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Description

The THD Hot Plate 16 Ohm is a versatile tool for guitarists looking to manage their amplifier's output without sacrificing tone. Designed specifically for use with 16-ohm amplifiers, this guitar power attenuator allows players to maintain their amp's natural overdrive and feel while keeping volume levels in check. Whether you're practicing at home, recording in a studio, or performing live, the THD Hot Plate provides a seamless way to achieve your desired sound at any volume.

Engineered to preserve your amplifier's tone while reducing output levels, the THD Hot Plate is equipped with a reactive load that mimics the dynamic interaction between an amp and speaker. This ensures that your sound remains authentic, even at lower volumes. With its built-in noise reduction circuitry, the Hot Plate also minimizes excess noise, allowing for a cleaner performance.

The unit includes a range of useful features such as a bright switch to enhance high frequencies, deep switch for bass boost, and a line out for recording or direct input to a PA system. These functions make the THD Hot Plate a practical addition to any guitarist's setup, providing flexibility and control over your sound.

Key Features:

  • Designed for use with 16-ohm amplifiers
  • Reactive load for authentic tone preservation
  • Built-in noise reduction circuitry
  • Bright and deep switches for sound customization
  • Line out for direct recording or PA input integration

Product specs

Brand THD
Model Hot Plate Power Attenuator - 16 Ohm
Finish Black, Black / Gold, Blue
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Amp Attenuators
Color Family Black
Impedance 16 ohms
Power Handling (Watts) 185

FAQs

What does the THD Hot Plate 16 Ohm do for my guitar amp?

The THD Hot Plate 16 Ohm is a power attenuator that lets you achieve full amp distortion at lower volumes by absorbing excess power and converting it into heat, making it ideal for home practice without losing the amp's tonal character.

Is the THD Hot Plate 16 Ohm suitable for all tube amplifiers?

The THD Hot Plate 16 Ohm is specifically designed for use with tube amplifiers that have a 16-ohm output, ensuring optimal performance and impedance matching for safe operation.

Can the THD Hot Plate 16 Ohm handle high power levels?

Yes, the THD Hot Plate 16 Ohm can handle up to 185 watts, making it suitable for use with high-powered amplifiers while maintaining sound quality at reduced volumes.

Does the THD Hot Plate 16 Ohm affect the tone of my amp?

The THD Hot Plate 16 Ohm is designed to preserve the tonal characteristics of your amp while reducing volume, thanks to its reactive load design that minimizes tonal coloration.

How does the THD Hot Plate 16 Ohm connect to my amplifier?

Connect the THD Hot Plate 16 Ohm between your amplifier's speaker output and the speaker cabinet, ensuring the impedance matches for safe and effective operation.

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

THD Hotplate and ENGL Savage test

Video thumbnail for THD Hotplate and ENGL Savage test by Ola Englund

THD Hotplate and ENGL Savage test

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

Video thumbnail for Weber Mass Vs THD Hotplate - Power Attenuator Comparison - Shootout by Johan Segeborn

Weber Mass Vs THD Hotplate - Power Attenuator Comparison - Shootout

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for Do I need more than one THD Hot Plate Power Attenuator? by Johan Segeborn

Do I need more than one THD Hot Plate Power Attenuator?

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for THD HOT PLATE (w/ Fender Amp) by 1484tv イシバシ楽器公式

THD HOT PLATE (w/ Fender Amp)

1484tv イシバシ楽器公式

1484tv イシバシ楽器公式

Video thumbnail for THD Hotplate in Depth Review into a 1967 Super Reverb by Fret Junkies

THD Hotplate in Depth Review into a 1967 Super Reverb

Fret Junkies

Fret Junkies

Video thumbnail for 1972 Marshall JMP 50w Cranked with THD Hot Plate by Joong Mo Do

1972 Marshall JMP 50w Cranked with THD Hot Plate

Joong Mo Do

Joong Mo Do

Reviews

PROS

  • Works perfectly with specific amps, like Gibson Les Paul Junior

  • Offers many options to shape tone

  • Great for reducing volume while maintaining quality

  • Added bright switch enhances tone for certain amps

  • Built very durably

  • Enables bedroom-level volume without losing amp character

  • Allows for sweet amp breakup at lower volumes

  • Versatile across different amp models and years

CONS

  • Limited by a single impedance option (16 Ohm)

  • Does not achieve perfection at lowest volume settings

  • May not be fully compatible with all amp settings (e.g., -16 dB adjustment issues)

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about THD Hot Plate 16 Ohm.

Setup and maintenance

  • Ensure the impedance of the amp's speaker output matches the attenuator. 8 Ohm is required for a 65 Fender Deluxe Reverb Reissue.

    Source
  • A 100-watt amp can exceed its rated power output, potentially demanding a higher-rated attenuator to avoid stress on components like transformers.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The THD Hot Plate allows routing the line out into a DAW for using cab IRs, enhancing recording flexibility.

    Source
  • The Hot Plate can function as a load box without a cab, but some users have experienced issues when used with 100-watt amps, suggesting potential limitations.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • An extension cable might be necessary for combo amps, allowing better positioning of the attenuator by overcoming built-in speaker cable length limitations.

    Source

Comparisons

  • While a 16 Ohm Hot Plate can work with an 8 Ohm amp, it reduces the effectiveness of the Hot Plate's tone controls compared to a matched impedance setup.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that the THD Hot Plate's fan activates more aggressively when used as a load without a cab, indicating increased heat management requirements.

    Source

Other

  • Using the Hot Plate as a load box may lead to increased wear on power tubes due to the tendency to crank amps higher without a cab.

    Source

Build quality

  • Modern Marshall transformers may have insulation prone to melting under high load, risking shorts and failure.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
callum_freefall

no other choice

best attenuator out there in my opinion. if you need something to lower the volume of your amp but keep amazing tone then get one of these :)

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Brad Whitford uses THD Hot Plate 16 Ohm

Brad Whitford

Guitarist

Hollywood Vampires

...
Verified via Legendary Tones

"Both Marshalls run THD Hot Plate attenuators, which allows Brad to turn the amps up to get the warmer power tube saturation, while also maintaining a good comfortable listening level."

See how Dan Hawkins uses THD Hot Plate 16 Ohm

Dan Hawkins

Guitarist

The Darkness

...
Verified via YouTube

At 7:24 minute mark, Hawkins showed the THD Hot Plate (16 ohm).

See how Dan O'Connor uses THD Hot Plate 16 Ohm

Dan O'Connor

Guitarist

Four Year Strong

...
Verified via YouTube

At 13:06 of this rig rundown, Dan shows us his THD hot plate used for both of his heads.

See how Mark Potter uses THD Hot Plate 16 Ohm

Mark Potter

Guitarist

Elbow

...
Verified via Gettyimages

Visible in this photo from Total Guitar magazine.

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 THD Hot Plate 16 Ohm, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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