Two Variacs for Dummies - REVISITED

[Robocop101985]

Guys,

Not sure who pops on here anymore. Figured I’d throw it out there anyway. Wondering if anyone still runs this set up and if any problems have come up using it? I pulled my cab variac out and dusted it off. Wanted to experiment again and see if I am missing some tonal advantages.

[jnew]

Haven't been on here in years and only just seeing this. I remember starting this whole 2 variac thing way back when.
Anyway, yep. I still run it and have no problems. Just have to fabricate up a couple of speaker cables to accommodate connecting between head and cab but that's pretty easy to do.
Tone wise it feels like it adds a little compression but top end clarity and detail sings out with great focus and detail.
It can also be used to attenuate although I don't use it much for that reason. Maybe in some settings when I just want to jam reasonably and just not so plexi loud.

[Scumback Speakers]

Anyway, yep. I still run it and have no problems. Just have to fabricate up a couple of speaker cables to accommodate connecting between head and cab but that's pretty easy to do.
Tone wise it feels like it adds a little compression but top end clarity and detail sings out with great focus and detail.
It can also be used to attenuate although I don't use it much for that reason. Maybe in some settings when I just want to jam reasonably and just not so plexi loud.

What's the fun in that, James? LOL

[mpv1504]

Can you really attenuate a lot this way ? Is it dangerous regarding the impedance the amp sees through the 2nd variac ?

[jnew]

Yes, it can definitely attenuate effectively. I don’t know how much you intend to load it down but I’m pretty certain the impedance of the cab is what is reflected back to the OPT of the amp, so shouldn’t cause problems. At least none for me nearing 10 years of doing it.

[jnew]

Anyway, yep. I still run it and have no problems. Just have to fabricate up a couple of speaker cables to accommodate connecting between head and cab but that's pretty easy to do.
Tone wise it feels like it adds a little compression but top end clarity and detail sings out with great focus and detail.
It can also be used to attenuate although I don't use it much for that reason. Maybe in some settings when I just want to jam reasonably and just not so plexi loud.

What's the fun in that, James? LOL

Listen U,
no pissing on my 2am plexi parade.