I watched this a couple of weeks ago and on the strength of it have purchased one. I was at the point of saying goodbye to a fair few valve heads that in all honesty were collecting dust. The review is really accurate and I just want to say that Your reviews are in my opinion amongst the best out there. You can certainly play but somehow you never let your abilities get in the way of a solid review. It's good to be able to trust a reviewer that demonstrates what a piece of equipment does well allowing viewers to make informed choices. Thank you.
I had a 1971 Marshall 100 watt super-lead w 4x12 original greenbacks. Completely unusable for gigs. Loudest amp on the planet! But when I was able to crank it up in the basement, it was GLORIOUS! This Freyette would have come in handy.
I have to say that not having to run delays and reverbs into the front of vintage, reissues or any amp without an integrated effects loop is almost worth the price alone. It goes 1 better than a typical loop, running delay and reverb post power amp so the effects are working on the entire amp instead of just the Preamp. When you're running through typical IR cab emulators, you're getting the sound of your amp being mic'd, this is essentially the sound of just your amp.
For anyone considering getting one of these, remember that as Pete's clips shows, it sounds the same when you match the volume in the DAW for the recorded clip, but in person the lower the volume the more our perception of that sound changes. Fletcher-Munson curve and all. So don't expect it will sound and feel like a loud amp at stage volume when turned down to bedroom volume because you will be missing the speakers running in their intended range and the guitar interacting with the speakers. It's still a great unit to own if you have a favorite amp that is too loud. It also makes an excellent poweramp for digital modelers via the line input.
Thing about speakers is ... they are designed to move air. That is their primary function. So if a speaker is not moving the air that it is built to move, there will be a tonal and a presence change and a perceived lack of impact or "push" which we have become accustomed to "feeling."
I just bought one of these a few months ago....it sounds fantastic...after having it for a short time,it makes you wonder how you ever got by without it....really a great,and practical piece of gear...Great demo as always..
I miss my King Royale. That Amp had such cool and bold midrange. You sold me on a PS100. Great demo, I appreciate the amount of work that goes into making high quality demos.
I just got Fryette PS100 Power station and it amazing. The feel to my fingers and the sound stay the same as My Plexi 100 watt Cranked up. fantastic device. I get to hear my Plexi as it would be cranked with out going losing my hearing. Marshall Plexi sound so good.
The reason I bought the very limited YJM100 was because of the built in attenuator it had. I can get that warmth, sizzle and sag without stuff falling off walls or the blue lights show up. For my lower watt amps I use the Z Amp brake lite. So yeah it is cool to say your "bedroom" amp is a 100 watt Marshall.
Best piece of gear i ever bought! It’s a fantastic power amplifier for your rack preamps too. I use it with my Soldano pre’s and it sounds awesome. Very popular with the Kemper and Axe Fx guys too due to it being a very transparent tube power amp.
This is a great review for professional players - and if I had the budget, I'd definitely consider the PS100. For my own amateur home-practice purposes, the JHS Little Black Amp Box attenuator gives me gorgeous tube-amp tones at low volume - and it's only $45 (or £45, in the UK).
I still have the first generation power station, and IT was the best piece of sound reinforcement gear I've purchased. The "attenuation," 50W 6L6 power amp (mine isn't 100?) Alone meant both My higher power and lower power amps get WAY more use than before. The series effects loop that can be used with Fender and older Marshall or any other amps that don't have loops just kills it. I used to have a 20W and 50W Dumble clones that i could use anywhere i wanted together in stereo; if i need more power i could put the 20W through up to 50, and if i needed to go the other way i could. Eventually i started using an Ethos overdrive Preamp with another clone, the 20W was definitely lighter than the 50, but it was by no means light.
I have bought one for my Mini Rectifier and Mark V:25. At home I use the PS to play quitely, in the rehearsel room I use it to boost these lunchbox amps. It is complete tonal heaven for me.
Don't forget about the Fryette Power Load... it is a less expensive solution for people that have to be silent all the time. (Edit) yes, the Power Load is in the PS100.... Power Load is just a less expensive alternative to those who only wish to record or play without a real cab pushing air.... and it has a great analog cab and mic emulation built in, the Power Station 100 doesn't have that. Just some extra info for good decision making.
14:13 your anp was so loud it made the m look like an n 😂 Love the Zep lick from one of my favorite songs of theirs. Really a full featured unit with lots of flexibility for vintage style amps.
I have this, here's how I use it, I have a Kahayan 8x4 amp switcher (think Tim Pierce) the amp switcher has an attenuator in out and I put the ps-100 in there, this allows me to use it to attenuate all 8 heads, but also gives me a global effects loop for all of the 8 heads, so I dont needs multiple cables running from the effects loops of the heads. Its a great attenuator and the line out works great as well. It has Sovtek 6550 Power tubes
It's cool that a badass player is a genuinely cool person. Pete is one of those people that if you don't like him, you probably got some shit to work on lol. Great review man...
That attenuator really does sound great. Lots of folks still think wattage has to do with volume. Easiest way I've come across to think about it is that the average 5 watt tube amp is still as loud as a trumpet. Why? Guitar speakers are loud. More wattage equals more headroom and tighter, fuller bass on tap.
I got an UltraLead in 1997 and sold my TreOverb immediately. It's master volume is amazingly versatile. I've never had a neighbor complain. They wanted to borrow the amp!!! It has also been borrowed by producer Neil Dorfsman (Dire Straits, Sting, etc) Good day, sir!
I have the 50 watt version. Great piece of gear. My Kemper sounded great but the tube feel wasn't quite there going into monitors or through digital amps. The Fryette gives me the sound and the feel. Love it.
I just got the Fryette PS-2A a couple months ago & it’s such a great device. I’m pretty sure the only differences are mine Is single channel & 50 watts instead of 100 watts. I use a two notes cab M with mine.
I just recently bought the same unit you have. I get some distortion coming out when I'm using a clean channel on my amp. Do you know how I can fix that?
@@javeduddinCheck you have the impedance set correctly. My first guess would be maybe you can hear the power stage of your amp working and actually breaking up. How have you got the level set on your clean channel?
Great vid Pete! I think this is just what I have been looking for. I have been using L-pads as an attenuator since 1976! They have served me well but this will allow me to use effects in the loop.
I’ve been gigging with a PS-2 for a few years now. It has got me through many a pub gig with killer tone. You get all the bottom end punch of a cranked amp at pub volume, it works great for recording, and you can even run your time based FX after the cranked power amp, which sounds awesome.
It's not often emphasized enough how these tings make life simpler by keeping everybody ELSE happy! No pissed-off family or neighbors, and you can turn down when you have to keep the sound guy happy without losing your tone.
Great demo Pete. I'm a newcomer to amp loading, IR's, and all the rest of the ways to get my amp collection at more manageable volumes. If anyone hasn't seen your IR video, they should watch it. The last year has had me thinking of different ways to work, and silent stage has come up. I have taken some of the things I've learned about IR's, reamping and loading (mostly from you) to hopefully applying these technologies to broaden the scope of what I'm able to offer a potential bandleader. Thanks for all the help. By the way, Steve builds this stuff military-grade. All the Fryette solutions are awesome.
Sweet, PS are really nice. I bought a Superlead a few years back and you kind of sold me on the RockCrusher, got it used for $300 which was a steal...I found a sweet deal on a used simple one, no EQ, but you did a video in like 2014 with an RC EQ version that I used for reference when I was thinking about getting it. It's beautiful, handles a 100 watt Marshall mic'd very nicely. Throw a mic on it and no one would know the difference, I some times have to pop the headphones off to make sure I'm not really too loud. Meaty and great for recording while keeping my windows intact and neighbors not hating me, but still getting that Plexi tone with no real audible anomalies or weirdness. It's freaking awesome. Attenuators are kind of a must for a NMV amp if one really wants that tone. But they work great on MV amps too if you want to get that gain from the power section.
The worst load box I've come across was a Weber thingy (can't recall which one) but there was an actual speaker inside the device, that was virtually silent. But the end result was terribly lacking any clarity or dynamic edge, the further down the attenuation. What I have been using for a number of years now, is one (or the other) of the Koch load boxes. I think they work quite well though I cannot say they are on par with the Fryette designs, such as what we have here.
Great video Pete! If you can't afford an expensive attenuator a piece of plexiglass in front of your amp works wonders. You just have to find that sweet spot between you and the amp!
I recently acquired the 50w PS2 and it really is superb. Thanks for the video @Pete Thorn , it was very informing and it's great to hear you dig the Power Station
I have to be honest with you, I am very skeptical of reviews on the internet. A lot of reviews are just advertising in disguise. But I've been looking for an attenuator for a while after not really being satisfied with the Weber Mass I have. I was concerned that at 50W it would still be too much (I bought the PS-2), but it's extremely useable as an attenuator alone, with the High/Low button on High, the volume response on the volume knob gives you a very usable output without feeling like you have to baby the knob like you might with the amp alone. As far as how it sounds, well if you have the volume down low it doesn't seem to sound the same, but you bring the volume to unity and it feels identical, so any loss in tone you're getting is just the result of pushing less air in my opinion. It really is a great unit, and it's capable of so much more than I'm using it for right now.
So surprised to find this sweet piece of gear is not available when following the manufacturer link... ? Totally wanna check one out first hand. Thanks Pete!
If you go to the link below in the video description - email Tone merchants they have a few available. Also I know that they have a bunch ready to ship to dealers now. Supply chain interruptions have been tough during Covid. Getting parts and stuff. Been hitting every single industry!
Superb demo as always Pete! From what I can tell from the Zep piece, it seems to preserve cleans when attenuated way down which other attenuators don't seem to do well if at all. I'm stuck in a townhouse and want to get this to not only get my Carr Slant 6V distorted tones, but also at least some of the great cleans at low volumes the amp produces. Seems this may do the trick!
well done - you covered most all the bases - I've used an old Scholz unit and a newer Trainwreck branded box and both worked but were hardly what you would call transparent, thanks again!
One thing I appreciate about the Fryette (and the Rivera) stuff is that they don't expect you to fork out cash for every impedance you want to use. That to me is just unacceptable, especially considering that these things (quality ones, anyway) aren't cheap even at a relatively basic level.
Great video and I agree wholeheartedly about the load + reamp sound. In my experience, even the most budget load box+class D power amp combo beats expensive attenuators for low volume performance. Of course, the Fryette Power Station takes that concept to whole another level.
This is the best gear purchase I’ve ever made… it’s made a huge difference in my studio workflow AND now my live rig…. In all scenarios it actually makes everything I plug into it sound not just the same… but BETTER.
Pete, another great demo, another purchase I didn’t need! Rob @ Tone Merchants got me set-up! Ordered Last Friday, arrived on Monday, gonna kick out the jamz! The PS-100 became ‘scarce’ as soon as your demo hit. Well done.
Thank you 🙏 Pete !! I really need one of these PS100s i have my lil Spyder 30 watt right next to my 100 watt JMP . I was getting severely depressed not being able to play my JMP . Because of ur demo not only can i play it but i can use the loop on PS100 for a better delay and ..... w 2 channels i wont have to depress an EQ pedal to go from rythm to lead !!! And i wont have to fight w sound guys about volume ! Love ya Mann !! :))
I bought one at the start of lockdown. It’s pricey *but totally worth it* and absolutely amazing and really how I’ve kept my sanity at home over the last year. I can play all of my amps cranked but keep the volume low. And it sounds GREAT!! The Power Station is the best Covid/lockdown purchase ever.
@@maximumguitarage I dial in my amp however I want it. Usually cranked into sweet overdrive or not, depending on how I’m feeling or what I’m playing. With no regard for the actual amp volume because I’m dialing in the actual, quiet, at-home room volume with the Fryette.
@@RichardReneeRachel I see that makes sense, thank you. Were you able to get the active load to match your amps volume then work the volume down to bedroom levels ? When activated I can barely hear my amp even if the volume goes past the middle position at even 10:00 clock. I have seen individuals with the same problem and it has been a cable, fuse , tube or a wire disconnected. Just trying to get a good baseline to work off. I am hoping I don't have any issues with this brand new unit right out of the box
@@maximumguitarage Are you saying that when you have the Fryette activated, you can barely hear your amp even with the volume up on the Fryette? I do not have this problem. Actually, I've never tried to match the actual amp volume when the Fryette is activated because I want the volume lower. But I also have used the Fryette to crank a smaller amp, like a Vibro Champ. Am I making sense? :-)
@@RichardReneeRachel yes perfect sense. This is correct. If I am at 12:00 and even take it to 3:00 o-clock it's whisper quiet . Something is up. I replaced the speaker out cable to my cable, I will give it a try. If it is not Working then I will have to sadly return 😭
Two things-First off, I have to thank you again, Pete! I don't know if you realize how influential your videos are to young, or inexperienced players. These videos expose us to gear, tones, studio workflows, etc that we otherwise might never see. I appreciate your insight on how to be a better guitarist for the modern day. Thanks, man. Secondly, I have a question. How important do you think it is to have an effects loop today? With DAW plugins so accessible, how different is the sound from using a delay/reverb in the loop vs after the mic you think?
Well Pete didn't answer but I will. In the studio you normally wouldn't record delays and reverbs through the loop or in front of the amp for exactly the reason you mentioned: There are too many great sounding and affordable plug-ins you can add after the fact and doing it that way also allows you to experiment with different effects to find the perfect sound for the track. The only exception I can think of is if you are using delays as a rhythmic part of the performance. On the other hand having a loop for live performance can be really helpful as it allows you to keep your sound less cluttered. Anyone who has put a delay before a distorted amp knows what I mean...it turns into a mess pretty quickly.
Pete Thanks man I’ve been going round with this thing for quite a while I stopped using it cause my freidman has an fx loop I have a wet/ dry rig for live going through my Gigrig Ive been using my friedman as my wet amp And my Vibralux as my dry even though the fender has more head room it doesn’t have a loop So now i’m gonna use the freedman for dry and the Vibralux for wet with the ps100 for the fx loop I know this is long winded but your comment about not using the effects loop in amp and using it in the Power Station really hit home this time I don’t know how I missed that when you said that I’ve watch this video like six times I’m a huge fan just put a set of Thornbuckers in my PRS and love them THANKS PETE
Great demo! And your volume-matching gives us the chance to isolate what effect speaker drive has on the sound - a bit of thickening, a slight rolling off of the pick-attack-slice. Must say, I’m a fan of the attenuated & re-amped (with tubes!) sound.
Weird. I can't find my comment now the stream has stopped. Thank you Peter. Really good to hear your thoughts and get your thorough demo. I bought the Power Station after seeing it next to your desk in every video. Not always switched on but you were probably demoing a pedal or modeller. It is "the answer" as far as I'm concerned. I just need the pick of destiny now. 👍
Anytime I want to hear a great demo on a guitar product I’m interested in you are the guy. Best gear reviews on TH-cam. Only one problem…I want just about everything you demo.Just ordered one of these for my Marshall JMP. Can’t wait. Cheers Pete!
I purchased a Bugera Power Soak that works for lowering volume but changes tone dramatically.I can’t use it for recordings.Ok for noodling.Just ordered PS100 and looking for better results.You get what you pay for.lol.Thanks for great demo.
In the Zeppelin test, I actually think I like the sound of the re-amp more. It has a juicy chunk to it, whereas the original signal has a mid-range bark which would be easy enough to eq in somewhere if you prefer that sound. Great examples of how the unit sounds.
Thanks for answering my question about this Fryette! I was waiting for this video. Thanks to covid the house is crowded because of homeworking. Now with the fryette... Lets rock (quieter) ;-)
I can now use my laney lionheart 5 watter with my fane alnico 100 in the old tone ring cab! And to have that glorious post power stage loop for time based fx, the universe just expanded! And get authoritative volumes for the cleans. Yes! This one product is monumental.
Great demo as always Pete. I would like to see a comparison between this and the Tone King Iron man attenuator, just in attenuation obviously as the PS does do a lot more.
Hello Pete, As a cost effective alternative, I've been looking at a used THD. I have staying clear of the Scholz product because I know from experience, the resistors do not age well and will develop heat stress cracks over time. I'm just looking for something that is not total crap, that I can use to just putz around in my basement, maybe mic it for demos, I have been looking for an attenuator. In the 80s I used the Tom Scholz Power Soak with a JCM 800 100w (2203) and it served my purposes for jamming in my dorm room on Eglin AFB. While I am much better off today than I was 40 years ago in the military on a salary of $500 a month, I cannot justify the cost of a Fryette. Your demo makes the thing look awesome. Alas, I think I would be single again if "you know who" ever figured out how much I spent.
Very cool Demo as usual. Its designed well. Excellent note articulation at super lowe volume. Pre amp gain doesn't change. It pricey but this video proves you get exactly what you pay for. 👌
I have the single channel version for use with my AC-15. This thing is the best!!! And I definitely use it for the effects loop too, which made everything sound better. All my time base effects are in the loop except the Vibe Machine which I think sounds better in from of the amp. Mainly this thing sounds great at lower volumes that my neighbors can handle, And Pete is right, you still feel very connected to the amp while playing unless you turn down SUPER SUPER low.
Awesome video ! How does it compare to the Boss Waza TAE, strictly for the attenuation/reactive load reamping feature ? (don't care much about the rest). I'm so option paralysis between Fryette PS-2 and Boss TAE for playing tube amps at home. From this video, the PS-100 sure sounds damn good and transparent !!!
Hi Pete!! Greetings from Italy!! You are simply the number 1, i've learned an incredible amount of information from your channel in this years and I'm grateful to you. I hope you can make a video about the new Fryette Power Load Ir.... 😉🎸🎶🇮🇹
I bet having two channels would make running two cabs at different volumes a heckuva lot easier, no second amp needed and you can lower the volume on one of them for either FOH (quieter for mic'ing), for the top cab on a full stack pointed at your ears, or for a cab on the other side of the stage
Ordered a 2nd PS-100,.. Seeking options a proper (schematic) for: 2 amplifiers EVH Iconic80 & VHT D50 2 PS-100s 2 Noise Gates per amp (4total)(Noise Reaper) - Stereo Wet fx in the PS100 fx loops Works as I like with one amp;.. 🖖🏼😎🎸
I have a Rivera Rock Crusher,Captor, and Captor X. This is Top of the line right here.I live in the tight South O.C.Suburbs(Condo Hell).These folks don't take kindly to Full Stacks after 4:00P.M. Nice Korg Delay pedal.Hell of a pedal right there. Too bad they discontinued it after a year and you can't find one under 600.00 USD. What is that Attenuator that you said they stop making ? Phantom ? Cannot make it out ? Did you ever listen to any Bill Nelson (B-Bop Deluxe),Groundhogs(Split) w/ Tony McPhee ? Jethro Tull had a pretty good Guitarist also lol. Thank You Mr.Thorn.
Great video on the Fryette and I always learn so much with your videos. You also did a great video on the Tone King attenuator. Since they are both basically the same price, which is preferred? I read some reviews on the Fryette that referred to some quality issues. Also I think your guitar playing is pretty superb.
So, I just ordered one of these. Can’t wait!. So,explain the small amps getting louder deal. I unplug the combo speaker, run a cable to the PS100, then out to some other cab, not back into the combo speaker right? I mean, if we are going much louder, a single speaker could not handle the load right? So, small watt amp, unplugged speaker to PS100 to other cab? Thanks. Just don’t want to blow my small amp speaker. Thanks gunna be great for all my 100w amps as well.
Hi Pete! I need some advice about buying a power attenuator. I have Koch Amps LB120-II/16 that I use with a Marshall "2203" amp and I am extremely satisfied with it, it is very organic and sound respected (I had already tried a "Powerbreak" and a "Hotplate" that I found much less good). I have just acquired a new toy, a Marshall "2204" older and paradoxically that crunches at a very high volume. I would need an attenuator that would attenuate the sound even more than the Koch while being as respectful of the sound as possible. Which one would you advise me in priority? (I don't need various options: sound card, equalizer...) 😉 Two notes reload, Rivera Rockcrusher, Iron man II ...? (The Fryette seems good and perhabs the best but a little more expensive for me 😏 ) Thanks a lot Eric
I solved the volume problem of my Marshall 1959 SLP by turning it into a Friedman Small Box amp. I tried every existing loadbox but no one comes close to the Friedmans amps
Thanks for this video Pete! I must have spent days searching the internet for attenuator comparisons so I could record my AC15 at home, and the speaker simulators just didn't cut it. I just bought a PS2, and am excited to give it a go. I would be curious to see the difference in tone an attenuator makes at bedroom levels. Like an amp recorded at bedroom levels without any attenuator in the chain, and that same amp attenuated to the same bedroom levels with that power tube saturation maxed out.
That IKEA lamp made it look like this thing uses some massive exotic tube in the thumbnail.
Lol, yes!!
Agree that’s what I was hoping for too!
Lamp sold seperately haha
I watched this a couple of weeks ago and on the strength of it have purchased one. I was at the point of saying goodbye to a fair few valve heads that in all honesty were collecting dust. The review is really accurate and I just want to say that Your reviews are in my opinion amongst the best out there. You can certainly play but somehow you never let your abilities get in the way of a solid review. It's good to be able to trust a reviewer that demonstrates what a piece of equipment does well allowing viewers to make informed choices. Thank you.
How does it work
But is it really that good??
Suck up!
I'm just an average at-home hobbyist, but this was the most informative, clear and well done demo I have ever watched. Thank-you very much, Pete!!!!!
Hey thanks Bill!
You said it!!!
I had a 1971 Marshall 100 watt super-lead w 4x12 original greenbacks. Completely unusable for gigs. Loudest amp on the planet! But when I was able to crank it up in the basement, it was GLORIOUS! This Freyette would have come in handy.
Yeah! A reduction of six or 8 dB would’ve made it probably just perfect for most gig situations
I have the PS-2. One the best purchases I made in a long time.
I have to say that not having to run delays and reverbs into the front of vintage, reissues or any amp without an integrated effects loop is almost worth the price alone. It goes 1 better than a typical loop, running delay and reverb post power amp so the effects are working on the entire amp instead of just the Preamp.
When you're running through typical IR cab emulators, you're getting the sound of your amp being mic'd, this is essentially the sound of just your amp.
For anyone considering getting one of these, remember that as Pete's clips shows, it sounds the same when you match the volume in the DAW for the recorded clip, but in person the lower the volume the more our perception of that sound changes. Fletcher-Munson curve and all. So don't expect it will sound and feel like a loud amp at stage volume when turned down to bedroom volume because you will be missing the speakers running in their intended range and the guitar interacting with the speakers.
It's still a great unit to own if you have a favorite amp that is too loud. It also makes an excellent poweramp for digital modelers via the line input.
Thing about speakers is ... they are designed to move air. That is their primary function. So if a speaker is not moving the air that it is built to move, there will be a tonal and a presence change and a perceived lack of impact or "push" which we have become accustomed to "feeling."
@@Tonetwisters you’re right about the speakers moving air. However this is the best attenuator on the market.
I just bought one of these a few months ago....it sounds fantastic...after having it for a short time,it makes you wonder how you ever got by without it....really a great,and practical piece of gear...Great demo as always..
Thanks for all the trouble you go to Pete with these brilliant videos man. Always enlightening, cheers from Oz.
I miss my King Royale. That Amp had such cool and bold midrange. You sold me on a PS100. Great demo, I appreciate the amount of work that goes into making high quality demos.
Freyette PS-2 & PS-100 = best attenuation devices on earth. I've owned nearly all of them
Tone king?
@@parachuteman4 Yeah right I'm fixing to get a 5 watt Gremlin So this can bring that tone up to 100 watts That's pretty cool Whisper to a roar
@@paulcowart3174 Thanks for your reply. rock on
Better than the boss TAE?
I just got Fryette PS100 Power station and it amazing. The feel to my fingers and the sound stay the same as My Plexi 100 watt Cranked up. fantastic device. I get to hear my Plexi as it would be cranked with out going losing my hearing. Marshall Plexi sound so good.
The reason I bought the very limited YJM100 was because of the built in attenuator it had. I can get that warmth, sizzle and sag without stuff falling off walls or the blue lights show up. For my lower watt amps I use the Z Amp brake lite. So yeah it is cool to say your "bedroom" amp is a 100 watt Marshall.
Best piece of gear i ever bought! It’s a fantastic power amplifier for your rack preamps too. I use it with my Soldano pre’s and it sounds awesome. Very popular with the Kemper and Axe Fx guys too due to it being a very transparent tube power amp.
My Helix loves it too..
This is a great review for professional players - and if I had the budget, I'd definitely consider the PS100. For my own amateur home-practice purposes, the JHS Little Black Amp Box attenuator gives me gorgeous tube-amp tones at low volume - and it's only $45 (or £45, in the UK).
I bought a Rockrusher after one of your demo years ago. Still using it. But this unit seems even better! 😊
I still have the first generation power station, and IT was the best piece of sound reinforcement gear I've purchased. The "attenuation," 50W 6L6 power amp (mine isn't 100?) Alone meant both My higher power and lower power amps get WAY more use than before. The series effects loop that can be used with Fender and older Marshall or any other amps that don't have loops just kills it.
I used to have a 20W and 50W Dumble clones that i could use anywhere i wanted together in stereo; if i need more power i could put the 20W through up to 50, and if i needed to go the other way i could. Eventually i started using an Ethos overdrive Preamp with another clone, the 20W was definitely lighter than the 50, but it was by no means light.
I have bought one for my Mini Rectifier and Mark V:25. At home I use the PS to play quitely, in the rehearsel room I use it to boost these lunchbox amps. It is complete tonal heaven for me.
Don't forget about the Fryette Power Load... it is a less expensive solution for people that have to be silent all the time.
(Edit) yes, the Power Load is in the PS100.... Power Load is just a less expensive alternative to those who only wish to record or play without a real cab pushing air.... and it has a great analog cab and mic emulation built in, the Power Station 100 doesn't have that. Just some extra info for good decision making.
14:13 your anp was so loud it made the m look like an n 😂 Love the Zep lick from one of my favorite songs of theirs. Really a full featured unit with lots of flexibility for vintage style amps.
I have this, here's how I use it, I have a Kahayan 8x4 amp switcher (think Tim Pierce) the amp switcher has an attenuator in out and I put the ps-100 in there, this allows me to use it to attenuate all 8 heads, but also gives me a global effects loop for all of the 8 heads, so I dont needs multiple cables running from the effects loops of the heads. Its a great attenuator and the line out works great as well. It has Sovtek 6550 Power tubes
It's cool that a badass player is a genuinely cool person. Pete is one of those people that if you don't like him, you probably got some shit to work on lol. Great review man...
💯
GREAT DEMO...CALM, DETAILED AND STRAIGHTFORWARD ...WE ARE EAGLES ON THE WING...GOT SO FAR TO GO.
That attenuator really does sound great.
Lots of folks still think wattage has to do with volume. Easiest way I've come across to think about it is that the average 5 watt tube amp is still as loud as a trumpet. Why? Guitar speakers are loud. More wattage equals more headroom and tighter, fuller bass on tap.
I got an UltraLead in 1997 and sold my TreOverb immediately. It's master volume is amazingly versatile. I've never had a neighbor complain. They wanted to borrow the amp!!! It has also been borrowed by producer Neil Dorfsman (Dire Straits, Sting, etc) Good day, sir!
I have a VHT Pittbull and I totally agree 🤟🏻
Owning 100W Marshalls at home is now possible. I wouldn't have picked up a JTM45/100 in recent times if it wasn't for my Power Station.
Finally, you did a demo on your Fryette Power Station, Pete!! Thanks!!
The Fryette is a great piece of gear, thank you as always for a great demonstration and for sharing your wealth of knowledge and expertise. 👍✌
Thanks!
I have the 50 watt version. Great piece of gear. My Kemper sounded great but the tube feel wasn't quite there going into monitors or through digital amps. The Fryette gives me the sound and the feel. Love it.
I just got the Fryette PS-2A a couple months ago & it’s such a great device. I’m pretty sure the only differences are mine Is single channel & 50 watts instead of 100 watts. I use a two notes cab M with mine.
That's the one I have. It is "The Device"
The PS2 has different power tubes and is a little more "colored" in tone than the PS100.
I just recently bought the same unit you have. I get some distortion coming out when I'm using a clean channel on my amp. Do you know how I can fix that?
@@javeduddinCheck you have the impedance set correctly. My first guess would be maybe you can hear the power stage of your amp working and actually breaking up. How have you got the level set on your clean channel?
@@javeduddin You may want to check the input level on the front, if you haven't already.
Great vid Pete! I think this is just what I have been looking for. I have been using L-pads as an attenuator since 1976! They have served me well but this will allow me to use effects in the loop.
Very useful & complete walk through of the PS-100. Thanks Pete!
Out Of Stock! Must be a good unit! Now you got me learning that Zeppelin tune!
What is the name of that Zeppelin song. I can't find it any where.
I’ve been gigging with a PS-2 for a few years now. It has got me through many a pub gig with killer tone. You get all the bottom end punch of a cranked amp at pub volume, it works great for recording, and you can even run your time based FX after the cranked power amp, which sounds awesome.
It's not often emphasized enough how these tings make life simpler by keeping everybody ELSE happy! No pissed-off family or neighbors, and you can turn down when you have to keep the sound guy happy without losing your tone.
Awesome demonstration. You've sold me on it. Thanks for the work put into this review.
Great demo Pete. I'm a newcomer to amp loading, IR's, and all the rest of the ways to get my amp collection at more manageable volumes. If anyone hasn't seen your IR video, they should watch it. The last year has had me thinking of different ways to work, and silent stage has come up. I have taken some of the things I've learned about IR's, reamping and loading (mostly from you) to hopefully applying these technologies to broaden the scope of what I'm able to offer a potential bandleader. Thanks for all the help. By the way, Steve builds this stuff military-grade. All the Fryette solutions are awesome.
Unreal demo, thought I was watching a scientist work. :)
Sweet, PS are really nice. I bought a Superlead a few years back and you kind of sold me on the RockCrusher, got it used for $300 which was a steal...I found a sweet deal on a used simple one, no EQ, but you did a video in like 2014 with an RC EQ version that I used for reference when I was thinking about getting it. It's beautiful, handles a 100 watt Marshall mic'd very nicely. Throw a mic on it and no one would know the difference, I some times have to pop the headphones off to make sure I'm not really too loud. Meaty and great for recording while keeping my windows intact and neighbors not hating me, but still getting that Plexi tone with no real audible anomalies or weirdness. It's freaking awesome. Attenuators are kind of a must for a NMV amp if one really wants that tone. But they work great on MV amps too if you want to get that gain from the power section.
The worst load box I've come across was a Weber thingy (can't recall which one) but there was an actual speaker inside the device, that was virtually silent. But the end result was terribly lacking any clarity or dynamic edge, the further down the attenuation. What I have been using for a number of years now, is one (or the other) of the Koch load boxes. I think they work quite well though I cannot say they are on par with the Fryette designs, such as what we have here.
Always nice to hear from you! Excellent video as well! Thank you for sharing this info with us!
Also have the ps100 with an SV20h and it's the best. Full Marshall plexi tone andy wife and kid can exist in the house at the same time.
This video answers a lot of question you get on live chat Sundays. Thanks for this video Pete the power station is a great piece of gear.
Great video Pete! If you can't afford an expensive attenuator a piece of plexiglass in front of your amp works wonders. You just have to find that sweet spot between you and the amp!
I recently acquired the 50w PS2 and it really is superb. Thanks for the video @Pete Thorn , it was very informing and it's great to hear you dig the Power Station
I have to be honest with you, I am very skeptical of reviews on the internet. A lot of reviews are just advertising in disguise. But I've been looking for an attenuator for a while after not really being satisfied with the Weber Mass I have. I was concerned that at 50W it would still be too much (I bought the PS-2), but it's extremely useable as an attenuator alone, with the High/Low button on High, the volume response on the volume knob gives you a very usable output without feeling like you have to baby the knob like you might with the amp alone. As far as how it sounds, well if you have the volume down low it doesn't seem to sound the same, but you bring the volume to unity and it feels identical, so any loss in tone you're getting is just the result of pushing less air in my opinion.
It really is a great unit, and it's capable of so much more than I'm using it for right now.
So surprised to find this sweet piece of gear is not available when following the manufacturer link... ? Totally wanna check one out first hand. Thanks Pete!
If you go to the link below in the video description - email Tone merchants they have a few available. Also I know that they have a bunch ready to ship to dealers now. Supply chain interruptions have been tough during Covid. Getting parts and stuff. Been hitting every single industry!
Superb demo as always Pete! From what I can tell from the Zep piece, it seems to preserve cleans when attenuated way down which other attenuators don't seem to do well if at all. I'm stuck in a townhouse and want to get this to not only get my Carr Slant 6V distorted tones, but also at least some of the great cleans at low volumes the amp produces. Seems this may do the trick!
Best demos of ANY gear!
So thorough and detailed that one should be able to make a decision based on Pete's reviews alone.
Always the best demos and always encouraging...you have convinced me to invest in myself, many thanks Pete!
well done - you covered most all the bases - I've used an old Scholz unit and a newer Trainwreck branded box and both worked but were hardly what you would call transparent, thanks again!
Thank u!
One thing I appreciate about the Fryette (and the Rivera) stuff is that they don't expect you to fork out cash for every impedance you want to use. That to me is just unacceptable, especially considering that these things (quality ones, anyway) aren't cheap even at a relatively basic level.
Great video and I agree wholeheartedly about the load + reamp sound. In my experience, even the most budget load box+class D power amp combo beats expensive attenuators for low volume performance. Of course, the Fryette Power Station takes that concept to whole another level.
The Top Hat with the analog delay was a really lovely sound Pete Thankyou!!
One of the best pieces of gear that I own.
This is the best gear purchase I’ve ever made… it’s made a huge difference in my studio workflow AND now my live rig…. In all scenarios it actually makes everything I plug into it sound not just the same… but BETTER.
I'm always so impressed by how comprehensive the Fryette stuff is. What a guy.
Pete, another great demo, another purchase I didn’t need! Rob @ Tone Merchants got me set-up! Ordered Last Friday, arrived on Monday, gonna kick out the jamz! The PS-100 became ‘scarce’ as soon as your demo hit. Well done.
Excellent! For those looking for one, I think they still have two left at the email in the video description
Thank you 🙏 Pete !! I really need one of these PS100s i have my lil Spyder 30 watt right next to my 100 watt JMP . I was getting severely depressed not being able to play my JMP . Because of ur demo not only can i play it but i can use the loop on PS100 for a better delay and ..... w 2 channels i wont have to depress an EQ pedal to go from rythm to lead !!! And i wont have to fight w sound guys about volume !
Love ya Mann !! :))
I just ordered one! Your video, as well as many others helped me make what I feel is the right decision.
Good ol Pete, always the best reviews, not the first time I purchased kit after watching your review
I bought one at the start of lockdown. It’s pricey *but totally worth it* and absolutely amazing and really how I’ve kept my sanity at home over the last year. I can play all of my amps cranked but keep the volume low. And it sounds GREAT!! The Power Station is the best Covid/lockdown purchase ever.
I just set mine up. How high are you setting the master and volume on your amp? Then just dialing the volume back on the PS-100 correct ?
@@maximumguitarage I dial in my amp however I want it. Usually cranked into sweet overdrive or not, depending on how I’m feeling or what I’m playing. With no regard for the actual amp volume because I’m dialing in the actual, quiet, at-home room volume with the Fryette.
@@RichardReneeRachel I see that makes sense, thank you. Were you able to get the active load to match your amps volume then work the volume down to bedroom levels ? When activated I can barely hear my amp even if the volume goes past the middle position at even 10:00 clock. I have seen individuals with the same problem and it has been a cable, fuse , tube or a wire disconnected. Just trying to get a good baseline to work off. I am hoping I don't have any issues with this brand new unit right out of the box
@@maximumguitarage Are you saying that when you have the Fryette activated, you can barely hear your amp even with the volume up on the Fryette? I do not have this problem. Actually, I've never tried to match the actual amp volume when the Fryette is activated because I want the volume lower. But I also have used the Fryette to crank a smaller amp, like a Vibro Champ. Am I making sense? :-)
@@RichardReneeRachel yes perfect sense. This is correct. If I am at 12:00 and even take it to 3:00 o-clock it's whisper quiet . Something is up. I replaced the speaker out cable to my cable, I will give it a try. If it is not Working then I will have to sadly return 😭
Two things-First off, I have to thank you again, Pete! I don't know if you realize how influential your videos are to young, or inexperienced players. These videos expose us to gear, tones, studio workflows, etc that we otherwise might never see. I appreciate your insight on how to be a better guitarist for the modern day. Thanks, man.
Secondly, I have a question. How important do you think it is to have an effects loop today? With DAW plugins so accessible, how different is the sound from using a delay/reverb in the loop vs after the mic you think?
Well Pete didn't answer but I will. In the studio you normally wouldn't record delays and reverbs through the loop or in front of the amp for exactly the reason you mentioned: There are too many great sounding and affordable plug-ins you can add after the fact and doing it that way also allows you to experiment with different effects to find the perfect sound for the track. The only exception I can think of is if you are using delays as a rhythmic part of the performance.
On the other hand having a loop for live performance can be really helpful as it allows you to keep your sound less cluttered. Anyone who has put a delay before a distorted amp knows what I mean...it turns into a mess pretty quickly.
@@danpetersonmusic I think what I was trying to ask is how big of a difference is an effect loop vs plugins after the mic.
Pete
Thanks man
I’ve been going round with this thing for quite a while
I stopped using it cause my freidman has an fx loop
I have a wet/ dry rig for live going through my Gigrig
Ive been using my friedman as my wet amp
And my Vibralux as my dry even though the fender has more head room it doesn’t have a loop
So now i’m gonna use the freedman for dry and the Vibralux for wet with the ps100 for the fx loop
I know this is long winded but your comment about not using the effects loop in amp and using it in the Power Station really hit home this time I don’t know how I missed that when you said that I’ve watch this video like six times
I’m a huge fan just put a set of Thornbuckers in my PRS and love them
THANKS PETE
What an awesome product. Thank you Pete.
Great demo! And your volume-matching gives us the chance to isolate what effect speaker drive has on the sound - a bit of thickening, a slight rolling off of the pick-attack-slice. Must say, I’m a fan of the attenuated & re-amped (with tubes!) sound.
Weird. I can't find my comment now the stream has stopped.
Thank you Peter. Really good to hear your thoughts and get your thorough demo. I bought the Power Station after seeing it next to your desk in every video. Not always switched on but you were probably demoing a pedal or modeller. It is "the answer" as far as I'm concerned. I just need the pick of destiny now. 👍
Thanks for this great run through Pete! I got one a while ago and love it!! It works just as you say and keeps the neighbors happy. :)
Anytime I want to hear a great demo on a guitar product I’m interested in you are the guy. Best gear reviews on TH-cam. Only one problem…I want just about everything you demo.Just ordered one of these for my Marshall JMP. Can’t wait.
Cheers Pete!
I like that on this one where you can take a small amp and bring up the volume. Thanks for the video Pete.
I purchased a Bugera Power Soak that works for lowering volume but changes tone dramatically.I can’t use it for recordings.Ok for noodling.Just ordered PS100 and looking for better results.You get what you pay for.lol.Thanks for great demo.
In the Zeppelin test, I actually think I like the sound of the re-amp more. It has a juicy chunk to it, whereas the original signal has a mid-range bark which would be easy enough to eq in somewhere if you prefer that sound. Great examples of how the unit sounds.
Have the PS-100 it is everything Pete says it is
Just ordered one today! What a great review - as always,
Just a while ago he was saying how great the Tone King Ironman II was and how it was "the best" for this kind of thing. 🤣
What an awesome unit! Great demo as usual Pete 👍🏻
Thanks for answering my question about this Fryette! I was waiting for this video. Thanks to covid the house is crowded because of homeworking. Now with the fryette... Lets rock (quieter) ;-)
I can now use my laney lionheart 5 watter with my fane alnico 100 in the old tone ring cab! And to have that glorious post power stage loop for time based fx, the universe just expanded! And get authoritative volumes for the cleans. Yes! This one product is monumental.
And you can power your modeler with it. And it's awesome.
Canadians Rock !👍⚡️⚡️
I agree! (Says a Canadian)
Great demo as always Pete. I would like to see a comparison between this and the Tone King Iron man attenuator, just in attenuation obviously as the PS does do a lot more.
Hello Pete,
As a cost effective alternative, I've been looking at a used THD. I have staying clear of the Scholz product because I know from experience, the resistors do not age well and will develop heat stress cracks over time. I'm just looking for something that is not total crap, that I can use to just putz around in my basement, maybe mic it for demos,
I have been looking for an attenuator. In the 80s I used the Tom Scholz Power Soak with a JCM 800 100w (2203) and it served my purposes for jamming in my dorm room on Eglin AFB. While I am much better off today than I was 40 years ago in the military on a salary of $500 a month, I cannot justify the cost of a Fryette. Your demo makes the thing look awesome. Alas, I think I would be single again if "you know who" ever figured out how much I spent.
Sounds wonderful! Super useful video! Peter is the best!
Very cool Demo as usual. Its designed well. Excellent note articulation at super lowe volume. Pre amp gain doesn't change. It pricey but this video proves you get exactly what you pay for. 👌
Been using a Bugera PS-1 with my 50wt EVH 5153 for "wife" volume and it is nice and cheap, but this looks amazing!
LOL... Wife volume, good one......
I have the single channel version for use with my AC-15. This thing is the best!!! And I definitely use it for the effects loop too, which made everything sound better. All my time base effects are in the loop except the Vibe Machine which I think sounds better in from of the amp. Mainly this thing sounds great at lower volumes that my neighbors can handle, And Pete is right, you still feel very connected to the amp while playing unless you turn down SUPER SUPER low.
Thanks Pete, you never disappoint!
Awesome video ! How does it compare to the Boss Waza TAE, strictly for the attenuation/reactive load reamping feature ? (don't care much about the rest). I'm so option paralysis between Fryette PS-2 and Boss TAE for playing tube amps at home. From this video, the PS-100 sure sounds damn good and transparent !!!
Hi Pete!! Greetings from Italy!! You are simply the number 1, i've learned an incredible amount of information from your channel in this years and I'm grateful to you. I hope you can make a video about the new Fryette Power Load Ir.... 😉🎸🎶🇮🇹
Thank you!
Superb review as usual dear chap , your knowledge and expertise is greatly appreciated, Thanks .
I bet having two channels would make running two cabs at different volumes a heckuva lot easier, no second amp needed and you can lower the volume on one of them for either FOH (quieter for mic'ing), for the top cab on a full stack pointed at your ears, or for a cab on the other side of the stage
Ordered a 2nd PS-100,..
Seeking options
a proper (schematic) for:
2 amplifiers
EVH Iconic80 & VHT D50
2 PS-100s
2 Noise Gates per amp
(4total)(Noise Reaper)
- Stereo Wet fx in the PS100 fx loops
Works as I like with one amp;..
🖖🏼😎🎸
I have a Rivera Rock Crusher,Captor, and Captor X. This is Top of the line right here.I live in the tight South O.C.Suburbs(Condo Hell).These folks don't take kindly to Full Stacks after 4:00P.M. Nice Korg Delay pedal.Hell of a pedal right there. Too bad they discontinued it after a year and you can't find one under 600.00 USD. What is that Attenuator that you said they stop making ? Phantom ? Cannot make it out ? Did you ever listen to any Bill Nelson (B-Bop Deluxe),Groundhogs(Split) w/ Tony McPhee ? Jethro Tull had a pretty good Guitarist also lol. Thank You Mr.Thorn.
It definitely works !!!!
Thankyou for uploading this video.
Great video on the Fryette and I always learn so much with your videos. You also did a great video on the Tone King attenuator. Since they are both basically the same price, which is preferred? I read some reviews on the Fryette that referred to some quality issues. Also I think your guitar playing is pretty superb.
So, I just ordered one of these. Can’t wait!. So,explain the small amps getting louder deal. I unplug the combo speaker, run a cable to the PS100, then out to some other cab, not back into the combo speaker right? I mean, if we are going much louder, a single speaker could not handle the load right? So, small watt amp, unplugged speaker to PS100 to other cab? Thanks. Just don’t want to blow my small amp speaker. Thanks gunna be great for all my 100w amps as well.
Hi Pete!
I need some advice about buying a power attenuator.
I have Koch Amps LB120-II/16 that I use with a Marshall "2203" amp and I am extremely satisfied with it, it is very organic and sound respected (I had already tried a "Powerbreak" and a "Hotplate" that I found much less good).
I have just acquired a new toy, a Marshall "2204" older and paradoxically that crunches at a very high volume.
I would need an attenuator that would attenuate the sound even more than the Koch while being as respectful of the sound as possible.
Which one would you advise me in priority? (I don't need various options: sound card, equalizer...) 😉
Two notes reload, Rivera Rockcrusher, Iron man II ...? (The Fryette seems good and perhabs the best but a little more expensive for me 😏 )
Thanks a lot
Eric
I have the older version. Its great!
I solved the volume problem of my Marshall 1959 SLP by turning it into a Friedman Small Box amp. I tried every existing loadbox but no one comes close to the Friedmans amps
That explorer is siiiiick! Great work!
Thanks for this video Pete! I must have spent days searching the internet for attenuator comparisons so I could record my AC15 at home, and the speaker simulators just didn't cut it. I just bought a PS2, and am excited to give it a go. I would be curious to see the difference in tone an attenuator makes at bedroom levels. Like an amp recorded at bedroom levels without any attenuator in the chain, and that same amp attenuated to the same bedroom levels with that power tube saturation maxed out.