attenuator for 100watt amp?

[darmandude]

Has anyone built an attenuator for a 100watt amp? Will higher wattage ohmite resistors in the 'airbrake' work? What about the build for the "airbrake" without the rehostat?

[Structo]

You are talking about a lot of heat with a 100 watt amp.
Lets not forget also that most amps rated at 100 watts (Marshall comes to mind) that the power is rated before distortion occurs.
So with a 100 watt Marshall for example you are probably talking 150 watts when dimed.

I think the difference in attenuators when you step up to 100 watts is monumental in construction. The simple resistive load doesn't seem to work as well

There is the Ultimate Attenuator which is spendy, doesn't look real good but seems to get pretty good reviews.

There are a couple new kids in town, the Faustine Phantom and the Sequis Motherload Elemental.

http://www.faustineamps.com/phantom.html

http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/j ... mental.htm

But shoot, those cost almost as much as an amp!

[darmandude]

WoW!! Those are a lot of $$$$!! What, do they have gold plated termminals?? Or titainium?? Whats inside the box?
Diamonds??
What about using:
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Ohm ... ZpIg%3d%3d
in the air brake?

[mhuss]

Yes, just up-scaling the power rating of the resistors in the AB will work -- make sure you provide plenty to ventilation, though!!

Also remember, if you're using a tapped power resistor, you only have as much power dissipation available as the slider indicates, e.g., putting the slider in the middle means only about half the rated power dissipation is available.

--mark

[darmandude]

Thanks, is this going to affect the small aluminum housed resistor in the airbrake without the rehostat? Will I need to up the specs on that as well?