What is the Bugera PS1 Passive Power Attenuator and why would I use it?

The Bugera PS1 allows you to push your tube amplifier to its sweet spot for rich, saturated tone, but at a reduced volume. It handles up to 100 watts, letting you get that "cranked amp" sound for practice, recording, or smaller gigs without overwhelming your space. It's perfect for achieving optimal tone at manageable sound levels.

What is the Bugera PS1 Passive 100-watt Power Attenuator used for?

The Bugera PS1 allows you to get the full, rich tone of your cranked tube amplifier at much lower volumes. It's a passive device that sits between your amp and speaker cabinet, absorbing excess power so you can push your amp's tubes into their sweet spot without overwhelming your space. This is perfect for practice, recording, or smaller gigs.

How do I connect the Bugera PS1 to my amplifier and speaker cabinet?

Connect your amplifier's speaker output directly to one of the PS1's "Powered Signal In" jacks, ensuring the impedance (4, 8, or 16 ohms) matches your amp. Then, connect the PS1's "Speaker" output to your speaker cabinet. This setup allows the PS1 to absorb excess power, letting your amp work hard while your ears don't.

How do I connect the Bugera PS1 to my amplifier and speaker cabinet?

Connect your amplifier's speaker output directly to one of the PS1's "Powered Signal In" jacks, making sure to match the impedance (4, 8, or 16 ohms). Then, connect the PS1's "Speaker Out" jack to your speaker cabinet. This setup allows the PS1 to safely attenuate your amp's signal before it reaches your speakers.

What are the different output options on the Bugera PS1 for?

The PS1 offers versatile outputs. The "Speaker Out" connects to your cabinet for attenuated live sound. The "Line Out" (1/4") sends an uncompensated signal to a recording interface or effects unit. The "Emulated Mic Out" (XLR) provides a speaker-emulated signal, ideal for direct recording or connecting to a PA system without needing a microphone.

What are the power and impedance requirements for using the Bugera PS1?

The Bugera PS1 can handle amplifiers up to 100 watts. It's crucial to match the impedance setting on the PS1 (4, 8, or 16 ohms) to your amplifier's output impedance for safe and optimal performance. Using an amp with higher than 100 watts or mismatched impedance could damage your equipment. If you have questions, a Sweetwater Sales Engineer can help.

Bugera PS1 Passive 100-watt Power Attenuator

Name: PS1 Passive 100-watt Power Attenuator
Brand: Bugera
Rating: 4.5 (241 reviews)

Passive 100W Tube Guitar Amplifier Attenuator with Emulated Outputs, and 4-, 8-, and 16-ohm Amplifier Inputs

Item ID: PS1Atten

Bugera PS1 Passive 100-watt Power Attenuator

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Affordable Attenuation for Your High-powered Amp

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Bugera's PS1 is a 100-watt tube amplifier attenuator that helps you achieve thick cranked-amp tone at much more manageable volumes. By placing it between your tube amp's speaker output and your speaker, you can turn your amp to its max, while bringing the volume down via the PS1. The attenuator's Emulated Mic Output simulates the feel and sound of a great speaker cab and sends that tone direct to the console — perfect for recording or live performance without a mic. If you love the sound of your amp cranked up, you'll want to put a Bugera PS1 in your collection.

Stadium tone at bedroom levels

Tube amp volume levels are an issue we all deal with. Our amps need to get to a sweet spot for them to perform their best. Unfortunately, those sweet spots can be prohibitively loud. Not with the Bugera PS1 passive power attenuator. You're able to send your tube amp's full power signal into the PS1, while taming the volume to a whisper without affecting your tone.

Miked tone without the microphone

The Bugera PS1 comes complete with a speaker-cabinet-emulated XLR direct output. This means, by running a standard XLR cable from this output directly to your console, you can record or perform with the sound of a well-recorded speaker cabinet without having a microphone onstage. Sweetwater players find this incredibly useful for effortlessly recording great tones.

Works great with impulse responses

Around back, you'll also find a 1/4" line output that does not offer speaker emulation. Recording guitarists who often work with impulse response emulations will love this feature. You'll send the direct tone of your amp's power section to your console or interface. Then you can pull up your favorite speaker or cab impulse response in your DAW to dial in your tone to perfection — all without a screaming guitar cab waking the neighbors.