This is literally the best video I've seen on the topic! You actually really know what you're talking about and that's awesome. Keep it up my dude! I've seen so many people say this is an attenuator when it's not, so people connect a load to this and then to headphones and blow up their rigs.
OMG MAN! I can't believe how many shit demonstrations I had to go through to get yours. Thank you for such a well-documented examination of this pedal. I will now buy one because of your demo. Josh at JHS should send you a gift for this video you've created. Happy New Year.
Mine's arriving today to tame my Hot Rod Deluxe! The amp has the volume knob of death - anything over 0,5 and my band members complain they can't hear the (accoustic!) drums.. Hoping this will allow me not only to play with the tubes but also consistently be able to dial in an appropriate volume for the room. Can't wait! Thanks for the video!
It's basically a passive audio taper pot at about 100K. Why it didn't dawn on me sooner I had one on my Metal Muff and could use it that way in my effects loop, blows my mind. My Carvin Nomad 50 just showed it's true colors Saturday night when I did this, and I finally got to hear my clean channel break up for the first time in 12 yrs since I bought the amp.Heaven to my ears, and no complaints from next door, that's always a good thing.
Glad to hear it! For a 15 watt amp, the MT-15 is a fire breathing dragon of volume. Using something like this will give you all kinds of bedroom level versatility!
FedEx man delivered mine today. I absolutely LOVE IT. • I dimed my Marshall DSL100H untra gain 1 and could turn the volume all the way off. As my ears could stand it I could crank it to where I was comfortable. • No buzzing or noise, perfect • High quality product with a high Ed pot Highly recommend running this in your fx loop. Do not hesitate to, it’s like $65 on zzounds or Sweetwater
My problem exactly! Have a Hot Rod Deluxe, super touch volume control at bedroom levels, got my LBAB today from Sweetwater. So excited to try it out in a few and hear my amp at sweet spot levels without blistering the paint on my guitar!! Thanks for the spot on review!!
Hey Jerry! If you're still here, can you please share your feedback on this little guy and how it works with your Hot Rod? I'm planning to buy one and wondering if I'll be able to play it in my bedroom using the LBAB.
Great video! I just bought a 6505+ 112 Combo out of pure nostalgia and it's already WAY too loud for me, but the 19 year old metalcore kid in me loves it dearly. I'll have to snap one of these up. Sweet Alcest shirt, btw!
Excellent video man! I have been using one of these little JHS boxes for a few years now and it's the cheapest solution for getting great tube amp tones at home. It gets pretty close to the performance of a quality attenuator for a fraction of the cost.
@@antibnl I think they will perform the same function with the only real difference AFAIK is that the signal pad is foot switchable. The signal pad uses a 9V battery but it appears that is just for the LED function. So I guess it depends on where you want to use the device. JHS LBAB is designed for use in a serial FX loop and the ads for the signal pad show it placed between your guitar and amp input. If you already have a volume pedal you could just put that in your loop and it will do the same thing. * Note that neither one of these devices is an 'attenuator' in the usual sense, as neither of them will dissipate power from your amp by converting to heat, etc. These devices are only meant to be in your effects chain. I find the JHS box works best in the FX loop, at the end of the chain (return). 🤘
On another video a guy used his EQ in the loop so I tried it. Worked like a charm. The only thing is you can’t go down to quiet, like your Marshall below 1. I took my DSL100H to 6 on Ultra Gain and with my EQ it lowered the volume to probably just below 2. I’m curious if you crank your big tube amp to say 5-7 or so, can you lower the volume to bedroom level? Wondering if this JHS box can lower my volume lower than my 7 band Boss EQ
Mine works great with my Supro BK12 It's about 25 watts as well One 6L6 So maxx the volume and master and it's loud as hell The LBAB works fantastic and at 45 bucks might as well No tone suck like an attenuator Good stuff 👍
Great video Adam, definitely going to get one of these. Been looking at those $400+ attenuators to keep the noise down on my 50w Fender Machete combo. The poor amp's volume has barely seen 10 o'clock (especially channel two with that much output) Glad I came across your video, will definitely save some money for what I need. I was worried about the tone with multiple effects in the fx loop and no other video but yours demonstrated that so nice work 👍
Hey 👋. Can this JHS little box be used safely with modulation pedals in the Effects loop? If yes, where should the JHS be ideally there? At the Start or at the end ? Thank you so much 🙏🙏🙏
Thanks for the video! I was planning on getting the MT15 funnily enough but was worried when I heard about the volume control. Looks like this might be the way to solve that issue.
Glad you enjoyed! Yes - the MT15 is an awesome amp but has a supremely touchy master volume. This will absolutely make it usable in a bedroom situation.
I just got this amp last weekend and just got this pedal yesterday lol. I’m going to be running a 2 channel noise suppressor so we’ll see how that works out
Hey, I'd just like to give you some constructive feedback, if I may! You mentioned a few things quite a few times, such as the position of where you put the amp box and stuff like that - you could possibly get your video times lower with the same amount of helpfulness that you provided in this video (which was absolutely AWESOME). You might get more views like that! That being said, this was EXTREMELY thorough and helpful. Thanks so much!!!
I had a sonzera 20. I used a compressor pedals in the loop as a volume. I know have a eminence with a movable voice coil to adjust how efficient the speaker is. They no longer make them but i have 1. I also have an l pad with a high pass. I like the compressor method
Thank you for the informative video ! In the end you mentioned that, it could be done with also an EQ pedal if there’s volume knob on it. I have a boss GE7 with the volume knob I believe I can do the same then ? :) thx
Awesome man! I have a Marshall DSL40 and while that has a half mode it’s missing it charm when cranked. My Little Black Amp Box is in the mail! Thanks!
Attenuators are awesome when you’re dealing with an amp that utilizes a lot of power amp distortion, but for these types of high gain amps where the preamp tubes provide most of the distortion, something like the JHS box is a good option. Especially since it’s cheap and may end up solving the issue without having to shell out hundreds (if not thousands) on an attenuator.
@@deltarider99Hi! Greetings from India 🙏. Need your help. Where should the JHS Box be exactly placed in the Effects loop - At the Start or the End ? Secondly, Can you use JHS little box with your Modulation pedals in the Effects loop?
@@Aditya_Paliwal_9hey there ! I typically run mine at the very end of the loop, after all pedals. I didn’t have any issues with modulation pedals in the loop, so you should be ok!!
Thanks bro, I’m going to try it with a Mess Boogie, Rectifier 150 watt . It’s something I didn’t even get yet , lol But it’s has no Multi watt setting ? Like some do. I’m buying it used. Note: I have The Triple Crown 50 watt And the volume knobs are really good To turn down ! It’s really cool You still get a great sound ! Thanks for a great video !! Really good JOB
I have a Marshall Silver Jubilee with an FX Loop. I have a delay, reverb, and EQ pedal that I put in my loop. Where do I put this in the signal chain? Would I put it before the EQ (so, first in the loop), or after the delay (so, last in the loop)? Thanks!
Hey there! I've always kept it at the very end of my loop - that being said, I have not experimented with placement in the chain though. The JHS site mentions something about it altering the "effect" of other pedals in your loop, so I interpret that as saying that placement might actually matter. For me, end of the loop meant it was conveniently placed on top of the amp so I could quickly make volume changes, so that's where it stayed. Thanks for watching!!
Dude ! Seymour Duncan parallel axis on a telecaster 🤘🔥🤘 love that pickup on my Jackson Brandon Ellis 👍 one of the best passive pickups IMO. Gotta pick up this JHS glorified volume pot ! Great video thanks
Very informative. Have you compared it to using a 10 - Band EQ in the loop, and adjust the frequency/volume/ gain accordingly ? Very well thought out video.Thank you
Hey - thanks for watching! I have tried the 10-band EQ (MXR 10 band) - they do pretty much the exact same thing from the perspective of managing output. I like the JHS box because it's compact so I can keep it on top of the amp and not have to reach down to the pedalboard to adjust volume. Plus the slider on the MXR is touchy, where the JHS is very smooth for making fine adjustments.
When you turned the loop on around 7:55 in the video, the SPL didn't really change at all, did it? Am I missing something? Sorry if my question is stupid. I am so new to all this. Will my Marshall be more quiet if I buy this, but it will still sound like it does when cranked? It has 3 12AX7s and 2 EL34s. Can I have other FX pedals in the loop with this? Sorry for my dumb questions.
I was excited about this pedal and approach, but I noticed on the JHS website that they recommend for this to be the only pedal in the effects loop as it will alter the sound of other pedals in the loop. That’s a shame or at least worth considering if folks do run other pedals like reverbs or delays in the effects loop already
I use a 2-channel Peavey Stereo Chorus 400 which only has an insert plug for each channel, OUT PRE/IN POWER AMP. There’s something in the manual about this single plug being a send/return loop with a TRS cable, where the tip is the pre out and the ring being the power amp in. Would you know if and how I can use this with my Peavey? Thanks
Thanks! And yep - that’s just the Archon. I will say that it’s the Archon through a v30 in a closed-back cab, which sounds completely different than just its combo cab, but yeah - she’s a beast. Thanks for watching!!
First of all thanks for the great review! You probably had this question ten times already and sorry if I missed it, but can you use this on an amp without an effects loop? Like just in the pedal chain? Thanks in advance !
Thanks! You can use this in front of an amp, but it won't work like you expect it will. Instead of controlling overall volume (like a master volume control), it'll instead control overall input gain that goes into the amp. So the volume in terms of db will stay the same; what changes will be the amount of gain that's fed into the amp. So - it probably won't solve for taming overall volume for a loud amp. Hope this helps out!!
Thanks for the video lots, of info. A couple of questions, Does the amp get hot at those low volumes or doed the JHS little black box take on the heat like an Attenuator ? And also are you using instrument (guitar) cables? Or do you need speaker cables? Thanks. Keep on rockin.
Hey - thanks! The black box doesn’t take any heat, so the amp will still get warm as it typically does. Instrument cables only (it works like any other pedal in your effects loop). Have a good one!
@alafenetre81 Yes, the effects have controls that can raise or lower the output/volume. This goes at the end of the effects loop to act as resistance to your cabinet. It will lower the overall Db level but won't affect the "effects". Just pretend it's the master volume on your amp head, but still allows the tubes to be driven
Thanks for the info. Sounds awesome. I wonder what that would do if it were just used to go between the speaker output cable and the speaker jack on a fender twin reverb. (since there is no effects loop.) Or would that even work?
Friend, your amp does have a master volume control, so why the black box helps you? Wasn’t the same effect as dialing the master volume of your amp? If you coul answer me you would help me a lot.
Hey there! The issue with the master is that the volume increases very quickly, and at low volumes the output is thin-sounding. Having the Black Box in the effects loop provides a more gradual volume taper so you can experience fuller-sounding tones at lower volumes. Hope that helps!
Hey there! I've never used the Signal Pad before but at first glance, they seem similar. I think that the benefit of the Signal Pad is that it has the footswitch so you can kick the volume boost on or off - that could be used if you're putting it in front of your amp to control preamp gain, or in the loop for volume changes. LBAB is more simplistic.
This might be perfect for my marshall class 5. It has no master volume so the only way to get that saturation is to crank it. However, it is extremely loud even for just 5 watts.
How did this work out for you? Im now wondering about this pedal also as my newly aqcuired sv20h will only hit those sweet spots cranked up! I tried an attenuator and tye low end is like a bad fuzz pedal.
I have a Joyo Bantamp Jackman II. I'll give it a try to the LBAB. My question is: do you think it may work better with a solid state power amp? I can only assume for now that the distortion of the Joyo comes from the preamp (fwiw I also use a Boss DS-2)
Hello! Shouldn't matter if the amp is tube or solid state - as long as it has an fx loop and gets most of its gain from the preamp stage (that particular Joyo looks like it does), you should be able to benefit from the black box!
I've got a HRD IV amp and hoping to make use of this JHS pedal. Would you expect that while using it with your amp it adds any noise? I had a unit I ended up returning because no matter what even at 0 the pedal added a good hum, particularly noticeable when you aren't playing.
Hey - thanks for the question! I've noticed no additional noise from the pedal. Only adverse effect is that it tends to take a bit of your top end when turned down to extremely low volumes.
Just found this! Question...I have 4 pedals in the fx loop and 3 going into the front end, does the LBAB quieten everything down or ??? Thanks in advance
Hey there! I have 3 in the FX loop, and then 7 in front of the Archon. I run the LBAB at the very end of the loop, and I haven't experienced any volume issues. It works great to lower the overall volume without doing anything fishy.
think i get similar reasults with a clean boost pedal (TC Spark Booster) in the effects loop of my Marshall DSL20 ...cool video, i give the amp box a try ;)
Yep! I have a mix of pedals in front of the amp and in the effects loop and it works fine. My only recommendation would be that the Black Box should be at the very end of the effects loop.
So you can get the tube saturation with that pedal and you can crank your amp really loud ,and still the Volume will be at bedroom levels so its does the job of a attenuator .Did you notice any difference in the sound with and without the pedal?
Not power amp tube saturation. If anything, you'll get preamp tube saturation at lower levels. This won't be the same as an attenuator, but if you have an amp with a touchy master volume (or no master volume) and you need to have better control on overall volumes, this will help. Outside of overall volume, the only difference I noticed is that my amp is a bit darker sounding at the lowest levels.
Will this help with my blues jnr? It’s my favourite tube amp but there so god damn loud! Sweet spot is when master is on 5 and volume around 8 any louder and I’m getting complaints
Awesome! I just wanted to double check, do I need an effects loop channel through the back of the amp to use this pedal? My old(er) Peavey 50 Watt came out in the early 90s, just before they added the effects loop. Is there still a way to use this box? Thank you! 🎸👍🏻
I think you would need the effects loop. I'm not sure if it'd work (or at least work as intended) without putting it in the effects loop. Might be a good question for the folks at JHS!
It's similar - the Signal Pad has the footswitch that allows you to instantly boost/attenuate the signal (think more like a solo boost). But the concept is the same, especially if you drop it in the effects loop. I think EHX markets it as something you'd put in front of your amp, where it would impact your gain level (like a guitar volume knob) rather than dropping overall volume of your amp for quieter playing.
Can you use the JHS Little Black Amp Box in addition to an attenuator? Also it seems like you could place it on your pedalboard instead of on top of the amp. Thanks!
That’s a really cool idea - I suppose you could. You could use the attenuator to push the power tubes, and then the JHS sits in the fx loop to control the overall volume. It can absolutely sit on the pedalboard if you don’t fiddle with the volume knob too much; I like it on top of the amp so I can quickly adjust volume levels if needed.
Instrument cable for sure. Don't use a speaker cable. Make sure the cable you have coming from your FX loop "send" is plugged into the right side of the cable (the jack nearest to the graphic on the device) and the cable from your FX loop "return" is plugged into the left side. You could also just plug it in front of your amp (guitar -> cable -> JHS -> cable -> amp) to verify that it's functioning properly.
Hey man I'm a bass player and I've just bought a massive solid state ashdown amp with no master volume and I've only played it outside cos it doesn't really do quiet, do you think this would work well? Love the vid btw
Awesome! Does the amp have an effects loop? If so, it should work great. If it doesn't have a loop, it might (?). I say "might" because in front of a guitar amp, it really only impacts the input gain, and not overall volume.
Has the very low volume (like when you hear the strings over the amp) still have good enough tone to record with a mic into the interface? I'm guessing you'd have to find the sweet spot so the mic won't pick up the string sounds.
Hello Adam, usefull review , I would like to buy a Marshall DSL20HR, for the construction type of the amplifier the JHS could be used or not? Would an attenuator be better? I'd like to use the head at a bedroom level because I live in a small condo, the Marshall has a shunt to switch from 20 to 10 watt but still loud, maybe Peavey 6505MH Will Be Better? Thank you
Hello! Yes- that amp has an effects loop so you will be able to achieve the same results that I showed in the video. In my experience, the wattage control affects the “feel” of the amplifier but not necessarily the volume levels ( this is where the black box comes in handy). The 6505mh is an exception because that one has the 1-watt mode which gets super quiet! You’ll be ok either way, so it probably comes down to the sound you’re looking for; the Marshall will likely give you more of a range of classic tones, while the Peavey will be very modern sounding. Good luck!!
I had a DSL 20 and used a similar product from Loopi Pedals here in Australia. I could crank the volume of the amp and set volume on the pedal to an apartment suitable level while still keeping that great Marshall tone. It basically acts as a master volume on the DSL’s through the effects loop. I sold the DSL20 and bought a Peavey Mh. With the wattage switch you can still play at a reasonable apartment level without affecting the tone. I also run a line 6 HX Stomp through the effects loop (more options for amp tones) as well as 4cable method for effects… those little 20w are still f’n loud!!
Hey there! They look like they both do the exact same thing; the Donner also has that foot switch which I think lets you have a volume preset for solo boosts and such. Don’t have much experience with Donner pedals so can’t speak to their build quality. Still happily using the JHS though!
Great question! I had an MXR 10-band for a while and you’re right; the EQs do the same thing with the volume control. In my situation, I just wanted something a bit simpler.
thanks for this. I found a sweet deal on a peavey 6505+ combo but really cannot crank a tube amp where I live. I guess I'm gonna pull the trigger on the peavey now
@@ESPE2M1 did you ever try moving to a rural area? I used to live in the middle of nowhere with my drummer and a full stack, we would take drugs and jam at 5 am, no complaints from anyone. Definitely recommend no neighbors, and drugs.
So I have the ISP decimator pro rack G noise suppressor, which is 2 channels (1 channel for front of amp, 1 channel for effects loop) will I have any issues running this JHS pedal in the loop WITH the noise suppressor as well?
I believe so, but it will work best with amps that have a serial effects loop. I recall reading something about it not working as expected on an amp with a parallel effects loop.
I just bought an Orange OR15 and am wondering if I need something like this, or if it'd really make a difference. The amp has a volume and gain so I can turn the amp down very low and crank the gain and still get major crunch if wanted, or vice versa for cleans but would something like this benefit me, being able to crank the volume and then use this in the FX loop to lower it?
Yep - I think it would help to lower the overall volume and reduce the fizz you probably get when you crank the gain and drop the master volume. I had a TH30 years ago that I think would have benefited from something like this.
@@vovokidx9691 it depends. Typically, attenuators work really well if you’re trying to get additional power tube saturation without pushing your amp to ear-bleeding levels. In the video, I’m using the volume box to bring overall volume levels down without gaining any extra saturation. I think it also depends on the type of amp you have; this volume box works really well for amps that don’t have a master volume (or have super touchy master volumes), or high gain amps that rely more on preamp gain as opposed to power amp gain. Hope that helps!
Can someone make a video on how to get full amp tones using guitar pedals into a bedroom level Fender Deluxe Reverb amp, and please use a DB meter! No Attenuator! Which guitar pickups, single coil or humbuckers? Should you clip the volume pot cap?
Have you found a way? Doesn't it have a master volume (not familiar with the amp)? If not, this thing is the way for bedroom amp tones. or chuck an EQ in the loop, crank amp and adjust volume on EQ...which is exactly the same as this thing, other than ability to EQ.
@@1redgate8 WE DON'T HAVE EFFECTS LOOP ON OUR AMPS!!!!!!! Yes, there are many ways! 1. If recording, you could use Nembrini amp plugins (sound great). 2. Use a real tube amp with attenuator. Trainwreck Airbrake sounds great but slight artifacts and is really designed for 8ohm setup, but works with 4 and 16 ohms. I just didn't want to risk ruining vintage Vox and Marshall, so just got Tone King Ironman ll. 3. Here's a cool trick we used on Fender Deluxe, put your pedals going into a volume box (ours is home made with a 500ohm potentiometer), then crank your amp to volume 6. You'll get a little bit of noise/hum, it gets the preamp section cooking a bit!
Unfortunately, you may not be able to use this. I’ve done some testing with the LBAB in front of an amp; it really only impacts preamp gain in that scenario so it won’t give you the volume reduction that you’d get with the box in the FX loop. Depending on your playing style, you could either go the attenuator route or possibly put a drive pedal out in front of your amp with a master volume control (obviously that would only work if you have the drive pedal engaged). Good luck!
So at the lowest volume setting, you're still hitting ~70db? That would still be well above "household noise level", which sort of defeats the purpose. How hard were you hitting the power amp in this demo - could you have backed off the master volume of the amp a bit to get ever quieter, or were you already at the point where less master output would have meant losing the tone?
Hey there! Yes - it could have gone lower. The master was about 10:00 which is a painful 110 db in my office. I could have backed off the master to around 9:00- with the black box engaged, you’d probably be able to get into the 60s. Lucky for me, my kids are grown to the point where I can get into the 80s without complaint. I typically use the black box to get it to a level in my office where its still loud and full, but not to the point where it’s causing pain or ear damage. Hope that helps!!
Ok, call me an idiot, but HOW do I connect this thing if I don't have a pedal board just a guitar going into the amp or what if I don't have an fx loop?
It's a great question! You'd connect it in between your guitar and amp - so you'd have your guitar -> cable -> box -> another cable -> amp. However - without an FX loop, you won't get the desired output volume reduction. In front of an amp, all it will do is lower and raise your preamp gain. A neat trick, but won't do what I showed in the video unfortunately.
Will this work if your amp doesn't have an FX loop? Can I run it like any other pedal? I have an older amp without a loop, but could use something like this.
@Chris Nyr Thanks for the kind words! Correct - this won't work for you on the TT. You'd be better off with a proper attenuator if you're looking to knock some volume off.
It's a volume pot in a box with an input and output.................................You can make one for peanuts, in fact the metal box is probably the most expensive part of the whole thing. You can do the very same thing with a volume pedal, EQ pedal (with a volume) or any pedal with a master volume at the end of it's signal chain. Hell putting a EQ pedal at the end of your signal chain in the effects loop has been solid advice for years. If the EQ has a volume control, you already have this passive attenuator built in. All it does is take the preamp signal and put a master volume on it before it hits the power section. Your still NOT saturating the power tubes and getting their natural distortion and harmonics which means you leaving some of the tone behind. A proper attenuator is more expensive and marginally harder to install..................You simply put inline between the speaker out put and speaker with the same connectors (on most amps) Then you saturate both sections of the amp, and then dial down the desired volume level and the rest of the power is turned to safe heat. If your a bedroom rocker, buy smaller watt tube amps, tube amps with a master volume, or a proper attenuator to control the volume. Just me 2 cents..................If you spent a $1000+ on a tube amp, a $300 attenuator is nothing at that point and probably better for it than this. Besides a good attenuator will always hold their value, and usually worth 75% of what you paid for it used anyway.
Great points, Cameron! For the Archon, the power amp tubes don’t really factor into the tonal equation (plus the channel volume on the lead channel is a tad touchy), so the JHS box worked for me. But yeah, attenuator can be a great option especially when you need to cook the power section at low volume!!
@@deltarider99 - Well for those running Marshalls or Vox AC amps the power tubes are just as important as the preamp tubes and add to the tone. So a proper attenuator is necessary. My HotRod Deluxe is a clean pedal amp (for me), so normal volume is just fine and use pedals to get the distortion you want.
Awesome! I’m considering this with my bassbreaker and Orange jim root especially. It needs volume. Also Vheissu is one of my favorites. Thrice are awesome
I had an Orange Dark Terror and a TH30 years ago - I wish I would have had something like this to tame the volume (especially the DT, that thing was crazy loud).
This is literally the best video I've seen on the topic! You actually really know what you're talking about and that's awesome. Keep it up my dude! I've seen so many people say this is an attenuator when it's not, so people connect a load to this and then to headphones and blow up their rigs.
OMG MAN! I can't believe how many shit demonstrations I had to go through to get yours. Thank you for such a well-documented examination of this pedal. I will now buy one because of your demo. Josh at JHS should send you a gift for this video you've created. Happy New Year.
Mine's arriving today to tame my Hot Rod Deluxe! The amp has the volume knob of death - anything over 0,5 and my band members complain they can't hear the (accoustic!) drums.. Hoping this will allow me not only to play with the tubes but also consistently be able to dial in an appropriate volume for the room. Can't wait! Thanks for the video!
How did it work out? Did it make a difference and were you happy with it?
I made a clone (less than 10$ parts)and it works fantastic. Now my amp sounds so juicy on bedroom level.
Greetings from the Polish Coast
It's basically a passive audio taper pot at about 100K. Why it didn't dawn on me sooner I had one on my Metal Muff and could use it that way in my effects loop, blows my mind. My Carvin Nomad 50 just showed it's true colors Saturday night when I did this, and I finally got to hear my clean channel break up for the first time in 12 yrs since I bought the amp.Heaven to my ears, and no complaints from next door, that's always a good thing.
Nicely done! I wish I would have used something like this years ago.
@@deltarider99 You and me both. I feel like an idiot savant for not figuring this out sooner, lol. Peace.
We've all just been plugging volume pedals into our effectloops.
@@deltarider99
Thank you so much dude! I was worried about messing up the input chain and damaging my pedals. Have good day. Chris (Surrey, UK) :D
mentioning the PRS MT-15 felt really validating! that's my new baby and it's exactly why i'm here watching this video
Glad to hear it! For a 15 watt amp, the MT-15 is a fire breathing dragon of volume. Using something like this will give you all kinds of bedroom level versatility!
Finally a proper demo of this product. Looking forward to get mine for my JTM Studio 😊
FedEx man delivered mine today. I absolutely LOVE IT.
• I dimed my Marshall DSL100H untra gain 1 and could turn the volume all the way off. As my ears could stand it I could crank it to where I was comfortable.
• No buzzing or noise, perfect
• High quality product with a high Ed pot
Highly recommend running this in your fx loop. Do not hesitate to, it’s like $65 on zzounds or Sweetwater
Love to hear this! It’s a game changer for sure.
@@deltarider99 it really is. Rare is it a very affordable simple device delivers so much.
Got one of these a year or so ago for my Marshall DSL40C. Awesome little gadget
THANKYOU! For anyone playing at home, ANY test run needs the DB shown, otherwise we have no perspective.
My problem exactly! Have a Hot Rod Deluxe, super touch volume control at bedroom levels, got my LBAB today from Sweetwater. So excited to try it out in a few and hear my amp at sweet spot levels without blistering the paint on my guitar!! Thanks for the spot on review!!
Hey Jerry! If you're still here, can you please share your feedback on this little guy and how it works with your Hot Rod? I'm planning to buy one and wondering if I'll be able to play it in my bedroom using the LBAB.
An eq pedal will also work wonders in keeping your high frequencies when using the JHS
That's a solid recommendation for me to add an EQ pedal to my board :)
I use a modeler with an expression pedal. I assign the pedal to a volume pedal and run the modeler through the FX loop. It works perfectly.
I'll definitely try. Thanks
Great video! I just bought a 6505+ 112 Combo out of pure nostalgia and it's already WAY too loud for me, but the 19 year old metalcore kid in me loves it dearly. I'll have to snap one of these up. Sweet Alcest shirt, btw!
Thank you! I had a 6505 combo about 15 years ago - loved it but so loud. The JHS will be perfect to tame the volumes for the chuggy breakdowns :)
Excellent video man! I have been using one of these little JHS boxes for a few years now and it's the cheapest solution for getting great tube amp tones at home. It gets pretty close to the performance of a quality attenuator for a fraction of the cost.
Thanks for the kind words! Yep - it's always on in my rig. Absolutely crucial!
Excelent review, Adam. Adam and ziggy, you guys think this pedal is the same as ehx signal pad?
@@antibnl I think they will perform the same function with the only real difference AFAIK is that the signal pad is foot switchable. The signal pad uses a 9V battery but it appears that is just for the LED function. So I guess it depends on where you want to use the device. JHS LBAB is designed for use in a serial FX loop and the ads for the signal pad show it placed between your guitar and amp input. If you already have a volume pedal you could just put that in your loop and it will do the same thing.
* Note that neither one of these devices is an 'attenuator' in the usual sense, as neither of them will dissipate power from your amp by converting to heat, etc. These devices are only meant to be in your effects chain.
I find the JHS box works best in the FX loop, at the end of the chain (return). 🤘
@@ziggyz2958 tks a lot. Gonna try the jhs
Finally a review with a decibel meter
This is the best demo I've ever seen 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Excellent demo, can't wait to try this box with my Soldano
On another video a guy used his EQ in the loop so I tried it. Worked like a charm. The only thing is you can’t go down to quiet, like your Marshall below 1. I took my DSL100H to 6 on Ultra Gain and with my EQ it lowered the volume to probably just below 2. I’m curious if you crank your big tube amp to say 5-7 or so, can you lower the volume to bedroom level? Wondering if this JHS box can lower my volume lower than my 7 band Boss EQ
Stumble upon this video today, Thanks! I just subscribed because you have a Vhiessu poster in the background!
That album is a masterpiece. I have most of “For Miles” tattooed on my arm. Thanks for the sub!!
@@deltarider99 Nice! My fave album by my fave band, though all their work is great.
Mine works great with my Supro BK12 It's about 25 watts as well One 6L6 So maxx the volume and master and it's loud as hell The LBAB works fantastic and at 45 bucks might as well No tone suck like an attenuator Good stuff 👍
Great video Adam, definitely going to get one of these. Been looking at those $400+ attenuators to keep the noise down on my 50w Fender Machete combo. The poor amp's volume has barely seen 10 o'clock (especially channel two with that much output) Glad I came across your video, will definitely save some money for what I need. I was worried about the tone with multiple effects in the fx loop and no other video but yours demonstrated that so nice work 👍
Hey 👋. Can this JHS little box be used safely with modulation pedals in the Effects loop? If yes, where should the JHS be ideally there? At the Start or at the end ? Thank you so much 🙏🙏🙏
Thanks for the video! I was planning on getting the MT15 funnily enough but was worried when I heard about the volume control. Looks like this might be the way to solve that issue.
Glad you enjoyed! Yes - the MT15 is an awesome amp but has a supremely touchy master volume. This will absolutely make it usable in a bedroom situation.
I just got this amp last weekend and just got this pedal yesterday lol. I’m going to be running a 2 channel noise suppressor so we’ll see how that works out
My thoughts exactly
Adam - Great explanation thank you for this!
Just ordered one now! I noticed they raised the price on it in most stores except one store.
Whoa! Just saw that - wonder if it’s supply chain-related.
Hey, I'd just like to give you some constructive feedback, if I may! You mentioned a few things quite a few times, such as the position of where you put the amp box and stuff like that - you could possibly get your video times lower with the same amount of helpfulness that you provided in this video (which was absolutely AWESOME). You might get more views like that! That being said, this was EXTREMELY thorough and helpful. Thanks so much!!!
Really appreciate the feedback and the nice comments, man!
I had a sonzera 20. I used a compressor pedals in the loop as a volume. I know have a eminence with a movable voice coil to adjust how efficient the speaker is. They no longer make them but i have 1. I also have an l pad with a high pass. I like the compressor method
Just ordered one! Thanks for explaining the hook up too.
Sweet tone man! Great video I just bought one after watching this video thanks!
Thank you for the informative video ! In the end you mentioned that, it could be done with also an EQ pedal if there’s volume knob on it. I have a boss GE7 with the volume knob I believe I can do the same then ? :) thx
Yep! That will work.
Awesome man! I have a Marshall DSL40 and while that has a half mode it’s missing it charm when cranked. My Little Black Amp Box is in the mail! Thanks!
I was looking at a more expensive attenuator and think I may go this way. JHS makes awesome quality products
Attenuators are awesome when you’re dealing with an amp that utilizes a lot of power amp distortion, but for these types of high gain amps where the preamp tubes provide most of the distortion, something like the JHS box is a good option. Especially since it’s cheap and may end up solving the issue without having to shell out hundreds (if not thousands) on an attenuator.
@@deltarider99Hi! Greetings from India 🙏. Need your help. Where should the JHS Box be exactly placed in the Effects loop - At the Start or the End ? Secondly, Can you use JHS little box with your Modulation pedals in the Effects loop?
@@Aditya_Paliwal_9hey there ! I typically run mine at the very end of the loop, after all pedals. I didn’t have any issues with modulation pedals in the loop, so you should be ok!!
Damn Dude I love that riff and that sound 🤟❤️🔥
Thanks bro, I’m going to try it with a Mess Boogie, Rectifier 150 watt .
It’s something I didn’t even get yet , lol
But it’s has no Multi watt setting ?
Like some do. I’m buying it used.
Note: I have The Triple Crown 50 watt
And the volume knobs are really good
To turn down ! It’s really cool
You still get a great sound !
Thanks for a great video !! Really good JOB
Hello. How'd it go? Does it work well with high wattage mesa rectifiers? I'm thinking about using one of these with my Dual Rectifier.
I have a Marshall Silver Jubilee with an FX Loop. I have a delay, reverb, and EQ pedal that I put in my loop. Where do I put this in the signal chain? Would I put it before the EQ (so, first in the loop), or after the delay (so, last in the loop)? Thanks!
Hey there! I've always kept it at the very end of my loop - that being said, I have not experimented with placement in the chain though. The JHS site mentions something about it altering the "effect" of other pedals in your loop, so I interpret that as saying that placement might actually matter. For me, end of the loop meant it was conveniently placed on top of the amp so I could quickly make volume changes, so that's where it stayed. Thanks for watching!!
Dude ! Seymour Duncan parallel axis on a telecaster 🤘🔥🤘 love that pickup on my Jackson Brandon Ellis 👍 one of the best passive pickups IMO. Gotta pick up this JHS glorified volume pot ! Great video thanks
Very informative. Have you compared it to using a 10 - Band EQ in the loop, and adjust the frequency/volume/ gain accordingly ?
Very well thought out video.Thank you
Hey - thanks for watching! I have tried the 10-band EQ (MXR 10 band) - they do pretty much the exact same thing from the perspective of managing output. I like the JHS box because it's compact so I can keep it on top of the amp and not have to reach down to the pedalboard to adjust volume. Plus the slider on the MXR is touchy, where the JHS is very smooth for making fine adjustments.
Can you do this with a boss ge7 by just lowering the level slider?
Yep! As long as the EQ is in the loop, that’ll do the same thing as the JHS box.
Thank you brother!Mine is in my mailbox waiting my return.Very helpful indeed.Subscribed.
When you turned the loop on around 7:55 in the video, the SPL didn't really change at all, did it? Am I missing something? Sorry if my question is stupid. I am so new to all this. Will my Marshall be more quiet if I buy this, but it will still sound like it does when cranked? It has 3 12AX7s and 2 EL34s. Can I have other FX pedals in the loop with this? Sorry for my dumb questions.
I was excited about this pedal and approach, but I noticed on the JHS website that they recommend for this to be the only pedal in the effects loop as it will alter the sound of other pedals in the loop. That’s a shame or at least worth considering if folks do run other pedals like reverbs or delays in the effects loop already
there’s a small impact but it’s not as significant as their documentation makes it out to be.
I use a 2-channel Peavey Stereo Chorus 400 which only has an insert plug for each channel, OUT PRE/IN POWER AMP. There’s something in the manual about this single plug being a send/return loop with a TRS cable, where the tip is the pre out and the ring being the power amp in. Would you know if and how I can use this with my Peavey? Thanks
Youve got incredible tone. Thats just the amp?! Wow
Thanks! And yep - that’s just the Archon. I will say that it’s the Archon through a v30 in a closed-back cab, which sounds completely different than just its combo cab, but yeah - she’s a beast. Thanks for watching!!
It's certainly a more affordable option than a $400 Tone King Iron Man II (for
First of all thanks for the great review! You probably had this question ten times already and sorry if I missed it, but can you use this on an amp without an effects loop? Like just in the pedal chain? Thanks in advance !
Thanks! You can use this in front of an amp, but it won't work like you expect it will. Instead of controlling overall volume (like a master volume control), it'll instead control overall input gain that goes into the amp. So the volume in terms of db will stay the same; what changes will be the amount of gain that's fed into the amp. So - it probably won't solve for taming overall volume for a loud amp. Hope this helps out!!
@@deltarider99 thanks a lot!
Question, would my EHX linear power boost pedal do the same?
How is it different?
Thanks
Thanks for the video lots, of info.
A couple of questions,
Does the amp get hot at those low volumes or doed the JHS little black box take on the heat like an Attenuator ?
And also are you using instrument (guitar) cables? Or do you need speaker cables? Thanks. Keep on rockin.
Hey - thanks! The black box doesn’t take any heat, so the amp will still get warm as it typically does. Instrument cables only (it works like any other pedal in your effects loop). Have a good one!
Thanks 👍
But if you put the box after the effect pedals, does it reduce the volume of the effects as well? Thank you!
The effects don't have "volume". Lol
@@CloudfeatherRusticWorks You have things to learn apparently...
@alafenetre81 Yes, the effects have controls that can raise or lower the output/volume.
This goes at the end of the effects loop to act as resistance to your cabinet. It will lower the overall Db level but won't affect the "effects".
Just pretend it's the master volume on your amp head, but still allows the tubes to be driven
Thanks for the info. Sounds awesome. I wonder what that would do if it were just used to go between the speaker output cable and the speaker jack on a fender twin reverb. (since there is no effects loop.) Or would that even work?
Don’t try that! You would do serious damage to the amp. This doesn’t provide a load like an attenuator does.
Friend, your amp does have a master volume control, so why the black box helps you? Wasn’t the same effect as dialing the master volume of your amp? If you coul answer me you would help me a lot.
Hey there! The issue with the master is that the volume increases very quickly, and at low volumes the output is thin-sounding. Having the Black Box in the effects loop provides a more gradual volume taper so you can experience fuller-sounding tones at lower volumes. Hope that helps!
Adam, Is the LBAB the same as the Electro-Harmonix Signal Pad. If so, how do they compare? I believe the signal pad has been around longer. Thanks
Hey there! I've never used the Signal Pad before but at first glance, they seem similar. I think that the benefit of the Signal Pad is that it has the footswitch so you can kick the volume boost on or off - that could be used if you're putting it in front of your amp to control preamp gain, or in the loop for volume changes. LBAB is more simplistic.
Can you still use the tone controls on the amp? Or just the presence and reverb?
Yep! All tone controls will still work.
archon sounds good.
This might be perfect for my marshall class 5. It has no master volume so the only way to get that saturation is to crank it. However, it is extremely loud even for just 5 watts.
How did this work out for you? Im now wondering about this pedal also as my newly aqcuired sv20h will only hit those sweet spots cranked up! I tried an attenuator and tye low end is like a bad fuzz pedal.
I have a Joyo Bantamp Jackman II. I'll give it a try to the LBAB. My question is: do you think it may work better with a solid state power amp? I can only assume for now that the distortion of the Joyo comes from the preamp (fwiw I also use a Boss DS-2)
Hello! Shouldn't matter if the amp is tube or solid state - as long as it has an fx loop and gets most of its gain from the preamp stage (that particular Joyo looks like it does), you should be able to benefit from the black box!
I've got a HRD IV amp and hoping to make use of this JHS pedal. Would you expect that while using it with your amp it adds any noise? I had a unit I ended up returning because no matter what even at 0 the pedal added a good hum, particularly noticeable when you aren't playing.
Hey - thanks for the question! I've noticed no additional noise from the pedal. Only adverse effect is that it tends to take a bit of your top end when turned down to extremely low volumes.
Just found this! Question...I have 4 pedals in the fx loop and 3 going into the front end, does the LBAB quieten everything down or ??? Thanks in advance
Hey there! I have 3 in the FX loop, and then 7 in front of the Archon. I run the LBAB at the very end of the loop, and I haven't experienced any volume issues. It works great to lower the overall volume without doing anything fishy.
@@deltarider99 many thanks and for the quick reply I'm definitely going to subscribe to the channel 😀 👍
Great job! There is a huge pile of absolute garbage demos of this product on UA-cam. You did an excellent job! Thanks. 👍
Thanks for the review! Now I need to buy one!
Thank you for the demo!
think i get similar reasults with a clean boost pedal (TC Spark Booster) in the effects loop of my Marshall DSL20 ...cool video, i give the amp box a try ;)
Thank you for this review~ Would it still work if you also (in addition to the Effects Loop) had effects plugged directly (in front of) the amp?
Yep! I have a mix of pedals in front of the amp and in the effects loop and it works fine. My only recommendation would be that the Black Box should be at the very end of the effects loop.
If all my pedals are in front of the amp will this work as effectively as the only pedal in the effects loop
So you can get the tube saturation with that pedal and you can crank your amp really loud ,and still the Volume will be at bedroom levels so its does the job of a attenuator .Did you notice any difference in the sound with and without the pedal?
Not power amp tube saturation. If anything, you'll get preamp tube saturation at lower levels. This won't be the same as an attenuator, but if you have an amp with a touchy master volume (or no master volume) and you need to have better control on overall volumes, this will help. Outside of overall volume, the only difference I noticed is that my amp is a bit darker sounding at the lowest levels.
Sonic maxmizer is the💣..PLAY ON..🎸🔥😎
Truth
Will this help with my blues jnr? It’s my favourite tube amp but there so god damn loud! Sweet spot is when master is on 5 and volume around 8 any louder and I’m getting complaints
Nope, your amp needs an FX loop. Try an attenuator for the Blues Junior. I used the Bugera PS1
i am planning to buy an marshall sv20c. i guess this would be a good option because this Plexi style combo amp has no master volume
Yep - this will do the trick to keep the volumes manageable!
Awesome! I just wanted to double check, do I need an effects loop channel through the back of the amp to use this pedal? My old(er) Peavey 50 Watt came out in the early 90s, just before they added the effects loop. Is there still a way to use this box? Thank you! 🎸👍🏻
I think you would need the effects loop. I'm not sure if it'd work (or at least work as intended) without putting it in the effects loop. Might be a good question for the folks at JHS!
You definitely need a series effects loop
This pedal has the same function that ehx signal pad?
It's similar - the Signal Pad has the footswitch that allows you to instantly boost/attenuate the signal (think more like a solo boost). But the concept is the same, especially if you drop it in the effects loop. I think EHX markets it as something you'd put in front of your amp, where it would impact your gain level (like a guitar volume knob) rather than dropping overall volume of your amp for quieter playing.
@@deltarider99 tks for the answer, Adam. The ehx is a little more cheap. Thinking in trying tô put in fx loop.
Can you use the JHS Little Black Amp Box in addition to an attenuator? Also it seems like you could place it on your pedalboard instead of on top of the amp. Thanks!
That’s a really cool idea - I suppose you could. You could use the attenuator to push the power tubes, and then the JHS sits in the fx loop to control the overall volume. It can absolutely sit on the pedalboard if you don’t fiddle with the volume knob too much; I like it on top of the amp so I can quickly adjust volume levels if needed.
Mine isn’t working. Do you need to use a speaker cable or can you use a normal instrument cable
Instrument cable for sure. Don't use a speaker cable. Make sure the cable you have coming from your FX loop "send" is plugged into the right side of the cable (the jack nearest to the graphic on the device) and the cable from your FX loop "return" is plugged into the left side. You could also just plug it in front of your amp (guitar -> cable -> JHS -> cable -> amp) to verify that it's functioning properly.
Hey man I'm a bass player and I've just bought a massive solid state ashdown amp with no master volume and I've only played it outside cos it doesn't really do quiet, do you think this would work well? Love the vid btw
Awesome! Does the amp have an effects loop? If so, it should work great. If it doesn't have a loop, it might (?). I say "might" because in front of a guitar amp, it really only impacts the input gain, and not overall volume.
@@deltarider99 it does thanks Adam great help!
Has the very low volume (like when you hear the strings over the amp) still have good enough tone to record with a mic into the interface? I'm guessing you'd have to find the sweet spot so the mic won't pick up the string sounds.
Hello Adam, usefull review , I would like to buy a Marshall DSL20HR, for the construction type of the amplifier the JHS could be used or not? Would an attenuator be better?
I'd like to use the head at a bedroom level because I live in a small condo, the Marshall has a shunt to switch from 20 to 10 watt but still loud, maybe Peavey 6505MH Will Be Better?
Thank you
Hello! Yes- that amp has an effects loop so you will be able to achieve the same results that I showed in the video. In my experience, the wattage control affects the “feel” of the amplifier but not necessarily the volume levels ( this is where the black box comes in handy). The 6505mh is an exception because that one has the 1-watt mode which gets super quiet! You’ll be ok either way, so it probably comes down to the sound you’re looking for; the Marshall will likely give you more of a range of classic tones, while the Peavey will be very modern sounding. Good luck!!
@@deltarider99 Thanks I really appreciate your help
I had a DSL 20 and used a similar product from Loopi Pedals here in Australia. I could crank the volume of the amp and set volume on the pedal to an apartment suitable level while still keeping that great Marshall tone. It basically acts as a master volume on the DSL’s through the effects loop. I sold the DSL20 and bought a Peavey Mh. With the wattage switch you can still play at a reasonable apartment level without affecting the tone. I also run a line 6 HX Stomp through the effects loop (more options for amp tones) as well as 4cable method for effects… those little 20w are still f’n loud!!
Is there much difference in the JHS & the Donner Emu amp box other than the cost
Hey there! They look like they both do the exact same thing; the Donner also has that foot switch which I think lets you have a volume preset for solo boosts and such. Don’t have much experience with Donner pedals so can’t speak to their build quality. Still happily using the JHS though!
Maybe you could do a video in how to hook it up too!!!
Not being funny but why not just get a boss ge7 ? It’s got way more tone sculpting possibilities .
Great question! I had an MXR 10-band for a while and you’re right; the EQs do the same thing with the volume control. In my situation, I just wanted something a bit simpler.
thanks for this. I found a sweet deal on a peavey 6505+ combo but really cannot crank a tube amp where I live. I guess I'm gonna pull the trigger on the peavey now
It will work wonders with the 6505!
I wish I knew about this when I had my 6505+ combo, I would have kept it but sold it because it couldn't be played quietly enough in the bedroom.
@@ESPE2M1 did you ever try moving to a rural area? I used to live in the middle of nowhere with my drummer and a full stack, we would take drugs and jam at 5 am, no complaints from anyone. Definitely recommend no neighbors, and drugs.
So I have the ISP decimator pro rack G noise suppressor, which is 2 channels (1 channel for front of amp, 1 channel for effects loop) will I have any issues running this JHS pedal in the loop WITH the noise suppressor as well?
You should be ok. Channel 2 is hooked into the effects loop so I’d recommend putting the LBAB at the very end of that chain.
Would this work for any tube amp that has an FX loop?
I believe so, but it will work best with amps that have a serial effects loop. I recall reading something about it not working as expected on an amp with a parallel effects loop.
@@deltarider99 Thank you, sir!
I just bought an Orange OR15 and am wondering if I need something like this, or if it'd really make a difference. The amp has a volume and gain so I can turn the amp down very low and crank the gain and still get major crunch if wanted, or vice versa for cleans but would something like this benefit me, being able to crank the volume and then use this in the FX loop to lower it?
Yep - I think it would help to lower the overall volume and reduce the fizz you probably get when you crank the gain and drop the master volume. I had a TH30 years ago that I think would have benefited from something like this.
do i need volume pedal if i have attenuator?
@@vovokidx9691 it depends. Typically, attenuators work really well if you’re trying to get additional power tube saturation without pushing your amp to ear-bleeding levels. In the video, I’m using the volume box to bring overall volume levels down without gaining any extra saturation. I think it also depends on the type of amp you have; this volume box works really well for amps that don’t have a master volume (or have super touchy master volumes), or high gain amps that rely more on preamp gain as opposed to power amp gain. Hope that helps!
This is such a fantastic video thank you!!!!!
Any issues with volume boost when engaging delay pedal in loop along with Little Black Box?
None that I can speak of. I've only tried it with a Strymon Dig in the loop, but no issues. I do run the box at the very end of the loop, though.
Can someone make a video on how to get full amp tones using guitar pedals into a bedroom level Fender Deluxe Reverb amp, and please use a DB meter! No Attenuator! Which guitar pickups, single coil or humbuckers? Should you clip the volume pot cap?
Have you found a way? Doesn't it have a master volume (not familiar with the amp)? If not, this thing is the way for bedroom amp tones. or chuck an EQ in the loop, crank amp and adjust volume on EQ...which is exactly the same as this thing, other than ability to EQ.
@@1redgate8 WE DON'T HAVE EFFECTS LOOP ON OUR AMPS!!!!!!! Yes, there are many ways! 1. If recording, you could use Nembrini amp plugins (sound great). 2. Use a real tube amp with attenuator. Trainwreck Airbrake sounds great but slight artifacts and is really designed for 8ohm setup, but works with 4 and 16 ohms. I just didn't want to risk ruining vintage Vox and Marshall, so just got Tone King Ironman ll. 3. Here's a cool trick we used on Fender Deluxe, put your pedals going into a volume box (ours is home made with a 500ohm potentiometer), then crank your amp to volume 6. You'll get a little bit of noise/hum, it gets the preamp section cooking a bit!
What about if I’m playing a fender style amp. Specifically a deluxe reverb with no FX loop? Is there any hope for me?
Unfortunately, you may not be able to use this. I’ve done some testing with the LBAB in front of an amp; it really only impacts preamp gain in that scenario so it won’t give you the volume reduction that you’d get with the box in the FX loop. Depending on your playing style, you could either go the attenuator route or possibly put a drive pedal out in front of your amp with a master volume control (obviously that would only work if you have the drive pedal engaged). Good luck!
So at the lowest volume setting, you're still hitting ~70db? That would still be well above "household noise level", which sort of defeats the purpose. How hard were you hitting the power amp in this demo - could you have backed off the master volume of the amp a bit to get ever quieter, or were you already at the point where less master output would have meant losing the tone?
Hey there! Yes - it could have gone lower. The master was about 10:00 which is a painful 110 db in my office. I could have backed off the master to around 9:00- with the black box engaged, you’d probably be able to get into the 60s. Lucky for me, my kids are grown to the point where I can get into the 80s without complaint. I typically use the black box to get it to a level in my office where its still loud and full, but not to the point where it’s causing pain or ear damage. Hope that helps!!
@@deltarider99 Thanks a lot!
Just made one for
Awesome! Crazy how the HT-5 is so loud for a 5 watt amp lol
Ok, call me an idiot, but HOW do I connect this thing if I don't have a pedal board just a guitar going into the amp or what if I don't have an fx loop?
It's a great question! You'd connect it in between your guitar and amp - so you'd have your guitar -> cable -> box -> another cable -> amp. However - without an FX loop, you won't get the desired output volume reduction. In front of an amp, all it will do is lower and raise your preamp gain. A neat trick, but won't do what I showed in the video unfortunately.
Will this work if your amp doesn't have an FX loop? Can I run it like any other pedal? I have an older amp without a loop, but could use something like this.
I don't think it'll work as shown in the video. The FX loop is needed for it to function as a master volume. Do you have other pedals in your chain?
@Chris Nyr Thanks for the kind words! Correct - this won't work for you on the TT. You'd be better off with a proper attenuator if you're looking to knock some volume off.
Have you ever used it with a delay in loop? Does it make that sound weird?
Not from what I can tell. I have a Strymon Dig in the loop and it seems to behave fine.
@@deltarider99 rad cause that’s all I run in there. And now a new jhs…
Hi, I have a joyo jackman XL 20 watts amp (with loop effects) through a 100 watts cabinet... would it work this little black amp box?
That's a cool amp! I took a look and yeah, I think it will work. Just follow the hook-up steps in the video and you should be good to go!
@@deltarider99 cool bro and thanks for the fast reply. Cheers!
@@deltarider99 Just one more question, my amp is hibrid , a tube on the pre and the power section is transistor base. It should work too ?
@@ignaciobustamante6477 yep - makes no difference. Enjoy!!
@@deltarider99 thanks a lot!
Where did you plug in the guitar?
My guitar was plugged into my pedalboard in front of the amp in this video - the LBAB was in the FX loop.
Wait. So how does this thing work? You just connect it like it’s another pedal in your chain of the effects loop?
Yep! Just like any other effects pedal. I put mine at the very end of the chain.
@@deltarider99 awesome. I live in an apt and really really want to be able to use amps greater than 7 watts with the volume at 1
That is exactly why I got this for the Archon. Couldn’t get it past 1 in my office. You won’t be disappointed!
@@deltarider99 sweet. Thanks man. Easily the best demo of this guy vs “did you know how loud the fender amp is”
It's a volume pot in a box with an input and output.................................You can make one for peanuts, in fact the metal box is probably the most expensive part of the whole thing.
You can do the very same thing with a volume pedal, EQ pedal (with a volume) or any pedal with a master volume at the end of it's signal chain. Hell putting a EQ pedal at the end of your signal chain in the effects loop has been solid advice for years. If the EQ has a volume control, you already have this passive attenuator built in.
All it does is take the preamp signal and put a master volume on it before it hits the power section. Your still NOT saturating the power tubes and getting their natural distortion and harmonics which means you leaving some of the tone behind.
A proper attenuator is more expensive and marginally harder to install..................You simply put inline between the speaker out put and speaker with the same connectors (on most amps)
Then you saturate both sections of the amp, and then dial down the desired volume level and the rest of the power is turned to safe heat.
If your a bedroom rocker, buy smaller watt tube amps, tube amps with a master volume, or a proper attenuator to control the volume.
Just me 2 cents..................If you spent a $1000+ on a tube amp, a $300 attenuator is nothing at that point and probably better for it than this. Besides a good attenuator will always hold their value, and usually worth 75% of what you paid for it used anyway.
Great points, Cameron! For the Archon, the power amp tubes don’t really factor into the tonal equation (plus the channel volume on the lead channel is a tad touchy), so the JHS box worked for me. But yeah, attenuator can be a great option especially when you need to cook the power section at low volume!!
@@deltarider99 - Well for those running Marshalls or Vox AC amps the power tubes are just as important as the preamp tubes and add to the tone. So a proper attenuator is necessary. My HotRod Deluxe is a clean pedal amp (for me), so normal volume is just fine and use pedals to get the distortion you want.
A thrice fan?
I’m in the hands of a compassionate man.
Absolutely!
@@deltarider99 Thrice are the greatest band of all time
Nice video! Thanks!
Awesome! I’m considering this with my bassbreaker and Orange jim root especially. It needs volume.
Also Vheissu is one of my favorites. Thrice are awesome
I had an Orange Dark Terror and a TH30 years ago - I wish I would have had something like this to tame the volume (especially the DT, that thing was crazy loud).
Can you still get feedback on the guitar at low setting ?
It depends. At very low volumes, you won't get any feedback. But if you're looking to just knock a few DB off the signal, you can still get some.