Bugera PS1 Attenuator

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$96.00 to $129.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (4)

1 Review

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4 community setups

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Page last updated Jun 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated June 6, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.5 (233)

$129.00

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$129.00

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4.3 (381)

$129.00

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4.0 (34)

$129.00 1 available New

$59.44 16 available Used

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5.0 (2)

$129.00

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5.0 (5)

$117.00

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$129.00

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4.4 (364)

$98.00 $96.00 $2.00 · All time low

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£95.60

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Average Price: $116

Budget/Beginner

$299

$600+

Price Tier

In the Guitar Power Attenuators category, Bugera PS1 Attenuator is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Bugera PS1 Attenuator". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Introducing the Bugera PS1 Attenuator, a musician's secret weapon for achieving the perfect tube amp tone at any volume. Designed with the musician in mind, the PS1 sits between your amplifier's output and the speaker, allowing you to harness the full potential of your tube amp without shaking the neighborhood. Whether you're practicing in your bedroom or recording in the studio, the Bugera PS1 Attenuator ensures your tone stays rich, dynamic, and true to your sound.

The PS1 Attenuator is not just about controlling volume - it's about enhancing your overall playing experience. With its Passive 100-Watt Power Attenuator, you can push your tube amp into its sweet spot without worrying about excessive volume. Meanwhile, whether you're dialing in a smooth clean tone or a roaring overdrive, the PS1 delivers a consistent, amp-like tone that is sure to impress.

Key Features:

Passive 100-Watt Power Attenuator allows for optimal overdriven tones at any volume
Multi-impedance input connectors (4, 8, and 16 Ohms) for compatibility with virtually any amplifier
Line output with dedicated Level control for precise volume management
Emulated Mic Output simulates a microphone in front of a speaker cabinet, perfect for recording or live performances without a mic

Product specs

Type	Attenuator
Power Handling	100W
Impedance	4/8/16 ohms
Inputs	3 x 1/4" (powered signal in)
Outputs	1 x 1/4" (line), 1 x 1/4" (speaker), 1 x XLR (emulated mic)
Power Source	Passive

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Bugera PS1 Attenuator?: The Bugera PS1 Attenuator reduces the volume of a guitar amplifier while maintaining its tone, allowing you to achieve cranked amp sounds at lower, more manageable volume levels.
Is the Bugera PS1 Attenuator compatible with all tube amps?: The Bugera PS1 Attenuator is compatible with most tube amps up to 100 watts, supporting 4, 8, or 16-ohm impedance settings.
How do I connect my amplifier to the Bugera PS1 Attenuator?: Connect your amp's output to the PS1's input using a speaker cable, ensuring the impedance matches (4, 8, or 16 ohms), and then connect the PS1's speaker output to your speaker cabinet.
Does the Bugera PS1 provide any outputs for direct recording?: Yes, the Bugera PS1 features a line output with level control and an emulated mic output via XLR, allowing you to send your amp's signal directly to a mixing console or recording interface.
Can the Bugera PS1 Attenuator be used with bass amplifiers?: Yes, the Bugera PS1 Attenuator is suitable for use with both guitar and bass amplifiers, provided they are within the 100-watt power handling capacity.

Videos

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Phillip McKnight

$100 Attenuator vs $500 Attenuator

Phillip McKnight

BUGERA POWER SOAK PS1 - Demo / Review - Crank your tubes, save your ears - Guitar Discoveries #26

Robert Cassard

BUGERA PS1 POWER SOAK - Crank your tube amp and play at bedroom levels.

Euge Valovirta

Bugera PS1 Powersoak - The Loud Guitarist's BEST FRIEND!

Andrew Chapman Music

Bugera PS1 Power Soak with Mesa Dual Rectifier Amp

Kamicosmos

Bugera PS1 - Unboxing, demo and review (& HEAT WARNING!)

Larry the Music Guy

Bugera PS1 Power Soak Attenuator - How to Hook it up to your Amp

OnlineHustleDad

CAN THE BUGERA PS1 POWER SOAK SAVE THE DAY? | Honest review of the budget attenuator | #shorts!

DIY Guitarists

Bugera ps1 power attenuator - How to plug It Into An Amp

OnlineHustleDad

Reviews

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PROS

Allows for cranked amp tones at lower, comfortable volumes
Compatible with various amp setups, including non-standard configurations
Enhances tube amp performance without significant tone loss
Offers great value for its price point compared to competitors
Passive design means no additional power source required
Versatile use for home, studio, or live settings without noise complaints
Can be used as a load box for silent recording
Simple installation process with no noticeable noise issues
Provides a realistic sound, even when heavily attenuated
Helps achieve specific artist tones when used with other gear

CONS

Might lose some clarity and character with certain amp tones
Durability concerns with some units failing prematurely
Generates heat, which could be a concern for long-term use
A slight burning smell reported initially by some users
Noticeable high-end frequency loss when heavily attenuated
The manual lacks clear instructions for all features
Some users report an increase in gain/distortion when connected
Not recommended for amps over 100 watts by some users
May not fully preserve the original tone at maximum attenuation settings

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Bugera PS1 Attenuator.

User experience

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Owners report the PS1 getting extremely hot with 50W amps, suggesting caution with higher wattage setups.
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Users report that using it with amps around 5-15W works well for reducing volume without significant tone loss.
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Users note that the Bugera PS1 can handle amps up to 50-60 watts cranked, despite being rated for higher wattages.
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Use cases and applications

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The PS1 is not ideal for drastically reducing a 100W amp to bedroom volumes; a more powerful reactive attenuator is suggested for such needs.
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While effective with amps up to 50W, it struggles with 100W amps, potentially overheating quickly.
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The PS1 is favored by users needing to manage volume in cramped spaces without sacrificing amp tone, especially for cranked Marshall amps.
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Comparisons

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The Bugera PS1 is often compared to the Marshall Powerbrake, though the DI features are less effective.
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The straight resistive load design of the PS1 is seen as more predictable but less versatile compared to reactive loads.
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The Weber Mass 100 offers better tonal compensation and versatility, featuring bypass and silent recording options, unlike the Bugera PS1.
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Mods and upgrades

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The JHS Little Black Amp Box in the FX loop is recommended for high-gain amps, acting as a master volume control.
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A 2.2uF capacitor soldered between specific lugs can enhance treble retention, with Solen Metalized Polypropylene recommended for quality.
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An Elevenator treble bypass mod is recommended to counteract the dullness at low volumes, using a speaker crossover cap with a switch.
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Features and functionality

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It is a resistive attenuator and can sound flat, lacking the dynamic response of reactive load attenuators.
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It's noted that the PS1's attenuation can cut volume significantly more than 3dB, contrary to the manual's implication.
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The Bugera PS1 matches input impedance to output, ensuring consistent ohm levels between amp and speaker.
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The Bugera PS1 lacks a bypass switch, requiring users to unplug it frequently, which can be inconvenient during use.
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Setup and maintenance

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Disassembling the PS1 requires careful handling of heat transfer paste, emphasizing the importance of maintaining its presence during reassembly.
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Build quality

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Internally, the Bugera PS1 is slightly below par compared to the Pulse PMATT but better than Jet City and Harley Benton versions.
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Other

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The Bugera PS1 is noted for significant "tone suck," particularly in reducing treble, which can affect the sound quality negatively.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star

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3 star

2 star

1 star

joey_van_bobko

107

almost 5 years ago

Huge improvement of overall tone

In my quest to achieve “Tony Iommi” tone from my Marshall DSL 40 C this piece of equipment was a necessary component to help me dial in the tone I want, so in conjunction with my Epiphone SG, and my Iommi pedal and my Tube Screamer pedal I have been able to achieve Tony’s tone.

Roles:

Guitarist

Genres:

Metal melodic metal