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Rivera Amplification Power Attenuator and Load Box
Product Videos :
YouTube Video
Your Price: $965.00 CDN
or from $102 CDN/mo
One of the greatest tools for a guitarist to adjust stage or studio levels while opening up the throttle on their tube amp is a great power attenuator. For home or silent recording, having a high-wattage capacity load box gives artistic freedom to record at all hours and in all environs. The ability to record or perform at controlled, low, or even silent levels is what the Rockcrusher is all about.
Taking a preamp output or turning down your volume doesnt give you all of your amps tone, because getting your favorite tube amp to perform and sound like it does when it is turned up means that you need the power-amp section to add that rich overdrive character. Unfortunately, there are not enough venues that allow for high levels that come from an amp running at full tone and power through speakers.
The Rockcrusher can be placed in between your amp and speaker cab as a power attenuator, or use it in place of your speaker cabinet as a load box while sending its balanced XLR or unbalanced line out to another amp as a slave, or even send its output to a mixer for recording or live performance.
In addition to providing superior tone, impedance matching is critical for your tube amp's health and longevity. We gave the RockCrusher an 8/16-ohm selector switch so you can use either value to accurately match your cabinets and amplifiers.
We also built in features that ensure the Rock Crusher is easy to use both onstage and in the studio. For bypass on the fly, which lets you use the amp with a speaker cabinet when full output level is desired, we included a front-panel full bypass switch that removes the load entirely.
When low speaker volume is desired, there is a Studio position of the Attenuator Level Selector that enables the Studio Level control to adjust from low to quiet output--perfect for home, project, and studio recording.
Balanced XLR and unbalanced " phone jacks with a convenient front-panel level control allow interfacing with practically any audio equipment. Two Speaker jacks allow easy connection with up to two speaker enclosures.
Solid construction is a standard feature of Rivera equipment, is also engineered into the Rockcrusher with a 16-gauge welded steel chassis, heavy-duty and rugged industrial-grade components are used throughout. The Rockcrusher is designed to give you years of reliable, cool-running service. In addition, both sides of the Rockcrusher chassis facilitate mounting rack ears or other brackets for professional road case installation.
Features:
• Superior natural tone balance at any level
• Selectable 8- and 16-ohm capability
• Reactive internal network for true amplifier/load interaction
• Immense thermal capacity ensures cool running and long life
• Tight impedance tolerances
• XLR and unbalanced line outputs with level control
• Low- and high-frequency equalization selection
• Load box and attenuator function up to 120W RMS capacity
• Enormous and robust internal components
• Full bypass capability with no insertion loss
Specifications:
Power Handling Capacity: 120Watts RMS Maximum
Amplifier Input Impedance: 8 or 16 Ohms, selectable.
Speaker output Impedance: 8 or 16 Ohm
Line Output Impedance: 560 Ohms Balanced or Unbalanced
Line Output Level: +10 db V Maximum
Chassis: 16 Gauge Cold Rolled Steel, Welded, Powder Coat Painted
Taking a preamp output or turning down your volume doesnt give you all of your amps tone, because getting your favorite tube amp to perform and sound like it does when it is turned up means that you need the power-amp section to add that rich overdrive character. Unfortunately, there are not enough venues that allow for high levels that come from an amp running at full tone and power through speakers.
The Rockcrusher can be placed in between your amp and speaker cab as a power attenuator, or use it in place of your speaker cabinet as a load box while sending its balanced XLR or unbalanced line out to another amp as a slave, or even send its output to a mixer for recording or live performance.
In addition to providing superior tone, impedance matching is critical for your tube amp's health and longevity. We gave the RockCrusher an 8/16-ohm selector switch so you can use either value to accurately match your cabinets and amplifiers.
We also built in features that ensure the Rock Crusher is easy to use both onstage and in the studio. For bypass on the fly, which lets you use the amp with a speaker cabinet when full output level is desired, we included a front-panel full bypass switch that removes the load entirely.
When low speaker volume is desired, there is a Studio position of the Attenuator Level Selector that enables the Studio Level control to adjust from low to quiet output--perfect for home, project, and studio recording.
Balanced XLR and unbalanced " phone jacks with a convenient front-panel level control allow interfacing with practically any audio equipment. Two Speaker jacks allow easy connection with up to two speaker enclosures.
Solid construction is a standard feature of Rivera equipment, is also engineered into the Rockcrusher with a 16-gauge welded steel chassis, heavy-duty and rugged industrial-grade components are used throughout. The Rockcrusher is designed to give you years of reliable, cool-running service. In addition, both sides of the Rockcrusher chassis facilitate mounting rack ears or other brackets for professional road case installation.
Features:
• Superior natural tone balance at any level
• Selectable 8- and 16-ohm capability
• Reactive internal network for true amplifier/load interaction
• Immense thermal capacity ensures cool running and long life
• Tight impedance tolerances
• XLR and unbalanced line outputs with level control
• Low- and high-frequency equalization selection
• Load box and attenuator function up to 120W RMS capacity
• Enormous and robust internal components
• Full bypass capability with no insertion loss
Specifications:
Power Handling Capacity: 120Watts RMS Maximum
Amplifier Input Impedance: 8 or 16 Ohms, selectable.
Speaker output Impedance: 8 or 16 Ohm
Line Output Impedance: 560 Ohms Balanced or Unbalanced
Line Output Level: +10 db V Maximum
Chassis: 16 Gauge Cold Rolled Steel, Welded, Powder Coat Painted
Media
Youtube video product demo
Description: full details
Q & A
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Reviews
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The best Attenuator out there! 2 of 3 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Calgary Chinook, Alberta
I've been using Rivera amps for almost 10 years now so when Rivera announced they were making an attenuator some years ago I knew I had to get one to replace the THD Hotplate I had at the time. Rivera's build quality is above and beyond and their attention to detail is amazing and comforting in that their products will last! The RockCrusher does a great job in maintaining the amp's tone and feel without compromising it with each level of attenuation. I found that the THD really got fizzy and fuzzy at the higher (quieter) attenuation levels where the RockCrusher did not. Another nice feature is that the RockCrusher can do either 8ohm or 16ohm where as "others" you have to buy one to match the required ohm loading. It's a big piece of gear but again, the quality is there! A little on the pricier side but if you are particular to your tone and amp's feel I don't think you can put a price on that. Attenuator's really should be an essential piece of gear for any owner of a tube NMV amp. I moved onto the RockCrusher Recording a couple of years ago but for the few years I had a RockCrusher it was great.
Posted by Jeremy on May 30, 2017
Better Than I Expected 1 of 2 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Oshawa, Ontario
Get the recording version if that's what you want to do. It will record your ideas, but that's about it. However ... using it as intended, and mic recording your amp/speaker combo, it's wonderful. Or just keeping things low in a small club. There's no need to have your amp over volume 5. It picks up on the amp tone at a safe level. I honestly don't think this is good with a dark amp and dull speakers. Number one ... you will need speakers with some hi end sparkle and colour. And an amp that doesn't need the treble and bass boosted.
Posted by Pat McIntyre on Nov 12, 2016
Great tool 1 of 3 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Belleville, Ontario
Works great I have a 1967 Traynor yba 1 through two vintage 30s and it is very very loud but has a tone I have never herd before the rock crusher takes volume down and the sound stays the same works great built very well to love it would have like the rock crusher recording but did not have cash but this one is all I really need it a a must have for the yba 1 thanks
Posted by Brook on Aug 18, 2016
Best piece of gear you will ever buy 5 of 5 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Toronto (Bloor St.), Ontario
Ladies and gents, the Rock Crusher is hands down the best investment you will ever make in any piece of gear. It totally -- totally! -- solves the #1 problem tube amp players have: these amps don't sound good at low volume. I cringed at the price tag but let me tell you, if I had to pay double I would bite the bullet and do it. It will give you true overdriven tones at reasonable volumes. If you live in an apartment (as I do), or even a house, volume is a serious issue and if you're like me, you bite your lip knowing you're giving up serious tone to avoid a knock on the door from the cops. Not any more. This unit gives you that pure, sweet overdriven tone at a volume no one can complain about. It has tons of adjustability -- if you want you could even get it as low as the sound of your pick hitting the strings and it still sounds great. Initially I hesitated to buy it because I thought the description was too good to be true. Well, it's $640 for a reason -- it does exactly what the manufacturer says it does. Don't waste your money and your tone on the cheaper attenuators. This is the real deal.
Posted by anonymous on Mar 16, 2015
Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
Great Additions
Reserve in Store
| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Power Attenuator and Load Box | 423062 |
