Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $383
High-end/Boutique
$119
$300+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Suhr Reactive Load". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Introducing the Suhr Reactive Load, a perfect blend of simplicity and sonic dynamism. This Direct Box is your ideal solution for capturing the warmth and depth of your sound without the need for microphones during your gig or studio recording. Just connect it to your tube amp in place of your loudspeaker, and let it transform your sound into an immersive experience.
The Suhr Reactive Load is designed to handle 8-ohm loads, seamlessly connecting your tube amp to recording devices, effects, and power amps. It's capable of generating both symmetrical and asymmetrical signals, providing you with a rich spectrum of sound options to explore. It is recommended for use with a maximum amp power of 100 Watt RMS to ensure optimum performance.
With the Suhr Reactive Load, you can now reinvent and redefine your music without the constraints of traditional recording. Let your creativity take flight with this versatile Direct Box.
Key Features:
- A simple yet powerful solution for capturing the warmth and depth of sound without microphones
- Can be connected to a tube amp in place of a loudspeaker, loading it with 8 ohm
- Capable of generating both symmetrical and asymmetrical signals for a wide range of sound options
- Recommended for use with a maximum amp power of 100 Watt RMS
- Perfect for both live gigs and studio recording sessions
Owner's manual
Suhr Reactive Load User ManualProduct specs
| Type | Reactive Load Box |
| Power Handling | 100W RMS |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" (from amp) |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" (to speaker), 1 x 1/4" (line level), 1 x XLR (DI out) |
| Power Source | Passive |
| Height | 3.6" |
| Width | 8.8" |
| Depth | 8.9" |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs. |
FAQs
-
What is the purpose of the Suhr Reactive Load?
-
The Suhr Reactive Load replaces your speaker cabinet in the signal chain, providing an 8Ω load for tube amplifiers up to 100 watts and producing a balanced and unbalanced signal for recording devices, effects, and power amplifiers.
-
Can the Suhr Reactive Load handle a 100-watt amplifier?
-
Yes, the Suhr Reactive Load can handle amplifiers up to 100 watts RMS, making it suitable for most tube amplifiers.
-
What are the output options available on the Suhr Reactive Load?
-
The Suhr Reactive Load offers a 1/4" line-level output, a 1/4" speaker output, and an XLR DI output, providing versatile connectivity for various recording and amplification setups.
-
Does the Suhr Reactive Load require external power?
-
No, the Suhr Reactive Load is a passive device and does not require an external power source to operate.
-
How does a reactive load differ from a dummy load?
-
A reactive load, like the Suhr Reactive Load, includes both resistance and reactance, closely mimicking the behavior of a speaker, whereas a dummy load typically only has resistance.
Videos
Suhr Custom
Understanding the Suhr™ Reactive Load with Pete Thorn
Understanding the Suhr™ Reactive Load with Pete Thorn
Suhr Custom
SUHR REACTIVE LOAD™ FIRST IMPRESSIONS - BY PETE THORN
Suhr Custom
Gear Spotlight - Suhr Reactive Load
90s Punk Rock Covers
Reviews
PROS
-
Allows silent recording with powerful amps without disturbing neighbors
-
Maintains tube amp dynamics and sustain better than digital modeling
-
Excellent build quality, described as "built like a tank"
-
Compatible with a variety of impulse responses for versatile sound shaping
-
Provides clear, noise-free digital output for recording
-
Passive all-analog signal path retains natural tone fidelity
-
Accurate tone retention compared to mic'd cab sound
-
Easy to integrate with DAWs and impulse response devices
-
Enables recording at home with professional-level sound quality
-
Ideal for users without access to multiple cabinets and microphones
CONS
-
Lacks built-in impulse responses, requires external IR loader
-
Can sound boomy and mid-scooped without connected speakers
-
Larger and more expensive than some alternatives
-
No attenuation feature to simultaneously use with speaker cabinets
-
Flat mids when using internal dummy loads, missing 3D depth
-
No load/speaker switch for easy toggling between silent and live setups
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Suhr Reactive Load.
Features and functionality
-
The Suhr Reactive Load IR is praised for producing sound quality that surpasses some small combo speakers, especially beneficial for apartment living.
Source -
The pass-through on the Suhr Reactive Load disables its internal load, allowing the amp to interact directly with the connected speaker's resistance.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
It's commonly used with monitors for general use and headphones for late-night sessions to avoid disturbing neighbors.
Source -
For simultaneous use of the reactive load signal and an external speaker, a rewiring of the internal speaker to a 1/4" plug is necessary, though not recommended for casual users.
Source
Software and compatibility
User experience
-
Open-backed headphones are preferred over closed-back models to reduce ear fatigue during extended use.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 4 Ratings
60
Make it easy
It’s enough of a wrestle recording guitars - new strings, intonation, pedals, amp etc. it’s a lot to think about.
So when it’s time to hit record you need something that Does.The Job. This is expensive no doubt, but i would not be without it.
If you have a sound isolated studio and a ton of cabs and mics then move along, nothing to see here.
For everyone else, get this and redwirez MixIR and take the guesswork out.
94
Amazing, worth every penny
When you bowl up to the studio with one of these, expect raised engineer eyebrows - until they hear it in action.
I haven’t A/B’d it with anything, i just hit my guitar and it sounds wonderful, that’s all I know - full, dynamic, responsive.
It’s big and heavy. It’s on my modified pedal board (yes!) and it comes everywhere with me. I wouldn’t be without it.
So glad I didn’t cheap out on this critical part of the signal chain.
302
Lifesaver
Not only will it save me money on microphones and cabinets, but it'll keep my ex-special forces neighbor happy. Definitely a buy.
Artist usage
Add artist
In this video, Misha's studio gear is shown to consist of a Suhr Reactive Load.
In his "Home Studio Tour 2018" video on YouTube, Ola Englund features the Suhr Reactive Load as part of his studio setup, showcasing its role in his signal processing gear.
In the video "Mateus Asato - Let it ring," Mateus Asato uses a Suhr Reactive Load, visible in the background. This device is an essential tool for capturing the warmth and dynamics of an amp without using microphones, ideal for both live and studio settings. It connects to a tube amp, handling up to 100 watts RMS, and provides both symmetrical and asymmetrical signals for recording or further processing. The Suhr Reactive Load is compact, measuring 22.35 x 22.6 x 9.6 cm and weighing 3 kg.
.jpg)
In an Instagram post, Aaron Marshall enthusiastically highlights the Suhr Reactive Load with a series of expressive emojis, tagging @suhrcustom and using hashtags like #suhr and #reactiveload.
“When you bowl up to the studio with one of these, expect raised engineer eyebrows - until they hear it.”
“I haven’t A/B’d it with anything, i just hit my guitar and it sounds wonderful, that’s all I know - full, dynamic, responsive.”
“It’s big and heavy. It’s on my modified pedal board and comes everywhere with me. I wouldn’t be without it.”
“So glad I didn’t cheap out on this critical part of the signal chain.“
Vinny Miller Aug 2021
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 Suhr Reactive Load, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
More Suhr Direct Boxes
$138.99 - $193.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$225.39 - $269.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$936.00 - $1,099.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$112.69 - $145.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$226.71 - $259.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$200.00 - $259.99
in Direct Boxes Rank
$225.39 - $269.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$187.83 - $209.99
in Direct Boxes Rank
.png?v=1780675100)
$225.00 - $259.99
in Direct Boxes Rank
$199.00 - $399.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$125.00 - $349.99
in Direct Boxes Rank
$152.15 - $395.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$116.45 - $135.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$115.00 - $232.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$98.00 - $232.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$1,069.00 - $1,223.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$225.39 - $275.50
in Direct Boxes Rank
$93.91 - $115.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$872.39 - $950.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$112.69 - $135.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$219.00 - $275.50
in Direct Boxes Rank
$428.26 - $527.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$82.64 - $98.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$209.00 - $269.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$77.99 - $98.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$49.00 - $95.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$219.99 - $249.99
in Direct Boxes Rank
$40.10 - $129.99
in Direct Boxes Rank
.jpg?v=1780639640)
$232.91 - $271.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$1,399.00 - $1,499.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$249.99
in Direct Boxes Rank
$48.00 - $149.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$329.99 - $379.00
in Direct Boxes Rank
$89.60 - $198.88
in Direct Boxes Rank
$20.00 - $69.99
in Direct Boxes Rank
$338.10 - $399.99
in Direct Boxes Rank
$16.40 - $84.74
in Direct Boxes Rank
$119.99 - $149.99
in Direct Boxes Rank
-m.webp?v=1780757913)
$23.90 - $46.90
in Direct Boxes Rank
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Direct Boxes
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
.jpg?v=1780706400)
jose_carmoGear IQ 1119
-
