load vs a passive load. Reactive load actually has a speaker coil in the unit that reacts in the same way a speaker does in relationship to the amplifier. A working speaker's load is not constant and is constantly fluctuating in relation to input from the amplifier. This is the reason the cheaper passive unit (which is really nothing more than a resistor) gives that "squishy" sound. Also the passive attenuators put a real strain on your power section of your amplifier over the course of time because of the constant load that isn't working with the amplifier. It's best to save your money and get a good reactive attenuator.
Thanks for the tip dude.
I actually was thinking about this and after talking with my amp guy who says that any loadbox whatsoever is going to be harder on the amp than a speaker, I bought some car stereo speakers that were rated for the power my amp puts out and have my amp going to those through a behringer GDI. I have the speakers stuffed in a different area and they work with the amp while I get the direct sound from the di. Thinking of getting this or a two notes box to get more options because the GDI only has one output, and it's either cab sim or not. Would like this because I can listen to the cab sim to monitor and mix a better sound with some IRs after recording.
It's not a load box its an attenuator, there is a difference. When you use an attenuator the output is still hooked up to a speaker, which is a reactive load. The reason it sounds different has more to do with Fletcher-Munson curve and reduced movement of air.
I was using a Two Notes Torpedo Reload, which was awesome, but I only needed the attenuator. Moved it and got the Bugera PS1. The Bugera does roll off some highs, but it's always been something I can easily get back easily from most amps. I personally find that when attenuating amps, going for a low rated speaker can really help the sound.I usually drop from 2 50w GB style speakers to 1 or 2 G12H30's when attenuating amps at home or for smaller rooms.
Excellent review. This is what I need. Instead of buying a new amp I can get great tone from my 100w.
This was great man, thanks for this info!
Since this video came out 2 years ago there has been a flood of attenuator/load boxes enter the market . A lot of the newer ones also have cabinet simulators built into them. I bought the same Rivera Rock Crusher you reviewed in this video. Rivera also release an updated version of this (Rock Crusher Recording) which effectively simulates a cabinet with an EQ section. I noticed in your video the River Rock Crusher did not sound good when sent “direct out”. I am assuming this is why Rivera introduced the newer version with the cabinet EQ option. I use the Rivera Rock Crusher with Two Notes Torpedo Wall of Sound software in my DAW. And the Wall of Sound software effectively provides the cabinet simulation in my computer. I have noticed that since the introduction of the all these new products on the market that Rivera does not seem to get the same amount of airplay anymore relative to all the new products (Two Notes Torpedo, Suhr Reactive Load, Boss Waze, UA Ox, etc). It is almost as if the cabinet simulation portion of these new boxes receives more attention than the attenuator aspects. How do you think the Rivera Rock Crusher using cabinet simulation compares to some of these newer units?
Another kool video packed with right information. Thanks Phil.
Great info. A BASS on the wall!!!!
Thanks for the big knowledge drop!
I bought one of these because of this video. Thank you for your work.
Awesome new intro!
WOW... this was EXACTLY what I have been wondering about!!! THANKS!!! as always... Great Video!!! I am for sure getting the PS1 after watching and listing to what you had to say about it... keep doing what your doing Bro!!!
Great comparison. Thanks Phil. I have a Rivera amp and that thing is just amazing. In this case, though, I'd go with the Bugera or a Swart if I could find one.
Keep up the good wrk Phil love the vids
great review. thanks I have been looking for a attenuator and not wanting to spend allot. cheers and have a great day.
Good A/B comparison for a player who’s not an attenuator user, but curious about them and considering entering the market.👍
Big fan of Rivera amps, play my Fandango everyday.
The Rivera sounds like a metal zone pedal going direct into a pc. 😂
Thanks Phil ! I was just about to buy an attenuator and you saved me money .:-)
I instantly heard the difference between the two. Dont know if I could handle the dullness and lack of clarity in the bugera. I have the rockcrusher and its amazing
Just found a used Bugera online GC California. Hours and hours of research and this video sealed it. (Marshall sv20). Thank you
I just bought the sv20 as well and it's Loud , do you find that the Bugera takes away tone.
How do you like it for that sv20.
@@mikehumphrey5 I am on fourth attenuator. When deciding between Classic Studio and Vintage Studio - I honestly didn’t know what no master even meant. No sales person said - “with vintage you need a pedal or attenuator to get the crunch at home.”
First was JHS box that goes in fx loop. Made me say woah! Second was Bugera. I felt the tone squash but had fun. Third was torpedo captorx. Amazing but wanted more control than just 20db. Fourth was SPL reducer. Rad as hell and started band with it. (But no output for recording and passive so still squashed a bit) Fifth was Boss TAE and I am home cooking. Ok five.
@@mikehumphrey5 and for the record - I bought the classic too. Haven’t played as much as plexi/ vintage but it’s so damn wonderful.
Thank you I just bought a supersonic, I love the tones it can achieve but turns out its far too loud for my tiny room, definitely an oversight on my part lol. But this will solve that problem. Cheers!
Very helpful review Thanks!
I use a THD Hot Plate. Seems to work just fine.
Thanks for the cool review!
Thanks Phil for your non bias review. I really appreciate that you give credit where credit it due. I think some people's opinions would be colored by things like how expensive the gear is, it's brand name, where it's made etc. but you don't seem to allow those things to cloud your judgement. I have been considering an attenuator for my Friedman JJ Jr., and even though it's a 20W amp, it's really loud and I can't get it past 8 o'clock, which means I'm not pushing the power amp tubes. I was a little shocked by the huge price differences between attenuators, from the Bugera, to the Rockcrusher, to the Fryatte, and my mind immediately went to the "you get what you pay for" logic... which made me think that maybe the Bugera was a piece of junk. I'm glad to see from your review that that's far from the case. I think I will pick the Bugera up.
Hmmm... I've ignored attenuators because most good ones are more than I am willing to spend. But I really need one! :-) I think I'll give the little Bugera a go.
danmar007 same here Brother. Love having the power when you need it but at practice volumes, its tough to get the full tone of an amp. $100 is way more reasonable than the $500+ most attenuators are.
How good was it? I'm planning on getting one.
Brilliant demo
I have a Jettenuator and I like it. I also have a Two Notes Reload which is a more transparent attenuator (and has several other features), but I usually grab the Jettenuator because it's smaller and simpler.
ReggieDunlop I like both, but sometimes it is easier to not worry about powering the unit. I might buy a Jettenuator to see if it is the same as the Bugera.
Pretty sure they are exactly the same (other than color).
I bought two Bugeras for my stereo amp. Seems to be the best way to get more volume control at home and most new amps have them built-in now.
Yeah I needed this vid
Great video. Thank you. Helped alot.
I had the Jettenuator for a year. I sold it becouse of the tone loss that started to ennoy me bigtime. I got the Rockcrusher And i'm really really pleased with it. I use it to tame my Engl Blackmore and Marshall VIntageModern.
I use the line out al the time for silent home recording. The only thing you have to do is put a cab sim in your DAW. I use Two Notes free software for that...
I've been using a Rock Crusher for years and years. I tried the Hot Plate and the Marshall Power Brake and to my ears, they both sucked. It was expensive but I have no regrets.
Great video! Very helpful. Thanks.
Thanks for the nice review, as my jcm800 goes out to two 1960 cabinets, I need two attenuators... the bugera's budget makes it possible!
Hmmm, pretty sure Harley Benton have the same unit also. Pretty much a Jet City attenuator clone as well.
I wonder if a shootout of all 3 would yield different tonal results 🤔🤔🤔
Yeah basically there is 3 models under 100$ (Harley Benton, Jettenuator, Bugera) of the same type (maybe some slight mods in the Bugera with Ceramic resistor from some user feedback)
such a great review! I just bought one ! Thanks
Good information. Thank you making this video.
Thanks for the video Phillip, I always find them helpful. I'm a bit late seeing as though this video was posted two years ago but I'll take a chance. I have the Marshall Mosfet (yes I know it's SS but I heard an attenuator can help) the head was made to match the 1965 a&b cabs. So with two outputs for speakers on the head how would the Bugera handle two speakers?
Another great video Phillip.