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Average Price: $307

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Description

Unleash the full potential of your guitar amp with the Marshall PB100 Power Brake Attenuator, an essential tool for guitarists seeking to achieve their desired tone at any volume level. This power attenuator is designed to let you crank up your amp to its sweet spot without deafening the audience or your neighbors. Whether you're in a small club or your home studio, the Marshall PB100 gives you the flexibility to maintain your amp’s natural tube saturation and dynamic response, even at lower volumes.

The PB100 is engineered with a high-quality fan cooling system, ensuring reliable performance during long sessions and preventing overheating. Its continuous variable control allows for precise adjustments, giving you complete command over your output level. This control, combined with its robust construction, makes the PB100 a durable and dependable choice for any setting. Compatible with most tube amplifiers, this attenuator is a must-have for musicians who demand both versatility and consistency from their gear.

With its intuitive design and easy setup, the Marshall PB100 Power Brake Attenuator is your ticket to mastering your sound levels without sacrificing tone quality. It's perfect for practice, recording, or live performances where maintaining your amp’s character is paramount.

Key Features:

  • High-quality fan cooling system for reliable performance
  • Continuous variable control for precise volume adjustments
  • Compatible with most tube amplifiers
  • Maintains natural tube saturation and dynamic response
  • Durable construction for long-lasting use

Product specs

Brand Marshall
Model PB100 Powerbrake 100 Attenuator
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Made In United Kingdom
Categories Amp Attenuators
Color Family Black
Impedance 16 ohms, 8 ohms
Power Handling (Watts) 100

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Marshall PB100 Power Brake Attenuator?

The Marshall PB100 Power Brake Attenuator is designed to reduce the volume output of a guitar amplifier without sacrificing tone, allowing for high-volume sound at more manageable levels.

Can the Marshall PB100 Power Brake handle a 100-watt amplifier?

Yes, the Marshall PB100 Power Brake is capable of handling up to 100 watts, making it suitable for use with high-powered guitar amplifiers.

What impedance options does the Marshall PB100 Power Brake support?

The Marshall PB100 Power Brake supports both 8 ohms and 16 ohms impedance, allowing it to be compatible with a variety of amplifiers.

Is the Marshall PB100 Power Brake suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Marshall PB100 Power Brake is ideal for live performances, as it allows guitarists to achieve desired amp tones at lower volumes, reducing stage noise.

Does using the Marshall PB100 Power Brake affect the tone of my amplifier?

The Marshall PB100 Power Brake is designed to maintain the tonal integrity of your amplifier while reducing volume, ensuring your sound remains consistent.

StratGuitarman69

StratGuitarman69

Marshall Amp Comparison SLP1959 v JCM800 by The Clan's Craig McDonald July 2012

Video thumbnail for Marshall Amp Comparison  SLP1959 v JCM800 by The Clan's Craig McDonald July 2012 by StratGuitarman69

Marshall Amp Comparison SLP1959 v JCM800 by The Clan's Craig McDonald July 2012

StratGuitarman69

StratGuitarman69

Video thumbnail for Power attenuator comparison by Peter Michalowski

Power attenuator comparison

Peter Michalowski

Peter Michalowski

Video thumbnail for Marshall JCM800 1987 - straight in! by Andy K

Marshall JCM800 1987 - straight in!

Andy K

Andy K

Video thumbnail for Marshall JCM 800 2204 - Powerbrake vs Master Volume by przemek sluzynski

Marshall JCM 800 2204 - Powerbrake vs Master Volume

przemek sluzynski

przemek sluzynski

Video thumbnail for Marshall JMP 50 mk ll by pepislang

Marshall JMP 50 mk ll

pepislang

pepislang

Reviews

PROS

  • Preserves high frequencies unlike others

  • Durable build, described as "built like a tank"

  • Simple and reliable operation

  • Effective for using non-master volume amps at lower levels

  • Offers switchable impedance (16 and 8 ohms)

  • Dual speaker outlets for flexibility

  • Well-regarded for use with expensive vintage amps

  • Seen as good value compared to newer models

CONS

  • Noticeable tone and volume decrease at higher attenuation settings

  • Discontinued, leading to increased value on used market

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Marshall PB100 Power Brake Attenuator.

Comparisons

  • The Marshall PB100 Power Brake is considered less favorable compared to the Fryette Power Station and Boss Amp Expander for tonal transparency.

    Source
  • The Power Brake is an early reactive load attenuator, but newer options like the Captor offer more features like silent playing with DI out.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Power Brake significantly affects tone when heavily attenuated, unlike the more favored tone switches of the Hotplate.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A used Marshall Power Brake is often priced high due to rarity, with some sellers asking $300 CAD, though historically, prices were around $150 CAD.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users prefer using a pedal and turning down amp volume over using any attenuator due to better sound quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Power Brake might be more suitable for light attenuation rather than heavy usage, which impacts tone quality.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
A

Great build and great sounding

Its hard to imaging life without a good attenuator. Helps you enjoy the sound of an cranked Marshall on an ok level.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Mustaine uses Marshall PB100 Power Brake Attenuator

Dave Mustaine

Singer, Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

"Dave's current rig consists of two JMP-1 preamps, two EL34 100/100 power amps, four PB100 Powerbrakes and eight 1960BV 4 x 12 cabinets."

See how Neil Young uses Marshall PB100 Power Brake Attenuator

Neil Young

Singer, Guitarist

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

...
Verified via Julienslive

Lot #34 in the second group (#3198) of Julien's Auctions' December 17, 2017 "Neil Young Online Auction".

A Marshall Power Brake, model PB100.

6 1/2 by 5 1/2 by 9 inches

See how Graham Coxon uses Marshall PB100 Power Brake Attenuator

Graham Coxon

Guitarist

Blur

...
Verified via Photo

According to this Guitar Geek rig diagram, Graham uses two Marshall PB100s.

See how Geordie Greep uses Marshall PB100 Power Brake Attenuator

Geordie Greep

Singer, Guitarist

Black Midi

...
Verified via Twitter

Can be seen on top of geordie's current Marshall amp.

See how Jónsi uses Marshall PB100 Power Brake Attenuator

Jónsi

Singer, Guitarist

Sigur Rós

...
Verified via YouTube

Just below the TC Electronic rack is a Marshall Power Brake.

See how Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein uses Marshall PB100 Power Brake Attenuator

Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein

Guitarist

Misfits

...
Verified via YouTube

At 4:38 on top of his Demeter preamps you can see a Power Brake. He said "Yeah, they complain every day. I had to buy a Marshall Power Brake to shut it up but I have not used it once. They complain "Oh you're too loud, oh you're too loud". I'm like "Shut the fuck up!."

See how Kele Okereke uses Marshall PB100 Power Brake Attenuator

Kele Okereke

Guitarist, Singer

Bloc Party

...
Verified via YouTube

"In this Conan performance from 2005, both Okereke and Lissack had switched to Fender Hot Rod DeVille amplifiers with Marshall power attenuators on top of them."

See how Greg Koch uses Marshall PB100 Power Brake Attenuator

Greg Koch

Singer, Guitarist

Koch Marshall Trio

...
Verified via Instagram

In an Instagram post by @bustedfacemusic, Greg Koch is shown using a Marshall PB100 Power Brake Attenuator during a performance at @fasslerhalltulsa for HORTONFEST.

See how Tracii Guns uses Marshall PB100 Power Brake Attenuator

Tracii Guns

Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Facebook

On Tracii Guns Facebook from November 24, 2015. He included a picture with this attenuator.

See how Josh Rand uses Marshall PB100 Power Brake Attenuator

Josh Rand

Guitarist, Bassist

Roadrunner United

...
Verified via Photo

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been playing guitar for 27 years and this is my very first Marshall amp.

See how Jerry Finn uses Marshall PB100 Power Brake Attenuator

Jerry Finn

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

Blink-182

...
Verified via Reverb

In this Reverb sale of Jerry Finn’s collection, a Marshall PB100 Power Brake Attenuator was sold

See how Paco Huidobro uses Marshall PB100 Power Brake Attenuator

Paco Huidobro

Guitarist, Composer

Fobia

...
Verified via Photo

In a video by Guitar Gear, Paco Huidobro is seen having a Marshall PB100 Power Brake Attenuator, positioned above his Fender amplifier. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aylD5VBmqdE&t=1644s)

Album Usage

The Marshall PB100 Power Brake Attenuator 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 Marshall PB100 Power Brake Attenuator, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Marshall Plexi 1959SLP
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1
Marshall JCM800 2210
Marshall JCM800 2210 Guitar Amplifier Heads
1
Marshall Super Lead 100-Watt Head
1
Boss VB-2 Vibrato
Boss VB-2 Vibrato Vibrato Effects Pedals
1
Marshall 1960AX
Marshall 1960AX Guitar Amplifier Cabinets
1
Boss PN-2 Tremolo/Pan
Boss PN-2 Tremolo/Pan Tremolo Effects Pedals
1

Community setups

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