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Welcome to the Tube Cube Amp Attenuator store, Read a nice GUIDE here:

After selling on Ebay for years, this is the new Official home site of the Tube Cube Attenuator.

It is under construction but fully ready to process your order using paypal.
Thanks for visting!
regards
J Sanders
info<remove this>@thetubecube.com

What is a "Tube Cube" Tube Amp Attenuator?

An Attenuator is a device that is inserted into the high power signal path, between amplifier output and speaker cabinet input to act as a "load" and a volume reducer, with the idea that you want to run your big power tubes hard, very high output, into the overdrive zone, then using the Cube's Volume control to reduce the speaker level.

The Tube Cube works equally well with Guitar amps, or Bass amps.

It must "act" like a speaker with appropriate impedance so the amplifier is happy, and it must pass signal and allow for adjustment of sound pressure levels at the speaker.

A portion of the power that leaves the amplifier tubes is "used up" inside the attenuator circuit, and the remainder is passed on to the speaker cabinet.

The position of the volume control on the attenuator determines just how much power is "used up" and how much is passed to the speaker. On the Tube Cube, turning the control clockwise (CW) makes the sound grow louder.

It does NOT go in the effects loop, the send-return path or any other place, it goes between the amplifier and the speaker, end of story,

oh, and it doesn't have a 9 volt battery in it!! (be very very scared of 9 volt battery tube attenuators!!).

The Cube can also be used as a simple impedance matcher...Amp needs 8 ohms but you have only a 4 ohm cabinet? NO rproblem, set the Cube for 8 and hook your cabinet up..works great!

Same if your amp needs 4 ohms, but you have a 16 ohm cabinet, set the Cube 4ohms, connect up your cabinet, turn the Cube up all the way, essentially out of the circuit, and enjoy!

Unlike transistors, Vacuum Tubes exhibit a warm bluesy type of sound when driven hard into the region of distortion.

This is a highly desirable sound and one that is easily achieved by turning the volume control on the Tube amplifier to maximum..... Simple.

The problem is while you get this nice bluesy crunchy type of sound, it is WAY too loud. The cats and dogs run away, your family runs away, the neighbors call the cops on you...

I don't know if you noticed, but 40 watts of tube power is just a huge amount of SOUND. To me, it compares more closely to at least 100-200 watts of transistor power. My 40x12 watt Fender Blues Deluxe puts out more "sound" than some 120 watt big name tranny heads feeding a 4x12 cabinet. If you don't believe this, then you probably don't have a tube amp yet! :-)

Enter the "Attenuator", its only purpose is to allow your tube amp to play loud and crunchy, but dispose of some of that volume/power before the speaker gets to blow your eardrums with it.....

One customer contacted me after getting his Cube hooked up and said,...and I'm not making this up,... "When I turn my amp up all the way, the sound is distorted." ... uhmm....ya... I understand.. better send that Cube back right away!

Another customer wanted to used it WITH his MarshL power brake, Why ??? I couldn't figure this one out at all, but he didn't like the sound quality of the MarshL power brake and thought adding a Cube attenuator inline with it would "fix" things... Nope..
I think he said "sounds broken and clipped unless used alone" .....The Cube wont fix a bad sounding setup... The Cube makes the sound smaller and passes it through otherwise untouched. Please use it "alone" :-)

If it isn't obvious already, Here it is again........... An Attenuator is used to allow your amp to create a distorted sound , while reducing the volume level of that distorted sound from your speaker. The Distortion is beautiful, obvious, and desired! It is the whole idea behind this whole Idea! got it? Good!

There are many good choices of attenuators available, generally, they are quite expensive, usually $300-$600 and more.

Tone is a big feature and one that is highly subjective.

10 people will hear 10 different things, when listening to the exact same sound.

Tone is created in your environment by your source, ie, Guitar, your amp and amp tone settings of course, but other things affect the sound also like the:

1. "volume" of sound bouncing around inside the speaker cabinet and off the speaker cone.

2. "volume" of sound waves actually make the tube vibrate internally, which changes the tone. (take a 50 foot speaker cable and move your head in to the other room from the cabinet...it WILL sound different!)

3. "volume" of sound bouncing around inside the room, off objects nearby.

4. The amps style of rectifier and design, which can affect the sound when operating at high volumes due to current sag.

5. Different Tubes behave differently when overdriven, some flatten out on the bottom end, and some flatten out on the top end, dont be afraid to move your tone controls around to get the exact sound you seek.

What happens to this tonality when you introduce an attenuator into your speaker path and lower the volume?...

Lower volume coming from the speaker cone, causes different interactions between cone & cabinet and you hear a different tone.....

Less Volume causes less vibrations within the tubes, causing a different tone to be heard.....

Less Volume causes a different tonal relationship to be heard in the environment you are playing in.....

Playing the amp at max power, accentuates the rectifier sag. It is a design feature, not a defect but is much more apparent at max amp output and lower volumes.....

Because the LOUD earsplitting sound is now much smaller, and you can detect much more in the way of subtle differences in the sound

Remember, you still have tone controls on your axe as well as your amp..dont be afraid to adjust things to make the sound perfect.

If your amp sounds sweet when cranked, you will like what you hear, if your amp sounds raspy/ugly when cranked..well, an Attenuator will not help matters! (but it will be quieter!)

The exact same sound played at a lower (or higher) level will sound different to your ear. The ear is non linear and this is why "Loudness" buttons were invented on audio amps. At lower volumes, the circuit boosts the low frequency's alot more. To your ear this is normal and sounds better, but it is "different" or non-transparent, than the actual source.

So, in summary, tonality is quite difficult to explain and measure, it remains one of the most frequently asked questions to me, and one that is the most difficult to explain and predict.

In the reviews.harmony-central link near the bottom, you will find this statement.

"I've changed my setup so much because of the Tube Cube that I really can't comment on it's transparency other than to say that I reckon I've found the express lift to tone heaven. If it colours my tone, so be it, the results are amazing!"

WILL AN ATTENUATOR HARM MY AMP OR WEAR OUT MY TUBES?

A better question is "will a well built attenuator harm my amp......"

Guess what? Tubes are light light bulbs, when they are on, they are getting slightly older..yep, its true, using your tube amp will wear out your tubes. If you run your amp at max volume, the tubes will wear out a little bit faster. That is one advantage to transistors I guess. The good thing is Tubes wear out very very slowly, I have a 1995 Blues Deluxe with original Tubes, and a Ephiphone Junior that is only 2 months old, with new JJ's installed, (my choice) .....

My advice...find your great tone you seek and fergeddaboudit..don't worry about the Tube replacements every few years or longer even.

Using an attenuator will not wear the tubes out any faster than the same volume or usage patterns without an attenuator.

Same goes for output transformers, driving a speaker or attenuator really makes no difference to the transformer. But if you run the transformer at maximum power forever, it will probably not last as long as the same transformer run at 50 percent power.

Years ago, I laid my amp over on it's face to simulate an attenuator... Dont do this :-)

The difference..at least for me, is I am more tempted to crank my amp max with the Tube Cube each time I practice, because the sound is just so very fine.....

By the way, if you have weak tubes or other components on the verge of failure, cranking your amp to max and playing it for hours will probably not end well...Into a speaker or Attenuator..no difference!!
Keep in mind that most people never operate their amps at the boundary of high power output. When an attenuator gets involved, maxing out your amp creates more risk of course. Keep in mind that some amplifiers are not designed well enough to be running at the ragged edge of the power limit. Only if there were a list somewhere of weak amps.. :-)

One more thing, after connecting your attenuator, suggest turning on your head LOW and carefully, (Cube full up-CW, and amp to 1 or Low),
Then listen for a small but correct sound....to assure that you connected everything in the proper fashion.
Each time you turn it on, best to check in this same fashion, in case someone else messed around with your setup and got it hooked up backwards.

If you hit the power button and crank the volume to max, and the for some reason, your not connected correctly....your amp will not be happy.
Pay careful attention to the proper connection methods, amp to attenuator input, then attenuator output jack goes to your speaker or cabinet.
A word of WARNING, Getting this part wrong will not end well.

On the subject of Phony Attenuators:

If you see a product that claims to be an attenuator, but is just too low priced (10-60 bucks), its probably a "low level" signal attenuator. Sometimes known as a volume control box, or effects loop attenuator or tone booster. They will not indicate a power rating, because they do not absorb "watts".

These are to be avoided if your goal is to drive your tube amp's output tubes to maximum power output and sweet tube distortion.

Sometimes called a Loop signal attenuator, works with the 'effects loop'..... These low level things operate by turning down the INPUT signal to the amp, similar to turning down the volume control on your guitar or bass. Doing this causes the amp input signal to be reduced, which reduces the output of the power tubes, which lowers the volume, AND and the distortion disappears as a result..... The little bit of pre-amp distortion this creates is pretty ugly..

Oh, most guitars and basses come with one of these..it's call a VOLUME CONTROL!! (It's the same thing, just in a different place in the circuit)

If you're going this route, probably much better sounding to use a screamer or a DS1 box instead, and maybe a transistor amp. :-)

Since you are here reading this, you know what you need, So save your money :-)

Also, beware of phony Tube Cubes out there seen lately for sale..amazing isn't it?

Summary,

Does the world need yet another $500 attenuator..I think not. The Cube is simple, reliable and sounds great, it's also very affordable.

You can get into one for just under $120, This was my goal. I spent a lot of years doing without, or borrowing a friends brake, this is why I worked to create this little Cube.

Reliable, it is designed to be reliable. The 80 watt model is not running at the ragged edge when consuming 80 watts. Same for the 160 watt model.

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 considered an audiophile quality device that 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.

You may also mismatch your speakers as reported here: From http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Effects/product/Jim+Sanders/Tube+Cube+160w+Dual+Output+-+Tube+Amp+Attenuator/10/1 "Added benefit: I can run several speaker cabs, with mis-matched impedences, out of this Cube. How great is that? Side-fill monitor, anyone? No degredation in sound quality with an 8-ohm and a 4-ohm cab pounding away. At tolerable volume."

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 grid AC 120volt power, it is self contained and is completely powered by the amplifier 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 :-)

I get this question alot... "Do I need to double the rating of my amp head, when I consider which power rating attenuator to buy, In other words, will my 50 watt amp require a 100 watt attuenuator?" A: For some attenuator brands, yes, but Not for the Cube, it is very conservatively rated and the 80 watt Cube will handle an 80 watt head without concern, Same for the 160 Cube matching up to a 160 watt head. Keep in mind that if you have modified or hot-rodded your 80 watt head and it puts out more than standard rated power, then obviously yes, you need to consider this extra power, as your 80 watt head isn't really an 80 watt head any longer :-)

Also, if you have a 120 watt twin and pulled 2 of the output tubes, now you are down around 60 watts...go ahead and get an 80..no problem,

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:

And Brand NEW for 2008 4 new Tube Cube Attenuators:

"Pro160" model 160 watt single channel, double output, With a Line out jack. (adjustable 4ohm 8ohm no longer available 16ohm)
Plus RCA low level output (sometimes called a Send or Line Out) for recording or driving another amp, ** or mixing console, Carry Handle. Also note, you may use a single output or both of them interchangeably.
** 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.

Deluxe160 model, & BassDeluxe160, 160 watt single channel double output, (adjustable 4ohm, 8ohm, no longer available in 16ohm), new style enclosure with carry handle, Large Knob.
(same exact product, with 2 names), to reduce the questions from bass players asking if I have a "bass model" :-)

"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.

Now ready: the "Stereo80" Model, Stereo 80 watt 2 channel, single input single output, twice, 4ohms, 8ohms adjustable.

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.

Want to make your monster transistor ampstack sound like a tube amp?
Get yourself a $99 Epiphone Junior tube amp (sweet sweet amp for the money), hide it down behind the monster tranny stack, and hook up the Pro160 to the Epi, and connect the line out to your Monster Transistor amp head input. ..yep!..it works.., real tube crunch from a monster tranny stack :-)

Questions of interest:

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

I get this question alot, so it's here twice!... "Do I need to double the rating for my amp head, when I consider which power rating attenuator to buy, In other words, will my 50 watt amp require a 100 watt attuenuator?" A: For some attenuator brands, yes, but Not for the Cube, it is very conservatively rated and the 80 watt Cube will handle an 80 watt head without concern, Same for the 160 Cube matching up to a 160 watt head. Keep in mind that if you have modified or hot-rodded your 80 watt head and it puts out more than standard rated power, then obviously yes, you need to consider this extra power, as your 80 watt head is'nt really an 80 watt head any longer :-)

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

Does the world need yet another $500 attenuator..I think not. The Cube is simple, reliable and sounds great, it's also very affordable.

You can get into one for just under $100, This was my goal. I spent alot of years doing without, or borrowing, this is why I worked to create this guy.

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 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 grid AC 120volt power, it is self contained and is completely powered by the amplifier output.

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

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....

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

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

Or a brand new 80 watt single channel limited edition, mint green only for a special price in the store.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=250164754400&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.

Ever wonder why these high to low converters don't sound all that good? OK To put it "visually", take a 12 foot tall painting and shrink it down to 3x5 inches to put on your desk... lose a little bit of detail did it? Sure it did, the same exact thing you're doing with the line out "sound" But it's there if you need it. :-)

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. 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

One more:

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.

On 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.

Posted: Friday, March 21, 2008 3:17:17 PM LUCKY DAUGHTER! I too started out on solid state amps - and hated that I never sounded like anyone I liked - but stuck with it anyway to learn technical aspects and theory. If she likes any vintage type tones, she will want to go tube -- nothing else comes close. BUT, BEWARE tube amps are loud -- the 5w Jr. ver 3 will rattle your neighbors' windows when those tubes are working up there in their glorious sweet zone!!! If that doesn't fit your situation, but she still wants tubes, then buy it and tame that beast with a "Tube Cube" ($85 - 150) attenuator (from "vspeed" on eBay at less than half of a T*D hotplate $299). I bought a ver. 3 Jr about three months ago and for the money would have to say it's the best thing out there.

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

Q: Hello there- A buddy of mine purchased one of these and told me it's the >greatest investment he's ever made. So now I'm wanting to purchase one too >(of course), but I had some questions if you don't mind... >1. Does this >over-color/distort your tone/sound?
A: ** The Cube is designed to pass through the signal, exactly as it receives it from the amp only smaller. That being said there are a number of things to consider regarding tonality, and many of them are listed in my guide on tonality here: http://reviews.ebay.com/Tube-Amp-Attenuator-Tube-Cube-Part-1_W0QQugidZ10000000004040239 >2.

Q: I play through an Ampeg V-4 head >that has a 3-way switch between 2, 4, and 8 ohms (I use it on 2, with two >re-wired 4 ohm Ampeg cabinets).
A: **Recommend setting the Cube on 8, the Ampeg on 8 and plugging in whatever you want speakerwise to the Cube regardless of Impedance. You can run 2, 3, or 4 cabs daisy chained together if you want...the Cube must match the amp...forget the speaker loads completely, they no longer matter when the Cube is in the circuit, some people even run their amps into the cube with NO speakers connected. Why you ask?...well, one of my models (Pro160) has a line out, and they can send this signal to their mixer, digital recorder, computer sound card...etc.

Q: I cant stand my tone changing every time I >turn up or down my head- do you think this will work alright for me/my setup?
A: **Yep sure will, set the head on whatever volume gives you the tone you like, then adjust the Cube for the volume you need..from bedroom to stage.

Q: >Look forward to hearing from you, and thanks again! :)
A:**anytime, give me another email if you have further questions or need clarifications..

I just want to thank you for everything especially the ....... .I had no probem with them at all and I appreciate a lot . The "cube" works perfectly with my monster AMPEG vt22 job !and not expensive . Great Congratulations!... Bestt regards Dom

From http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Effects/product/Jim+Sanders/Tube+Cube+160w+Dual+Output+-+Tube+Amp+Attenuator/10/1

"Added benefit: I can run several speaker cabs, with mis-matched impedences, out of this Cube. How great is that? Side-fill monitor, anyone? No degredation in sound quality with an 8-ohm and a 4-ohm cab pounding away. At tolerable volume."

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 T*D and M@rshall. Come and get it here.
Good communication. Good product. Nice bloke. Thanks again!
great item; fast shipment to Germany: perfect!
Great item, accurately described. Good transaction with a great vendor.
As decribed, xlnt comm, quick ship, xlnt packing, would buy again
Very good product. Excellent distortion at very low volume. Thanks
Great service, shipping, invoicing. The unit sounds really good, gonna buy more.
great working condition, arrived quickly
Product delivered fast, works great thanks for the product and the instructions
Awesome attenuator, built like a tank, great guy-A+A+A+A+A+A+A+
xcellent product (Tube Cube Basic 80), with quick email tech support.
Great piece of equipment! Fast shipment!! Recommend to others!!
does what it says - speedy delivery - recommend ++
Speedy delivery to the UK, thanks a lot. Works Great.
Fanatastic Product and Price. Fast Shipper Outstanding!
Honest seller, great product,
instant Ft. Knox-worthy shipping. A++
A 100% positive transaction from a great seller in the USA!
Cube 80 - buy it!! 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!
the product is just like he said well built and works great just perfect++++++++
Awesome product,fast shipping,well packed,Thank You Very Much!
A+++++++ yep,tamed my fender quad.couldnt use it on small stages untill now...thanx
Arrived before expected Massive value- so happy dont know if washin r hangin out
Great service, shipping, invoicing.
The unit sounds really good, gonna buy more.
Very good product. Excellent distortion at very low volume. Thanks

You made it to the end, thank you for visiting!
regards js

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