Lpad Volume Attenuator- Making and using a radioshack Lpad circuit.

Using an Lpad is a long practiced technique for reducing tube guitar amp volume.  Making one is also quite easy, if you have the correct parts.

In this case, I'm using a Realistic (Radioshack brand) Stereo Lpad which is rated for 75 watts.  I've used this Lpad on many amps, and I can say it will safely soak up to at least 30 Watts  of power per channel RMS.  I would not use it for amps much more powerful than that.  Remember, do your own tests first before blasting any amp into an attenuator.  Some amps are more fragile than others, and cannot handle being run at full tilt for long- if at all!  So, use attenuators at your own risk!

Wiring the Lpad is simple.  It's like wiring any speaker.  There's a positive and negative for each channel.  You simply wire the Lpad between the amp and the speaker. If you're mounting it in a box, I like to also ground the common wire (-)to the case.


The above video shows the Lpad in action.  The amp is a Bogen 14 watt all tube amp.

Here are a few pics showing how to wire the Lpad...

There  you have it!  An Lpad that you can use with a modest sized amp- tube or otherwise!

Don't forget to follow me on SPOTIFY!