THD Electronics HP8 Hot Plate Power Attenuator, 4 Ohm

by THD

Product Features

• The best-sounding and best-selling power attenuator in the world.
• Every component is selected and optomized for a 4 ohm load to always show the amplifier a 4 ohm load, regardless of the setting.
• Hand-built in the USA.
• The industry standard attenuator.
• Ideal for any amp driving a 4 ohm load, such as a typical 2x12 combo.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4 x 6 x 12 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002IP4PG
• Item model number: HP4
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #84,274 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #70 in Musical Instruments > Instrument Accessories > Amplifier Accessories > Footswitches & Controllers

Product Description

The THD Hot Plate Attenuator is a power attenuator and noise reducer that lets you attain the incredible sound of your amp running at high output and full distortion but at recording, small club, and neighbor-friendly volumes. It also makes a perfect dummy load.A power attenuator is simply a device placed between the speaker output and the speaker cabinet. It acts like a huge master volume control and permits the amp to be turned up most or all the way while absorbing most of the power generated by the amplifier and turning this power into heat. It passes a small part of the power to the speaker.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THD Hot Plate, February 28, 2009

By 

Richard L. Thibeault (New London, CT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: THD Electronics HP8 Hot Plate Power Attenuator, 4 Ohm (Electronics)

This product does wonders for a tube guitar amplifier. It permits great amp sound at reduced sound amplitude.

5.0 out of 5 stars Cheaper than bad tone!, November 16, 2009

By 

J. Bryan (Northern California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: THD Electronics HP8 Hot Plate Power Attenuator, 4 Ohm (Electronics)

The Hot Plate is my most favorite "effect pedal". I've got several tube amps, and I simply will not use them *without* the Hot Plate. Think of it as a true master volume control. I set the amp's controls for the best tone, then adjust the volume with the Hot Plate. Priceless.

My friends and I have wasted hundreds (thousands) of dollars on pedals and amp simulators trying to get that killer sound, and I *finally* found it with the Hot Plate.

My only complaint is with the sound of the line-out. It's nothing like a tube amp, and you'll need to run it through an EQ or something to make it moderately usable in a PA.

The low-boost and bright switches are nice, and get used a lot to compensate for lower volume settings or different cabs. The "bulbs" switch is interesting, but I'm not sure I'd miss it if it wasn't there.

The differences in tone at lower volumes (greater attenuation) aren't as dramatic as how bad an amp simulator sounds compared to the attenuated tube amp.

Regarding reliability, I use a simple metric: If it can withstand being thrown (repeatedly) at the drummer, it's build ruggedly enough. The Hot Plate rates at least 10+ drummer-impacts, and gets bonus points for keeping my tea warm.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Studio Must-Have, September 7, 2009

By 

Jeffrey P. Skolnik "The Old Engineer" (Fairview, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: THD Electronics HP8 Hot Plate Power Attenuator, 8 Ohm (Electronics)

The THD Hot Plate Power Attenuator is a valuable addition to any recording studio. This unit does exactly what it is intended to do: attenuate the output of a tube amplifier without changing the tone guitarists crave. Moreover, it is exceptionally well-made; consider this a lifetime purchase. There is no substitute; purchase the THD - your ears will thank you.

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