An attenuator is a device used to reduce the overall volume of an amplifier without affecting its tone. It allows you to drive your amp to its optimal sound (often at higher volumes) while controlling the output level that reaches the speaker. This is particularly useful for achieving the natural overdrive and distortion from tube amps, which typically sound best when pushed to higher levels, but without overwhelming the room or disturbing others.

Attenuators are commonly used in both home studios and live performance settings. They sit between the amplifier’s speaker output and the speaker itself, absorbing some of the power and then sending a reduced signal to the speaker. Well-known models include the THD Hot Plate, Weber Mass, and Rivera RockCrusher, all of which allow players to keep the amp’s character intact while managing volume levels.