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Is it possible to use an eq pedal in front or in the effect loop of a cranked amp on negative db flat eq settings and by that acting as an attenuator? Or is it defeating it's purpose by running in front of the power amp and thus not really pushing the tubes hard, and if so, is there a way to use some kind of eq after power amp stage into the speaker?

no...if you want to crank the amp to crunch but bring the volume down get an attenuator.


Originally Posted by LooseCannonOr is it defeating it's purpose by running in front of the power amp and thus not really pushing the tubes hard

Correct. It's just acting as another master volume control.

Originally Posted by LooseCannonis there a way to use some kind of eq after power amp stage into the speaker?

The only post-power amp EQ controls are presence and depth controls.


Originally Posted by LooseCannonIs it possible to use an eq pedal in front or in the effect loop of a cranked amp on negative db flat eq settings and by that acting as an attenuator? Or is it defeating it's purpose by running in front of the power amp and thus not really pushing the tubes hard, and if so, is there a way to use some kind of eq after power amp stage into the speaker?

Running an EQ negative in front of your amp to reduce the volume would have the same affect as turning down the volume control of your guitar.
Running an EQ in the effects loop will lower the output from your preamp stage, but so would a volume pedal.

An attenuator is necessary to handle the unwanted power produced by your power amp. Wasted power is dissipated as heat, and an attenuator is designed to handle that heat.

What if I connect a jack from the speaker out to an EQ, and from the EQ to the speaker?


Originally Posted by LooseCannonWhat if I connect a jack from the speaker out to an EQ, and from the EQ to the speaker?

You fry the EQ.
If you're lucky, it won't damage your output transformer (assuming it's a tube amp).

So is there any other way to improvise some kind of dummy load instead of throwing 200$ on an attenuator?

What about a variac? How'd that work?


Originally Posted by LooseCannonWhat about a variac? How'd that work?

NOPE ! That has nothing to do with attenuation. A variac is a tech's device
for adjusting voltage in your amp. I've been playing for close to 30 year's
and I've NEVER saw anybody use one.


Originally Posted by LooseCannonWhat about a variac? How'd that work?

A variac is a variable transformer.
It is used to increase / decrease AC voltages.
A typical 110vac (input) variac might have an adjustable output from 0 to 140 vac.


Originally Posted by alecleeIt's just acting as another master volume control.
Yes. It can serve the purpose of lowering the output but you wont get the tone that you'll get from attenuation.


Originally Posted by LooseCannonSo is there any other way to improvise some kind of dummy load instead of throwing 200$ on an attenuator?

just get a post phase inverter master volume (eg. rich mod) fitted in a spare speaker jack or drill a hole. for $8 from metroamp.com you can't go wrong...


Originally Posted by shredaholicjust get a post phase inverter master volume (eg. rich mod) fitted in a spare speaker jack or drill a hole. for $8 from metroamp.com you can't go wrong...I don't see how this would do the job of an attenuator though. With an attenuator, your amp is still running full bore, you're just bleeding off some excess power before it hits your speakers. Ideally, you're still hearing the tone of your amp cranked up and running hot, it's just not pushing your speakers as hard. A master volume doesn't keep your amp running hot and doesn't achieve the same results IMO.