Badcat Unleash

[Luddy]

I posted a similar thread in the Dumble Discussion forum. What do you think about this: http://www.badcatamps.com/unleash.html.

It sits between the speaker out and the speaker. It attenuates and boosts up to 100 watts.

I use Weber attenuators at home, and feel OK about them. But this seems to be a much different animal.

[GEN DAWG]

I'm also interested to hear from someone who has actually tried one. I have to use an attenuator with my Express clone most of the time I play it. I wouldn't have much use for the boost feature (not with that amp), but I might use it with other amps.

[sepulchre]

Oooh, "Fatal Error" when I tried to go to the link.

[eazilyled]

Link is:
http://www.badcatamps.com/unleash.html

[sepulchre]

Oh I see - there's a period at the end of the first link.

The Unleash looks pretty nice, especially if you have a studio type amp that gets a great tone.

Thanks!

[eazilyled]

Yeah looks interesting, a bit like the Ultimate attenuator in design (i.e. load + power amp).

Can attenuate large amp or boost small amp.
Footswitchable volume boost.
Line level effects loop.

Wonder how well it would work with an Express?

[Structo]

I really don't understand these types of devices.

So you reduce the output of the amp through a Class D solid state device that re-amps it?

[eazilyled]

I really don't understand these types of devices.

So you reduce the output of the amp through a Class D solid state device that re-amps it?

As I understand it, it provides a load for the amp, and also derives a line level signal from the speaker signal. The line level signal is then as you say, re-amped by the class D solid state power amp.

[sepulchre]

You can use a little Studio style amp on stage, or a big stage amp in your bedroom. All with a line out.

A friend heard one, says it's pretty transparent.

[LeftyStrat]

I've done something similar for years. Dummy load with line out into a stereo fx unit, and that into a stereo power amp. You still need to use guitar speakers to sound right. Straight into the PA from the fx unit is not so good unless it has speaker emulation.

[eazilyled]

I currently do something similar too for home use - Express into Hotplate set to load, line out from Hotplate to EHX Magnum 44 power amp into speaker cab.

Works much better at bedroom volumes than Hotplate alone, although the Magnum is a bit hissy.

I guess with the Unleash you get all this in one neat package. Well, I say neat, until you start plugging all the numerous cables to and from the unit

[bcmatt]

I made a thread about this like a month ago or so. What tempts me about this over a Ho Ultimate Attenuator (poor my current vvr setup) is that it also has an fx loop, so I coukd put tube trem or reverb after the TW power section, but still hear it through my guitar speaker before it is sent to FOH.