g
Built like a tank and flexible!
I was contemplating for a while if it is worth spending the amount of money on an attenuator/dummy load that would buy you a small tube amp head. However, I couldn't be happier with my decision.
While most competitors offer either just a resistive load or are quite limited when it comes to connectable impedances and attenuation levels that can be set, the RockCrusher offers the full plethora of options:
- Reactive dummy load (mimics a "real" speaker. for more realistic feel)
- Attenuator - Connect your cab and attenuate -3dB, -6dB, -12dB, -16dB, -20dB or switch into "Studio" mode, which activates the "level" knob to further fine tune the volume down to volumes that are below my typing on the computer keyboard.
- "Edge" and "Warm" boost knobs - Respectively add heights and lows to your sound if you feel that some of the oomph and sizzle in your sound got lost due to attenuation (I personally haven't felt the need to use them, the sound stays really nice even at extreme attenuation of -20dB and beyond)
- Selectable 8 Ohm or 16 Ohm switch - Unlike most other attenuators, the RockCrusher lets you select between the two most common impedances of 8 Ohms and 16 Ohms as you like. (All you need to make sure is to stay at or above 8 Ohm on the two parallel speaker output jacks)
- There's an asymmetrical and a symmetrical (XLR) output on the RockCrusher. You can dial in the adequate output level by using the Line Out Level knob in the front of the unit.
- Passive cooling for 120W of load dump - I heard Paul Rivera mentioning in a video that you could connect up to 150W to the unit without damaging it. That leaves you with only a handful of guitar heads on the market that you shouldn't fully crank when connected to the RochCrusher.
Industrial quality and finish - As mentioned, the knobs fool extremely sturdy and the finish and build quality immediately make you understand where your money went into.
Last but not least I wanted to mention that I personally did not want or need an IR loader. That is something you will not get with the RockCrusher. You would have to attach one of the units available on the market (from e.g. Two Notes, Strymon, Mooer, Nux, etc.) to the unbalanced output jack of the RockCrusher.
Personally, I record the direct sound of the guitar head into my DAW and use an IR loader plugin to add the rest of the "signal chain" there.
However, be aware that if you are looking for an attenuator/load box that also gives you instantaneous "IR sounds" direct from its output, this may not be the right product for you. You should then be looking at the much higher priced units from Universal Audio, Boss, Two Notes, etc.
Ok, I waffled on for long enough now ... back to play & record some guitar!
While most competitors offer either just a resistive load or are quite limited when it comes to connectable impedances and attenuation levels that can be set, the RockCrusher offers the full plethora of options:
- Reactive dummy load (mimics a "real" speaker. for more realistic feel)
- Attenuator - Connect your cab and attenuate -3dB, -6dB, -12dB, -16dB, -20dB or switch into "Studio" mode, which activates the "level" knob to further fine tune the volume down to volumes that are below my typing on the computer keyboard.
- "Edge" and "Warm" boost knobs - Respectively add heights and lows to your sound if you feel that some of the oomph and sizzle in your sound got lost due to attenuation (I personally haven't felt the need to use them, the sound stays really nice even at extreme attenuation of -20dB and beyond)
- Selectable 8 Ohm or 16 Ohm switch - Unlike most other attenuators, the RockCrusher lets you select between the two most common impedances of 8 Ohms and 16 Ohms as you like. (All you need to make sure is to stay at or above 8 Ohm on the two parallel speaker output jacks)
- There's an asymmetrical and a symmetrical (XLR) output on the RockCrusher. You can dial in the adequate output level by using the Line Out Level knob in the front of the unit.
- Passive cooling for 120W of load dump - I heard Paul Rivera mentioning in a video that you could connect up to 150W to the unit without damaging it. That leaves you with only a handful of guitar heads on the market that you shouldn't fully crank when connected to the RochCrusher.
Industrial quality and finish - As mentioned, the knobs fool extremely sturdy and the finish and build quality immediately make you understand where your money went into.
Last but not least I wanted to mention that I personally did not want or need an IR loader. That is something you will not get with the RockCrusher. You would have to attach one of the units available on the market (from e.g. Two Notes, Strymon, Mooer, Nux, etc.) to the unbalanced output jack of the RockCrusher.
Personally, I record the direct sound of the guitar head into my DAW and use an IR loader plugin to add the rest of the "signal chain" there.
However, be aware that if you are looking for an attenuator/load box that also gives you instantaneous "IR sounds" direct from its output, this may not be the right product for you. You should then be looking at the much higher priced units from Universal Audio, Boss, Two Notes, etc.
Ok, I waffled on for long enough now ... back to play & record some guitar!
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V
One of the best
Really a professional bit of kit. Built like a tank. Tamed my amps without killing the roar.
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S
Simple, great attenuator
If you want something that will tame that 100W non-master volume beast down to bedroom levels while keeping all the wonderful tone, this is it.
You can do any volume from actual bedroom-level to various stages of loudness with this. The balanced line out is also a big plus for recording.
Just set it, plug your amp and speakers into it, and enjoy amazing tone at politically correct levels.
You can do any volume from actual bedroom-level to various stages of loudness with this. The balanced line out is also a big plus for recording.
Just set it, plug your amp and speakers into it, and enjoy amazing tone at politically correct levels.
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A
A must have
If you own a tube amp and live in the real world where loudness can be an issue, you need this.
It does exactly as advertised, very easy to set up and works like a charm. If your in a band that gigs in small venues a lot, your sound guy will worship you.
GET THIS PRODUCT
It does exactly as advertised, very easy to set up and works like a charm. If your in a band that gigs in small venues a lot, your sound guy will worship you.
GET THIS PRODUCT
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w
Does exactly what I needed
I've had this product for a couple of months now and it's great. I can crank the volume on my tube amp without going deaf. No real impact on tone that I can hear, and it's nice to be able to make the signal a bit deeper and / or brighter. Studio setting and output are nice too but does require some eq before it sounds good (expected, this is even mentioned in the manual). Overall, I'm happy with this purchase
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l
very good sound quality
I've used other inexpensive attenuators, but rockcrusher reallys does it well. Still can get quality sound at reasonable apartment volume level.
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BT
Perfect
Does what it says on the tin, minimal tone loss this can be negated with the switches.
Used with Mesa MK5 25
Used with Mesa MK5 25
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A
No loss of tone!
This attenuator works like advertised. There is no loss of tone in any setting. It is also great for low volume practice and recording. I think it is priced very fair compared to the other units on the market
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N
Paul Rivera "rockcrusher"
Outstanding major piece of gear just awesome. The sound is spectacular without making yours or the neighbours ears bleed!
Fantastic I would recommend the Paul Rivera rockcrusher to anyone
Fantastic I would recommend the Paul Rivera rockcrusher to anyone
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JL
A must have for the home tube amp enthusiast
Absolutely in love with this, I don't go anywhere without it!
Only thing I could think of adding is a custom IR loader, but other than that it is amazing.
Only thing I could think of adding is a custom IR loader, but other than that it is amazing.
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