Re: Dummy Loads, Line Outs, and thangs like that

["Doug Cox" <bickleypunk@pdq.net>]

Mark,

Thanks for the reply!

My understanding is that there are some dummy load boxes that reproduce the
variable impedence (based on frequency) that a speaker cab usually 
exhibits.
This is exactly what I'm hoping to get some advice/experience on - which
load boxes have people used and gotten satisfactory results?  I'm not
depending on the JC-120 or it's speakers to provide this piece of the
equation.  The JC-120s will simply amplify the final guitar signal (and
guitar synth signal) after they have come out of the dummy-loaded Rivera
(both preamp and power amp stages), gone through the EDP's, a Vortex, and
some modulation effects (chorus, etc).

Again, my understanding is that a "good" load box can give me a reasonably
good tone out of the Rivera, at line levels, which I can then pipe through
my rack.

I'm not referring to an attenuator with a speaker sim here.  See
http://www.soundsmith.com/fake.htm and the graph at the bottom of the page,
which shows how some load boxes can reproduce the behavior you are talking
about.  I used to have a PowerBrake, but didn't like the tone it caused at
the dummy load setting.  The graph seems to suggest why.  It also suggests
that the THD Hotplate and the PowerSoak cause ugly sounds for the same
reason - no variable impendance.  The "Silent Speaker" shown in the graph
seems like it would be wondermous...  but I can't find current info on one
anywhere.

I remain hopeful that someone on the list can give me some useful advice!

Doug

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark Sottilaro" <sine@zerocrossing.net>
To: <Loopers-Delight@loopers-delight.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 01, 2002 8:26 PM
Subject: Re: Dummy Loads, Line Outs, and thangs like that


> The problem with what you're proposing is that part of what makes a tube
amp
> "warm" is the interaction with the load (speaker) and the tube amplifier
> stage.  The thing about a speaker is it's impedance rating is not fixed.
It
> actually changes based on the frequency it's trying to reproduce and 
>other

> factors.  Anyway, the interplay between how the speaker effects the amp 
>is
what
> it's all about.  OK, well what some of it's about.  Transistors do not
behave
> in this way.
>
> Mark Sottilaro
>
> Doug Cox wrote:
>
> > Yes, I know.  However, if you'll notice the proposed signal path I
> > mentioned, it ends with two JC-120s, guitar amps with 12" speakers.
>