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Description

Unlock the full potential of your guitar amplifier with the THD Hot Plate Guitar Amplifier Power Attenuator 8 Ohms. Crafted for musicians who crave control over their sound, this power attenuator is designed to let you crank up your amp to achieve that rich, saturated tone, while keeping the volume manageable for smaller venues or practice sessions. Featuring THD’s renowned reactive load network, this device ensures that your amp maintains its natural tone and dynamics, even at lower output levels.

Whether you're looking to preserve the vintage warmth of your tube amp or explore new sonic landscapes, the THD Hot Plate offers versatile options with its built-in noise reduction feature and tone-preserving bypass. Its compatibility with 8-ohm amplifiers makes it ideal for a wide range of setups, ensuring seamless integration into your gear collection. Known for its durable construction and reliable performance, the Hot Plate is a favorite among professional and amateur guitarists alike.

Perfect for studio recording, live gigs, or at-home practice, the THD Hot Plate empowers you to experiment with different tones and volumes without compromising sound quality. Experience a new dimension of sound control and elevate your guitar playing to new heights.

Key Features:

  • Designed for 8-ohm guitar amplifiers
  • Reactive load network for maintaining amp tone and dynamics
  • Built-in noise reduction feature
  • Tone-preserving bypass function
  • Durable construction for long-lasting use
  • Ideal for studio, live, and practice settings

Product specs

Brand THD
Model Hot Plate Power Attenuator - 8 Ohm
Finish Black, Black / Gold, Purple
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Amp Attenuators
Color Family Black
Impedance 8 ohms
Power Handling (Watts) 185

FAQs

What does the THD Hot Plate Guitar Amplifier Power Attenuator do?

The THD Hot Plate attenuator allows you to reduce the output volume of your guitar amplifier while maintaining its tonal characteristics, enabling you to achieve cranked amp sounds at lower volumes.

Is the THD Hot Plate suitable for an 8-ohm amplifier?

Yes, the THD Hot Plate Guitar Amplifier Power Attenuator is specifically designed for use with 8-ohm amplifiers.

Can using the THD Hot Plate affect the lifespan of my tube amp?

While attenuators like the THD Hot Plate allow you to play your amp at high levels for extended periods, this can increase wear on the tubes. However, the attenuator itself does not inherently damage the amp.

What makes the THD Hot Plate different from other attenuators?

The THD Hot Plate features a reactive load design, which provides a more natural and refined sound compared to simple resistive attenuators, preserving the amplifier's tonal integrity.

How much power can the THD Hot Plate handle?

The THD Hot Plate Guitar Amplifier Power Attenuator can handle up to 185 watts, making it suitable for most guitar amplifiers.

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 THD Hot plate test by Gen6 ちゃんねる

THD Hot plate test

Gen6 ちゃんねる

Gen6 ちゃんねる

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

Reviews

PROS

  • Enables low-volume practice with tube amps without sacrificing tone

  • Enhances natural overdrive from power tubes

  • Improves control over the amp's full volume range

  • Compatible with large wattage amps (up to 100W)

  • Preserves the warmth and clarity of the original amp sound

  • Works well with both channels and additional modes like bright and presence

  • Transforms the amp experience without damaging hearing

CONS

  • May encourage procrastination in purchase due to perceived non-urgency

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about THD Hot Plate Guitar Amplifier Power Attenuator 8 Ohms.

Comparisons

  • Users suggest the UA Ox Box as an alternative for those seeking a more reliable load box experience with high-wattage amps.

    Source
  • The P&P power attenuator with an 8/16 ohm switch and T-bridge technology is noted for its transparency compared to the Captor X.

    Source
  • Captor X has been noted for its -20dB and -37dB attenuation settings, with the latter sometimes described as sounding muffled, like a "wet blanket" over the cab.

    Source
  • A 16 Ohm Hot Plate on an 8 Ohm amp is considered a safe mismatch, but diminishes tone control effectiveness compared to a matching 8 Ohm model.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner using the THD Hot Plate with a Supro BK12 finds it effective without pushing the preamp section, highlighting its versatility across different amp setups.

    Source
  • Users with JCM-800 amps prefer using the master volume over attenuation, as they find cranking and attenuating leads to an undesirable mid-heavy tone.

    Source
  • Some owners experience failures when using the Hot Plate as a load without a cab, despite official claims of its suitability for this purpose.

    Source
  • Owners are very satisfied with the performance of the 8 Ohm model when paired with a 50W 5150III head, highlighting its versatility.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Some attenuators, like Weber Minimass, include treble boost features, which some users find essential for maintaining treble presence when attenuating.

    Source
  • Some users report that reactive attenuators can better replicate the impedance curve of real speakers, reducing tone loss compared to resistive models.

    Source
  • The THD Hot Plate's tone controls are less effective if the impedance is higher than the amp's, although it's safe to use in such cases.

    Source
  • The Hot Plate's fan activates more quickly on the 'load' setting, indicating high heat generation without a cab connected.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Fryette Power Station is highly recommended for taming high-wattage amps like the Model T, offering better tone preservation at lower volumes.

    Source
  • When using a Hot Plate as a load with a 100-watt amp, users report potential overheating, suggesting it may be better suited for lower wattage setups.

    Source
  • The line out can be used to run into a DAW and add cab IRs for recording, enhancing usability for home studios.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's advised to use an attenuator rated significantly higher than the amp's wattage, especially for amps like vintage Marshalls that can exceed their rated output.

    Source
  • A speaker extension cable may be necessary for combo amps due to the length of built-in speaker cables being limited.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Impedance must match the amp's speaker output to avoid damage; mismatches should only occur if specified by the manufacturer.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Legendary Tones - THD Electronics Hot Plate Attenuator

legendarytones.com

The THD Hot Plate Guitar Amplifier Power Attenuator impresses with its ability to deliver rich tube amp tones at manageable volumes, making it a game-changer for guitarists. Its frequency compensation and noise reduction features enhance sound quality, while the build quality ensures safe operation. The Hot Plate shines with both vintage and modern amps, offering punchy, dynamic tones without the excessive volume. However, it lacks an all-in-one solution for different impedance levels, which might require purchasing multiple units. Despite this, it's hailed as an essential tool for achieving power tube distortion without sacrificing ear health.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Noel Gallagher uses THD Hot Plate Guitar Amplifier Power Attenuator 8 Ohms

Noel Gallagher

Singer, Guitarist

Oasis

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video of a Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds performance in South East London for Absolute Radio in 2015, Noel Gallagher can be seen using a pair of THD Hot Plate Guitar Amplifier Power Attenuators (8 Ohms) on top of his Fender Blues Junior amp. A good shot of them can be seen at 2:26 minute mark.

He likely needs two of these THD Hot Plate Attenuators for the two tube amps he's using live - the Fender Blues Junior, and below it his Hiwatt Custom 100 Combo.

See how Paul Gilbert uses THD Hot Plate Guitar Amplifier Power Attenuator 8 Ohms

Paul Gilbert

Guitarist

Racer X

...
Verified via Paul Gilbert

On Paul's website, the Hot Plate is listed as the gear that he uses.

See how Kele Okereke uses THD Hot Plate Guitar Amplifier Power Attenuator 8 Ohms

Kele Okereke

Guitarist, Singer

Bloc Party

...
Verified via Flickr

In this 2009 photo of Bloc Party performing, the THD Hot Plates can be seen behind him.

See how Matthew Caws uses THD Hot Plate Guitar Amplifier Power Attenuator 8 Ohms

Matthew Caws

Guitarist

Nada Surf

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"I usually use a THD Hot Plate, too, to tame it down so I can really listen to what it sounds like without it hurting—because I do like a pretty hyped-up Fender sound."

See how Robert Ackroyd uses THD Hot Plate Guitar Amplifier Power Attenuator 8 Ohms

Robert Ackroyd

Guitarist

Florence and the Machine

...
Verified via Photo

“Added to the amps are two THD Hot Plates. I can control the levels and have the tubes always ‘full-on’ while keeping the volume correct for the show." - Robert's guitar/bass tech Djamir “Penguin” Filho.

See how David Torn uses THD Hot Plate Guitar Amplifier Power Attenuator 8 Ohms

David Torn

Guitarist

David Bowie (band)

...
Verified via GuitarPlayer.com

"I was using the THD Hot Plate Attenuator, which would send the signal to my rack mixer for my rack effects, and then to a Fryette Two/Fifty/Two stereo power amp that fed a Fryette Deliverance cab on one side of the stage."

See how Chris King Robinson uses THD Hot Plate Guitar Amplifier Power Attenuator 8 Ohms

Chris King Robinson

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Used for the Fender Deluxe Reverb on Chris King Robinson, as featured in this March 14, 2019 Instagram post.

Little amp tour from the debut album recording sessions 👁👀👁

Album Usage

The THD Hot Plate Guitar Amplifier Power Attenuator 8 Ohms 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 THD Hot Plate Guitar Amplifier Power Attenuator 8 Ohms, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
dionisi

dionisi

Gear IQ 67

nick_09

nick_09

Gear IQ 573

aaronrev206

aaronrev206

Gear IQ 160

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