"Power Scaling" Prototype Test w/ Audio Files

Hello Forum Friends,

I've been working on a "power scaling" solution for a bit now. As we all know, lowering the volume of tube amps without losing a bunch of tone is quite a challenge. I think I've come up with something that is working well so far and I want to get some feedback from some players.

Here's a couple of sound clips that are completely dry. The recording chain is a Fender Mexi strat (neck p/u) direct into the British Dream 112 combo (Alnico Gold spkr), Plexi channel (all knobs at noon), mic'd with an SM57 plugged into a Digi 002. These files are mp3's at 44.1kHz so there is some conversion trade-offs. The original files were cut at 48kHz with the thought being that I might drop them into my video editor at some point.

mp3 files:
The first sound file starts out with the amp on 30 watts, unrestrained and plays two different riffs. The same riffs repeat but this time the amp is on 15 watts with the proto "scaling" circuit engaged bringing the signal down about 10.6dB.
http://www.3rdpower.com/web_audio/3RD_Power_powerTRIM_Demo_orig2.mp3 (http://www.3rdpower.com/web_audio/3RD_Power_powerTRIM_Demo_orig2.wav)

The second sound file starts out with the amp on 30 watts, unrestrained as above. The same riffs repeat at 15 watts with the proto "scaling" circuit engaged but I readjusted the mic pre level to compensate for drop in level.
http://www.3rdpower.com/web_audio/3RD_Power_powerTRIM_Demo_comp2.mp3 (http://www.3rdpower.com/web_audio/3RD_Power_powerTRIM_Demo_comp2.wav)

If you want to audition the raw files you can find them here:
http://www.3rdpower.com/web_audio/3RD_Power_powerTRIM_Demo_orig2.wav
http://www.3rdpower.com/web_audio/3RD_Power_powerTRIM_Demo_comp2.wav

I'm reaching out to you guys as part of the development of new circuitry and I'm hoping it will be a positive and meaningful experience.


Cheers,

Jamie Scott
3RD POWER

I'm surprised you haven't gotten any responses.
Your samples sound really good, but being in the room with the actual amp is the only true test. I guess that leaves all of us out. Ask people in your local vicinity for their opinions. Digitized music/sound has too many variables.
As far as power scaling goes, it's my opinion that the Fletcher-Munson effect, and other such constraints, are somewhat paradoxical problems. However, as a practical matter, if power scaling can be done "close enough" for "cheap enough," it is useful. Do it.

Hey Phaze!

I suspect that the low turnout on posts has something to do with the constraints of my being a vendor and having to post this thread in the vendor forum. I had hoped that I'd get some player feedback.

Being in the vendor forum, it's possible that this thread is being viewed by mostly other vendor/players too. As such, I can understand if they simply "drop in" and check it out and then leave without commenting. We're all busy - I get it. We're all competing for an edge as well. The last thing another vendor want's to do is drop in here and say, "nice job!"

I did receive substantial feedback from the artists that I engaged directly with this study. The net/net: they unanimously perceived these examples to be substantially similar and very appealing.

Since I'm exhibiting at Summer NAMM next week, I'm going to wire this circuit into a couple of amps as part of my overall volume strategy at the show. No doubt I'll get a ton of feedback from players while there and then I can determine if this is something I need to move forward with.

Cheers!

That's awesome Jamie!
Hey I am in Booth 1229 I will see you at Summer NAMM
Cheers,
David Allen

Looking forward to it David!

Isn`t "Power Scaling" a registered trademark of London Power Press ?

From what I've read on the internet, "Power Scaling" is indeed a TM of London Power Press.

This thread refers to the term as a category. The sound samples are for evaluating an alternative technology I'm prototyping. Please notice that the sound files refer to "powerTRIM" which is a TM of 3RD POWER.

I´m just glad that you were aware of the trademark and have taken steps to protect your own method ! Good luck !