Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $399

Standard/Professional

$299

$600+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "AmpRx BrownBox". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unlock the true potential of your tube amp with the AmpRx BrownBox, a game-changer for tone purists and professional engineers alike. This noise gate effects pedal is designed to optimize your amp's performance by managing voltage levels with precision. Many tube amps, particularly vintage models, perform best at specific voltage settings that standard 120V/AC power sources often exceed. With the BrownBox, you can safely adjust and maintain the ideal voltage for your setup, ensuring a rich and consistent sound.

The BrownBox stands out with its proprietary 5-amp transformer, offering flexible attenuation options that protect your amp and extend the lifespan of your costly tubes. With four selectable voltage-reduction modes and a convenient bypass option, you can easily A/B test the improvements in your sound. The onboard LCD voltmeter provides real-time voltage readings, making it simple to achieve the perfect setting tailored to your amp's specifications. Built to endure the rigors of touring, its braced metal chassis and protective bar ensure durability and safety.

Whether you're striving for that vintage tone or simply want to safeguard your amp's longevity, the AmpRx BrownBox is an essential addition to your gear arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Optimizes input voltage for enhanced tube amp performance
  • Extends the lifespan of power tubes with precise voltage management
  • LCD voltmeter for easy voltage monitoring
  • Four selectable attenuation modes: 3%, 4%, 6%, and 10%
  • Bypass mode for quick A/B testing
  • Robust metal chassis with protective bar for touring durability
  • 5-amp transformer with selectable input settings: 120/122/124/126VAC

Product specs

Type Voltage Attenuator
Power Handling Up to 540W @ 120V AC (5 amp)
Inputs Line voltage
Outputs 2 x AC grounded outlets, 110V - 126V AC; up to 10% reduction
Power Source Standard IEC AC Cable

FAQs

What is the primary function of the AmpRx BrownBox?

The AmpRx BrownBox is designed to safely reduce the voltage to your tube amplifier, allowing it to operate at optimal levels and enhance its tonal performance, particularly for vintage amps.

How does the AmpRx BrownBox connect to my amplifier?

The AmpRx BrownBox connects via standard IEC AC cables, providing two grounded AC outlets for easy integration with your existing setup.

Can the AmpRx BrownBox be used with any tube amplifier?

Yes, the AmpRx BrownBox is compatible with most tube amplifiers, as it handles up to 540 watts at 120V AC, making it versatile for various amp models.

What voltage range does the AmpRx BrownBox support?

The AmpRx BrownBox supports a voltage range from 110V to 126V AC, allowing for up to a 10% reduction to ensure your amplifier operates within safe and optimal parameters.

Does using the AmpRx BrownBox affect the tone of my amplifier?

By optimizing the voltage, the AmpRx BrownBox helps your amplifier achieve its intended tonal characteristics, particularly beneficial for vintage amps that may sound different at modern voltage levels.

Ask Zac

Ask Zac

Why I Bought A Brown Box To Protect My Vintage Tube Amps - Ask Zac 127

Video thumbnail for Why I Bought A Brown Box To Protect My Vintage Tube Amps - Ask Zac 127 by Ask Zac

Why I Bought A Brown Box To Protect My Vintage Tube Amps - Ask Zac 127

Ask Zac

Ask Zac

Video thumbnail for Amp RX - BrownBox demo by Lance Seymour - Gear Talk by Lance Seymour

Amp RX - BrownBox demo by Lance Seymour - Gear Talk

Lance Seymour

Lance Seymour

Video thumbnail for Johnny Hiland gets his hands on the amprx Brown Box by ThatGuitardedGuy

Johnny Hiland gets his hands on the amprx Brown Box

ThatGuitardedGuy

ThatGuitardedGuy

Video thumbnail for The Amp Accessory You Didn't Know You Needed! | AmpRX Brown Box Voltage Attenuator! by Peach Guitars

The Amp Accessory You Didn't Know You Needed! | AmpRX Brown Box Voltage Attenuator!

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Enhances longevity of amp components and tubes

  • Allows for manual voltage adjustment for optimal sound

  • Improves tone clarity and warmth at reduced voltages

  • Suitable for both vintage and modern amplifiers

  • Prevents amplifiers from overheating during extended use

  • Easy to replace parts, like the switch, for DIY repair

  • Offers a "brown sound" option for fans of lower voltage effects

  • Compact and reliable design for everyday use

  • Supports tube and amp health by maintaining correct voltage

  • Designed to counteract increasing US line voltages

CONS

  • Does not automatically adjust to fluctuating supply line voltages

  • Requires monitoring to ensure voltage stays within desired range

  • Physical size could be smaller for easier portability

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about AmpRx BrownBox.

Use cases and applications

  • The BrownBox is beneficial for vintage amps from the '30s-'50s with a power transformer wound for 110VAC, ensuring amps run at intended voltages.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike Variacs, the BrownBox uses a small bucking transformer, avoiding the risk of floating grounds and the potential to overvolt amps.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Running a Deluxe Reverb at 112V via BrownBox improves tone; re-biasing is necessary for consistent performance, as plate voltage drops significantly.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The BrownBox maintains consistent voltage, crucial for tube lifespan and consistent tone, avoiding the risks of Variacs' broad voltage range.

    Source

Critic Reviews

AmpRX BrownBox Review — Anatomy of Guitar Tone

anatomyofguitartone.com

AmpRx's BrownBox is a revelation for guitarists grappling with inconsistent amp tones due to voltage variations. Mark Marshall's review highlights its game-changing ability to stabilize voltage, thus preserving amp and pedal tone quality, especially on tour. While it only steps down voltage and requires careful power management due to its 500mA limit, it’s praised for delivering consistent sound and extending tube life. This high-quality, unique piece of gear is a must-have for musicians seeking tonal consistency across varying venues.

positive

AmpRX BrownBox Voltage-Reduction Unit | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The AmpRx BrownBox is a game-changer for vintage amp enthusiasts, effectively restoring classic tones by adjusting modern wall voltages to era-appropriate levels. It enhances harmonic content and compression, offering a sweeter, fuller sound, especially notable with a 1965 Vox AC30 and a 1974 Marshall JMP 50. While the BrownBox excels at reviving vintage amp tones, its utility is niche, primarily benefiting those with a keen ear for historic sound authenticity. For purists seeking to unlock the true potential of their vintage gear, this device is a worthwhile investment.

positive
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

essentiafor vitnage amp owners in the USA

in the USA line votlages have gone up, up up.... not only is this hard on your vintage amp, it also is causing it to run incorrectly. You're not hearing it the way it was designed to sound. Youc an pull a van halen and run a variac, but theyc an be costly, they're heavy as hell and if someone accidentally bumps the voltage up while you're playing you'll fry your amp for good... the BrownBox handles the job of slight line voltage reduction. it has a few settigns getting all the way down into EVH 'sponge out' turf. This device works rally well. I would endorse it. Set and forget. Not too heavy. Well built. Reliable. Safe.

andrewbrowning

LOVE THIS THING!!!

I use this with my HRDx and drive the voltage as far down as it goes and just love result… it definitely gets you the brown sound!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Derek Trucks uses AmpRx BrownBox

Derek Trucks

Guitarist

The Allman Brothers Band

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube Derek Trucks Rig Rundown Derek Trucks’ guitar tech, Bobby Tis, discusses his use of the AmpRX BrownBox at the 9:41 mark.

See how Chris Stapleton uses AmpRx BrownBox

Chris Stapleton

Singer, Guitarist

The Jompson Brothers

...
Verified via Photo

A FOH stage hand sent out a couple pictures of Chris Stapleton's live rig on May 27, 2016 in Simpsonville, SC at the Charter Spectrum Amphitheatre. The stage setup clearly matches the setup seen in various videos around the web from early-2016 shows. In the picture, you can clearly see two AmpRx BrownBox's behind his amps, supplying their power.

See how Brad Paisley uses AmpRx BrownBox

Brad Paisley

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

The item can be seen 7:47 into this video

See how Brian Baker uses AmpRx BrownBox

Brian Baker

Guitarist, Bassist

Bad Religion

...
Verified via YouTube

Brian states that he uses a Brown box. This gets the correct power to his amps at higher voltages. he states that he learned this trick from watching a rig rundown of AC DC. AC DC use a piece of gear that attenuated the power, but "was the size of a small car". Brian wanted to find something that does the same thing, but an average person could use and afford.

See how Tyler Bryant uses AmpRx BrownBox

Tyler Bryant

Singer, Guitarist

Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In order to keep the power clean on his amplifiers, Bryant uses the BrownBox by AmpRx, according to Premier Guitar's rig rundown.

See how Johnny Hiland uses AmpRx BrownBox

Johnny Hiland

Guitarist

The G3 Jam

...
Verified via Johnnyhiland

On Johnny Hiland's official gear page, the AmpRx BrownBox is listed among the effects he uses. This device is designed to optimize the performance of vintage amps by regulating voltage, which suggests Hiland might be employing it in the studio for precise tone control.

See how Chad Taylor uses AmpRx BrownBox

Chad Taylor

Guitarist

Live

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture post from Chad's Facebook page, part of his rack is shown and the BrownBox is visible, mounted sideways in the center.

See how Paul Moak uses AmpRx BrownBox

Paul Moak

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Heart

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

At 39:00, an AmpRX BrownBox power attenuator can be seen in Paul Moak's studio.

See how Zach Williams uses AmpRx BrownBox

Zach Williams

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Zach Williams uses the AmpRx BrownBox, as seen in an Instagram post by nickmayer, where it's credited for maintaining optimal amp performance during the #verynextthingtour.

Album Usage

The AmpRx BrownBox has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use AmpRx BrownBox, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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