AmpRx BrownBox Voltage Attenuator for Guitar Amplifiers

Presenting the AmpRx BrownBox Voltage Attenuator for Guitar Amplifiers.

The BrownBox was created to provide a safe range of voltage reduction levels for vintage tube amplifier designs. The same, era-correct voltage levels that the amps were designed around.

Today, we should be receiving a consistent 120V AC from the wall, but depending on where you are and what time of day it is, you can receive anywhere from 120V to even over 130V.

That’s not good for your amplifier (especially if it is a vintage amp), or your ears.

Depending on the specifics of your particular amplifier, you might discover that it runs optimally at as low as 110VAC. You can’t expect an amplifier that wants 110VAC to sound anywhere near the way it should at 129VAC.

The BrownBox from AmpRX features a proprietary 5 Amp transformer and flexible voltage adjustment options that let you bring your power input down to an optimal level for YOUR amp, resulting in significantly improved amplifier performance.

When a tube amplifier is supplied with the proper line voltage, it will sound and respond as originally intended, revealing the circuit’s true harmonic content, and preventing unnecessary, expensive, and frustrating repairs. BrownBox users testify time and again as to how their amp’s tone, touch and feel have finally come together, providing them with improved harmonics and dynamic amp performance- allowing them to capture the elusive tone they’ve always wanted, every time, everywhere.

You may have never even heard or felt your amplifier running on optimized voltage, let alone be able to make sure that it has the optimal voltage at every venue. Now you can play through your amplifier at as many different voltages as your heart desires and you’ll hear the difference. Use the Easy to Read LCD on the BrownBox to find the Magic Number for your favorite amp, and be able to make sure it sees the same voltage at every gig.

When a tube amplifier is supplied with the proper line voltage, it will sound and respond as originally intended, revealing the circuit’s true harmonic content, and preventing unnecessary, expensive, and frustrating repairs. BrownBox users testify time and again as to how their amp’s tone, touch and feel have finally come together, providing them with improved harmonics and dynamic amp performance- allowing them to capture the elusive tone they’ve always wanted, every time, everywhere.

Why is Voltage Optimization Important?

• It Establishes the basis for your signal chain and the starting point in building a consistent signature tone
  Earlier power tube saturation equals earlier break-up and better response. For the tube tone purist, no pedal or speaker attenuator can come close to replicating the heavenly response of dry, purely saturated tubes. Pedals and speaker attenuators have their place, but they color your tone- they don’t create it.
• You get a smoother tonal shift toward even order harmonics, revealing the amplifier's true designed tone fundamental Tube amplifiers respond more harmonically and touch sensitive with optimized voltage. Placing these circuits back into balance reveals the authentic tone fundamental of the amp and gives you a tone that can truly blossom.
• Voltage optimization helps to protect your investments.  Lower internal voltages = lower dissipation = longer component life. It's important that the components inside your amp (like the tubes) are receiving specific voltages (set by the tube manufacturer) in order to work properly and stay healthy. If you want, we can show you the math. Many AmpRx users report that they have *not* had to change their tubes after using the Brownbox. Also, stop blowing up your favorite amplifier. Just stop.
• What do you even have if you don’t have consistent tone?  Have you ever played a gig one night and your amp sounded and felt GREAT and the next night - it felt TERRIBLE, even though *everything* was the same? It was probably the wall voltage. You can make sure you get the same great tone you love every single time you play by optimizing and controlling your voltage.

How to Use your Brownbox:

1. Using a standard IEC AC cable, plug the BrownBox into a power source (wall, power strip, extension
   cord, etc).
2. Set Active Reduction Knob to Bypass. Note: When Active Reduction (bottom control) is set to “Bypass,” the BrownBox will not reduce the voltage, even if the top control (Voltage Attenuation) is turned to the maximum position. All settings will be bypassed.
3. Set Voltage Attenuation to first/minimum tier.
4. Power on BrownBox and observe voltage reading on display screen (this is how much voltage you’re receiving from the power source - sometimes referred to as the wall voltage)
5. Adjust Active Reduction knob to begin lowering the voltage to reach desired reduction level.
6. If more reduction is desired, increase Voltage Attenuation tier as needed and repeat step 4 to achieve optimal voltage
7. Plug in your gear! You can experiment with different voltages to find your magic number.