What is a "Tube Cube" Tube Amp Attenuator? Part2

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Summary,"Works as advertised, good service and very reasonable shipping charges"

Works equally well with Bass Guitars.

Tube Cube: My Tube Cube attenuator uses a impedance matched module that passes signal in a "flat" or very transparent method from input to output

It is designed to have minimal tonality change taking place during this signal transfer through the device.

It is both resistive and reactive combined..exactly as a speaker is.  Said another way, this attenuator is not just a big resistor ladder network like a few of them on the market are.

It will put off a little bit of heat if driven hard for a long period of time, but is designed for continuous operation at maximum power rating without failure.

It is designed to operate transparently tone wise (flat)  from 20hz to 20,000hz, which makes it perfect for both Guitar AND Bass amplifiers.

Lastly, it requires no U.S. or E.U. grid AC power at all, NONE nada zilch.  Needs no  120v or 230v  or any other kind, it is self contained and is completely powered by the amplifier speaker output.

The connection scheme using standard 1/4 plugs is the following:   AMP to Cube INput , Cube OUTput to Speaker.  Included with your Tube Cube is a 3 foot long speaker cable, each end is fitted with standard 1/4 plugs.

Remember that the Tube Cube has multiple impedance settings.  This factor alone is pretty important, especially if you have more than 1 amp and want to use it between them.   Many of the other attenuators available are for a single impedance only, and you must specify what you want at the time of purchase.  Later if you buy a new amp with different requirements..kiss your attenuator goodbye, or sell it on Ebay :-)

One more thing, I ship FAST,  "After you pay, it is on the way." usually the next morning, often sooner.  :-)

The Tube Cube comes in various configurations to meet your needs:

80 watt single channel single output 4-8 ohm adjustable.   (Lowest priced unit, works with about any amp out there, except for a 2ohm amp-rare)

80 watt dual channel single output each channel, 4-8 ohm adjustable. "A Stereo Attenuator"   (Nice if you have 2 amps and run a stereo setup, especially Leslie effects,  or Chorus, run both amps at the same time).  I have never seen another 'dual' channel attenuator for sale on the market, but I don't get out much.

160 watt single channel single output 8-16-20 ohms adjustable.  (High power capacity, plays 8 ohms minimum  Best seller)

160 watt single channel double output 8-16-20 ohms adjustable.    (High power capacity, plays 8 ohms minimum, have 2 cabs?  Eliminates the need for a "Y" adapter for your cabs.  This is for you)

And Brand NEW enclosure design for 2008,  4 new Tube Cube Attenuators:

"Pro160" model 160 watt single channel, double output, With a Line out jack.  (adjustable 8ohm 12ohm 16ohm and 20ohm)
Plus RCA low level output (sometimes called a Send or Line Out) for recording or driving another amp, ** or mixing console, Carry Handle. ** Yes, you could use the line out jack to drive a 2nd transistor amp, enjoying some of the benefits of cranked tube tone,    :-)

With the Pro 160, you can record yourself into a digital, reel to reel or any kind of recorder that uses an RCA jack.  
Line out Specs. 30db attenuation, 33k input load, 1k output load, 20-20k flat response.

"Basic80" Model, 80 watt single channel, single output,  4ohms, 8ohms adjustable.
The most affordable in the newest line is the "Basic80", Single input, Single output, 4,8 ohms adjustable, new style enclosure with carry handle.

Deluxe160 and BassDeluxe160 Model, 160 watt single channel, dual output, 8ohms, 16ohms adjustable
New style aluminum case, carry handle and large volume knob.

Stereo80 Model, 80 watt dual channel, Single input-Single output X2 , 4ohms, 8ohms adjustable. 
New style aluminum case, carry handle and large volume knob.

You can find these in my ebay store at   http://stores.ebay.com/vspeeds

I have been asked about using an attenuator for a pure transistor amp...

 I have always resisted selling my product to transistor customers...after considerable thought, maybe I have been too hasty....

The simple answer is that, in my humble opinion, transistors sound horrible when driven into distortion, also, the hostile signal shape they produce (square) can damage your speakers.  If you want to produce this transistor distorted sound for some reason, and have it play at a lower volume to protect your speakers, then, an attenuator will do just exactly that for you, go ahead and buy one.

Questions of interest: (yep..all real and unmodified)

Q:  Hi, technical i'm close to zero, therefore next question: What is the effect or better said the advantage of your powersoak when the chain is guitar/effex/input-amp.I hope your answer is what i'm looking for. thanks,

A: Thanks for asking, It is another tool in the toolbox..some of the efx are pretty good, but none come close to emulating a true tube-in-overdrive condition. A couple good reasons to use my attenuator, first, you can run multiple cabs without hurting your amp. secondly, if you work at it some, you may find that sweet tube overdrive sound and be able to control the volume from the speaker while maintaining the perfect overdrive condition. Some musicians are happy with a tube screamer or a Boss DS1 for their distortion sound. With these, you sound like every other player using them...and then there are those that just keep on looking for the perfect sound, these folks will cross paths with an attenuator sooner or later, mine or someone elses. :-) regards JS

Q: Hi there, I emailed you about 5/6 months ago asking about if these had line outs for recording (same as the THD hotplate). I went ahead and bought a hotplate (against your advice) and realised after that i should have probably listened to someone who knew what they were talking about, the line out sounds rubbish (just as you said it would) and they are extortionatly priced. So now that i have a peavey classic 30 i need a new one (the impedance is wrong on my hotplate). I was just wondering and this probably sounds like a really stupid question, can i use your 160watt tube cube on my 30watt peavey? I realise ill need to mod the amp a little bit so i have a jack going to the speaker but i think i can do that. Cheers dudes, (name withheld)

A: Nice to hear from you. Yes sir you can most definately use my 160 watt model on your 30 watt Peavey as long as it will play into 8 ohms or 16 ohms.  The 160 watt model with single control will not supply 4 ohms..I have a 160 watt unit that will supply 4 ohms but its a little more pricey. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=260123304141&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT
If your PV30 will only play into 4 ohms, then you can also consider the 80 watt dual channel here: (4-8-16 ohms selectable, added plus 2 channels) http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=250145871073&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

Heck, I use a Cube on my 5 watt Epi Junior...even 5 watts is too loud when full up for my family, cats etc.. :-)
Most combos have a speaker output jack,..I would be surprised if you had to mod your amp.
Even my 99 dollar epi junior has an output jack that I just plug into the Cube with.
If your ready for one, ..I got em for you.
Also to note, I have upgrade the connectors and the included speaker cable since 6 months ago..so waiting wasn't a bad thing for you.
re; low level outs...well..lets just say that I have worked in the audio industry for many many years with some very smart people, and so far, have not been able to design, build, or buy a High to low circuit or design that I am happy with.

UPDATE: I have been asked repeatedly about providing a Low level line output capability, well, it is now available in the Pro 160 model.
It is a fixed 30db drop with a 1k output impedance into a single RCA phono jack.   
Just for fun, Works great to feed a large transistor amp with sweet tube overdrive sound :-)  Like my Pro-power 10 (600x600) into stereo full stacks.



Q:  Hello, I am interested in trying your attenuator. Do you use a Load resistor or a speaker motor?
A: Hi, Neither really, it uses a pair of transformers, which provides resistive load, and, inductive loading, very similar to a speaker from a load standpoint. The overall impedance is easily adjustable in 4 steps from (on this model) 8, 12, 16, 20 ohms.
Kind regards Jim Sanders


Q: Hi, I just bought a 16ohm cab, I now have a 8ohm and a 16ohm cab, I have my attenuator properly set up for my 8ohmcab this is the setup Vox AD60VTX combo set to 16ohm (has internal 8ohm speaker) --> into the attenuator --> out to Marshall 4x10 8ohm cab I would like to also hook up my new 16ohm 4x12 cab can I just leave it as is and plug the 4x12 into the other speaker jack of the attenuator? Thanks thanks mate, btw, the cube works great!
A: Hi, yep, you got it, plug the other cabinet into the 2nd outlet on the Cube. Remember, the output of the Cube could care not what you connect up to the output..or nothing at all. For 8 ohms on your amp, make sure the cube is set to the 8 ohm setting, which is the 2x setting for your model. (on your model, 2x=8ohm 4x=12ohm,8x=16ohm and 16x is the 20 ohms setting) The Cube buffers your amp from any speaker setup that you might have. You can hook 4 cabinets up if you want, without changing a thing on your amp or Cube. The impedance switch is to match up the amp requirements and has nothing to do with your speakers.
Kind regards Jim Sanders

Q: I've read your review guide, but I just want to clarify, can I use this between my 4 ohm Fender Dual Showman head and an 8 ohm cabinet?  The output impedance really does not matter?

A:Hi, yep, will work fine, set the Cube on 4 ohms if that is what your amp head needs, you can connect up any cabinet you want, multiple cabinets, or no cabinets. The Cube will act as a 4 ohm cabinet regardless of what you connect to it.
thanks for asking. take care.

Q:  Jim, I bought a Cube a couple months ago and lost my instruction sheets, can you resend them to me?
A:  Sure thing, attached is the PDF file for you.  Take care!
Q:Thank a million, Jim.  I'm using my attenuator with my band this afternoon and continue to get a lot of enjoyment from it. BTW did you finish the re-design of your attenuator boxes yet? Please let me know.  Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!  Tony
A: The redesign is coming along well,  offering the "Pro160" model now, new style case, dual outputs, Carry handle, and much requested Line-out jack,  On the lower priced end I am offering the "Basic80" single channel, 4-8-16 carry handle.   Others to follow soon.

Q: Hi, can I use headphones with the line out on the Pro160?
A: Not really, the line out will not supply enough signal to drive a headphone, however, a couple of different customers reported that on the lowest setting (step 1) that their headphones worked using the speaker output from the Cube.   Caution, due to the small amounts of power required by headphones, the Cube can easily damage a headphone if the volume gets bumped up even 1 step higher.

Email messages from Happy customers regarding the Tube Cube:

Hey hey, just wanted to say how impressed i am with my tube cube. i can't believe i've used tube amps so long without a decent attenuator. The tone my Hot Rod Deluxe has now is truly unbelievable. I've submitted a review on harmony central so we'll see if that goes up. I've got a cream Hot Rod Deluxe with the reissued Tung Sol 6L6GCs and when it's turned to 10-11(they go to 12) it just sounds amazing, but am I risking blowing something running it that hard? Anyways, really nice work! I'll be recommending them to everyone I can! Feel free to use my name and you could put that I play guitar for The People's Revolutionary Choir too if you like. www.myspace.com/thepeoplesrevolutionarychoir (scroll down the comments and that's me in the MC5 shirt).

And here is the review mentioned above:
http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Effects/product/Jim+Sanders/Tube+Cube+160w+Dual+Output+-+Tube+Amp+Attenuator/10/1

And another:

Having read the more detailed description & instructions I hooked the Tube Cube between my Marshall Superbass & Etone cabinet containing an Etone 13 1/2 inch 200w bass speaker. Everything was set properly so I turned things on, let the amp warm up before selecting run & then had a bash. It works. My solid body bass thundered away happily without shaking the house down or the posters on the walls setting up sympathetic vibrations. I worked through the range of vol setting on the cube and found one that suited the occassion - loud but not painful. I plugged in my Epi Sheratone II & I love the extra colour of the valves being run hard. Massively reduced feedback too! I hadn't played this particular guitar at sufficient vol to hear that aspect before - it hasn't left the house. Next I plugged in my Bruno Royal Artist & the single coils are really great with hot tubes. Bridge pickup swung & stung. Being that I don't have the advantage of a Master Vol or Gain set up on the amp I decided to push the signal a little. I plugged in a recent acquisition - a Morrison Big Fluff - hand made in Tasmania (highly recommended - rugged, great sound & a pretty blue light). WOW! Drive & Vol set at 1/2 way & sustain almost to max it sounds really great with the new amp set up. It sounded pretty bloody good before but it suits the cranked tubes even more. After all that I went back upstairs. My ears weren't ringing, (well, no louder than the normal tinnitus I live with), no head ache &, most importantly of all, no complaints from the spouse. Cheers rayC

I love the attenuator. Took it to my regular Wednesday night jam and used it with a Carvin Nomad, the same model of amp I have at home and the amp which inspired me to look for an attenuator. The sound was incredible. Easily found a setting that worked with the two guitars, bass, and drums line up. I think the real proof of how much the cube did for my sound was the fact that I used no efx other than the amp's reverb and its two channels. I?m always trying efx; especially overdrive pedals in an effort to find a sound I like. I connected the cube and plugged in the guitar to quickly demonstrate to friend how it worked and never stopped to hook up my pedal board. Thanks so much, Jukebox John

Another one, ..oh btw, Like Blues?  Check this out..amazing amazing stuff.  http://www.myspace.com/mauriomarcus
<snip> Hi jim! thanks for the support It makes everything worthwhile when what you do can make a person feel good. that's the whole gig really! money is only incidental and for facilitating. Any way I have an 11 song cd(all originals) I am finishing up and hope to have it in stores after the first of the year happy holidays ps the attenuator is working great thanks again-Maurio

Jim I finally got a couple hours to use the Cube, It's nice to be able to get some color and flavor out of an amp and still be able to hear without using earplugs.  My wife commented afterwards on how good it sounded.  And, the dog didn't go to the other end of the house.  I'd say it gets two thumbs - and a paw - up    Regards G.

About the Pro160 model:
Hi Jim,
just to let you know, I cranked it up a bit last night and the attenuator is brilliant!  
Now just got to play with the pedals etc to try and get a sound that was previously relying on them to be just through the amp!
again, thanks for you help and support, elsimso

**  Another Blues alert..  check these guys out....awesome!!! http://profile.myspace.com/a5thofblues
Jim, The attenuator is exactly the tool I needed for my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe!.  I am in a working Po Blues Band, "A 5th of Blues" at www.a5thofblues.com   The Tube Cube cuts down my head room, and I now can drive the tubes to get my TONE without splitting ears.  The Cube is  a MUST have for guitar players.   Your prices are 1/3 what the other manufacturers charge!  Your shipping is extremely fast!  Feel FREE to use my comments in your website!  Rick Trotter, "A 5th of Blues"  

Another:
Everything arrived and that thing is f**king sweet :) Love it!  A friend of mine asked for your email because he has no account on here. He has a few questions but I lost your email adresse. Could you give it to me? Olli

Hi Mate,
I have to say I'm mightily impressed by your attenuator. Even at very low volume (ie, high attenuation)my BB sounds very smooth, Nice one!  R

Q:I think an attenuator is what i;ve been looking for.  My question is this:  Does the resulting sound (after passing through the
attenuator) still respond to volume increase through effects and picking dynamics?  For instance, if the attenuator is active and I use a boost pedal, will I still hear the boost? Or does it squash the sound like a gate/compressor?  I;d really like to be able to
play at room levels while preserving the touch-sensitive volume and picking dynamics of a driven amp.?

A: Hi,  thanks for writing..
Using an attenuator will cause a very large "compressor" effect. In other words, picking dynamics are mostly lost (but not totally).  You can generally find a compromise in the settings if you work at it but it takes time..lots of time.. :-) mostly its pretty much gated in my opinion...It largely depends on the sound you are expecting to produce, and your playing style.
Most people are very pleased and a small few give in and say this isn't for me.
Keep in mind that the whole act of using an attenuator is to overdrive relatively LARGE power tubes, which are very analog in nature and don't start and stop quickly..
regards Jim Sanders

Another: I received my Tube Cube yesterday. Fast, Fast delivery. Great product for the price. I have a Fender Hod Rod Deluxe. I will finally be able to use it's full potential. I have found already that I will have to re-learn my amp. The range of effects without my pedals turned on is amazing. Keep up the good work.

Hi, Mr. Sanders
Just wanted to write and say how much I enjoy using the "Tube Cube".
Thank You for a wonderful product , it works perfectly. I have a Marshall
JVM410H and a Marshall 4x12 cab. Need less to say, this is a very
powerful and loud set up. Normally one would have a hard time using this rig to it's potential , but the Tube Cube has allowed me to crank this bad bouy and get a taste of what sounds it has to offer," with out pi#s*in the neighbors off ......lol. The tip of the iceberg to me is the low impedance/out to connect to a host of medium's ie... computers..ect...ect, makes this unit very versatile. This and the top notch capabilities of this amp coupled together are a match made in heaven for silent recording when everyone is home.  yeah, ya loose the cabinet resonance factor, but it still is a great feature of your product, plus it still manages to keep the amp tone, nice job! The price of your product is the best of all though. Thanks again and I will definitely recommend The Tube Cube to all of my Musician friends.  Take Care --John Wolfe



Feedback from happy customers of the Tube Cube:

Cool little box! Thanks a bunch!!!

Quick shipping. Excellent communication. The Tube Cube Rules!

Item as described---Works Great!---Fast Shipping

Received item promptly. Works great! AA+++ Seller

Thanks Jim, gr8 item, very pleased and good packaging. Recommended A+++++

Superbly designed product!!! Excellent eBayer!!! Wow!!!

works great, fast delevery, thanks

Great Product-works great with my JCM800 head! THX

Excellent seller, fast shippment, well packaged and all as promissed AA++

well made excellent product cheers

cool product. fast shipment. A+

Excellent item, wonderful follow up QUICK postage AAA+++

good stuff

fast shipping well packaged and great product. thanx

Fast shipping, good packaging, item as described, totally worth the money! ++++

Great product! Arrived quickly & Seller was in contact with me all along. A+++

Excellent product, very transparent. Great guy and super helpful...Thanks!

thank you very much, great sound i love it

Great fun product!!! Very fast shipping and excellent packaging!!! Thanks!!!!!!

Received fast, Works good.

Great product, to add to a tube amp to conserve tone. Fast shipping

the best packing I have ever seen,fastest shipping on Ebay,amazing unit! A+++ !!

Good quality product and super fast international delivery! A+

awesome, works perfect. Quick ship

Great product. Outstanding communicaion and customer service. A++++

Fantastic item. Top international ebayer.Many thanks.

Thanks! Excellent product - works perfectly on my Blues Deluxe Reissue.

Quick shipment, very well packed - excellent -Thanks.

super-quick delivery & quality item!! Perfect! A+++++++

thanks mate, btw, the cube works great!

thanks much. you are super great ebayer and gent. Peace

Great unit, stellar construction. Great for heavy, distorted guitar tones.

AAA+ service, product as discribed, premium shipping,very pleased with purchase.

As decribed,fast delivery,and responded to questions w/advice.Great merchant.

very good experience.I was happy with the product and the speed of the transact.
Wow! Fast delivery and the attenuator works as prescribed!!! Thanks!!!
Out standing sound, I will buy a second for my other AMP. A+++++++++++++++++++++
Item excellent, Great communication, quick shipping, highly recommend,Thank you.
attenuator works well and costs 1/3 of what some cost online. rugged
A+++++++++++++++
INCREDIBLE PRODUCT! FAST shipping. Exceptional communication. Couldn't be better
Great Ebay seller, atenuator works great. Fast shipping.
Thanks mate. great product , well packed, works well cheers.
fast shipping, I tried it at medium volume on a 100 watt amp. AOK ++++
Fast shipping, item exactly as desribed, great communication.
Changed my latitude!!! Great support and great attenuator.. Thanks
Smooth problem free transaction Recommended A+ super fast shipping from US
100% great seller ~ fast delivery ~perfect product~ thank you

Fast Shipping!!! 100% Satisfied!!!!!

EVERYONE GET ONE!!!! LOVE IT!!!
fast shipping, very well packed, item is great, highly recommended!
Great communication & help with questions, top packaging, and a nice bloke too!
Great Product!! Fast Shipping!! AAA+++
Great eBayer A+++ - Fast International Shipping - Thanks
Fantastic product lightning fast shipping excellent and prompt communication
Great Product, Great Shipment, Great Ebayer!
ULTRA FAST SHIPPING-FANTASTIC PRODUCT-QUICK TO ANSWER EMAILS-A TRUE PRO AT THIS!
great seller-did all the right things-would do bus. again
Seller very helpful & quick to respond. Product is as advertised - great!!
Used it for 3+ hours today - fantastic! Quick delivery, good service, v. happy!
Very fast shipping!! This device is great, wish I would have known sooner...
Ingenious kind of a device. Custom(er) friendly delivery. Thanx
This attenuator is GREAT...great product, fast shipping...highly recommended!!
Thanks for the great item! Excellent e-bayer! Wonderful service! A+++++
super product, no coloration, self powered, 1/3 cost of Z or B.Cat = no brainer
Exactly as described. Arrived SUPER fast. Great seller! Thanks!
Great item! Super fast shipping, highly recommended - A+++++
Works as advertised, good service and very reasonable shipping charges
Great value attenuator, very fast shiped, thanks from Spain ++++++++++++++++++++
great product fast lighting fast shipping Can't go wrong here
works as decsribed, no dramas!!
A+++ The item was as described and sent out quickly. Could not ask for more
Excellent, Works great! Now I can use the big head. AAA for e-bay! *****
There is no reason to spend $300.00 on a "factory" attenuator: this works great!
Awesome! FAST Shipment! GREAT tool for my rig!
Super fast shipping, killer deal! Thanks! AAAA+++++++++
Tube Cube exactly as described & a great value. Seller was very helpful.
Very quick response. Product is as advertised and more. Get One!
Great value. Bypass THD and Marshall. Come and get it here.
Awesome seller A+++, Fast shipping, great product! I love the TubeCube!!!
As expected! Great little doodad! Great ebayer. Now I won't get thrown out.
great little attenuator at less than half the price I sold my hotplate for!
GREAT ebayer - communication, shipping, product works exactly as described! A+
Works great! Thanks James, good communication, lightning fast shipping +++
the product is just like he said well built and works great just perfect++++++++
A 100% positive transaction from a great seller in the USA! Cube 80 - buy it!!


Jump to Guide Part 3 for more Q/A ?  here it is: Tube Cube Attemuator Part 3



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regards js