Looking for a 200 watt attenuator schematic (Like the Weber Mass 200)

Started by ShadSunsCrash, January 02, 2025, 03:25:12 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

ShadSunsCrash

Like the title says im looking for a 200 watt attenuator/load box schematic. The reason for the 200 watt version is so it can be used with my 100watt Marshall DSL100HR occasionally and also with some of my smaller amps. The soft tube DI in the DSL100HE is really bad but everything else about the amp is phenomenal in my opinion. Ive had it since a month after the launch of the HR versions and i added a Hammond Choke and a couple other mods a few years ago.

 I already built a small 15 watt attenuator that I use occasionally with my Fender Champ style amp with mods that I built from scratch as well. I mainly use the 15 watt attenuator to play at night at more reasonable levels. I should add i absolutely dont think i NEED an attenuator for the DSL since it has a well implemented master volume ciricut. And really i probably dont need an attenuator for any of my amps really lol. Its just nice to have them around so I can still turn the power amp up enough to get some of its character without being uncomfortably loud. And to use as a load box for recording etc.

So basically what im looking to build is a 200 watt Weber Mass200 style attenuator with a speaker motor resistive load so I can use it as a load/DI as well. And i want to implement the treble compensation circuit of the Weber 100w attenuators and a line out volume control. I have an old Car and motorcycle battery charger from the 70s or 80s (Schauer 6v/12v Model #11612) that has an enclosure that is PERFECT for this project that ill be using. Its a shame the charger still works though lol, guess ill have to find a different enclosure for the battery charger now lol.

So if anyone could steer me in the right direction or put together a quick schematic that would be amazing. So far ive only been able to find schematics for the smaller 50w and 100w Weber attenuators. And im not sure what L pads the 200 watt is using and in what configuration.

GibsonGM

Watching.  The Weber is top notch, but really expensive.  I haven't come across a schematic for one.  Another alternative is an L-Pad, like this one:  https://guitar.com/guides/diy-workshop/diy-workshop-build-your-own-attenuator/

I've been meaning to dig into this, since my amps are 18W and 40W, far too loud to do much with at home...stuck using amp sims or a DIY tube preamp to record most times.   I wonder if these are worth the time?   I found a few sites where people actually ran the output of one 100W L-pad into another 100W, which possibly might offer you the 200W you're looking for.    Careful; I understand that no matter what, if you really crank your amps to 10 using an attenuator, you can cause damage to the PT - output tubes drawing more current than the PS was designed for, for longer in the cycle.
  • SUPPORTER
MXR Dist +, TS9/808, Easyvibe, Big Muff Pi, Blues Breaker, Guv'nor.  MOSFace, MOS Boost,  BJT boosts - LPB-2, buffers, Phuncgnosis, FF, Orange Sunshine & others, Bazz Fuss, Tonemender, Little Gem, Orange Squeezer, Ruby Tuby, filters, octaves, trems...