Autoformer options

[AJ]

Has anyone used wall-mounted autoformers as an alternative to a resistor based l-pad? The prices at PE are substantially lower than the Fostex models I was looking at and thought they might be a usable option. Just curious.

Thanks.

[AJ]

I need to knock ~12db off some compression drivers and the system is tri-amped with active XO. The transformer attenuators will be used between the amps and the drivers.

Thanks again.

[pinkmouse]

Why not just turn down the gain on the appropriate crossover channel. Even cheaper.

[AJ]

Hi Pinkmouse

Of course I could do that. But then I wouldn't have the fun of spending needless dollars on yet another audio gizmo.

[pinkmouse]

Well, you could spend it on some new music?

[dnewcomer]

I was also looking at the fostex, and decided that was too much money, so after some research, several people recommended just using transformer wall volume control, the trouble is finding one with smaller steps, so i found this one,
atlas e408-100 with 1.5db steps

currently on order, hopefully will receive this week.

[AJ]

Thanks dnewcomer for that link. The best I could find at PE was a unit from Buffalo Electronics. It has 1.5 db steps for the first five steps and then 3db for the next five steps. It's about the same price as the Atlas.

I need to shop around a bit more.

[sreten]

Originally posted by AJ

I need to knock ~12db off some compression drivers and the system
is tri-amped with active XO. The transformer attenuators will be used
between the amps and the drivers.

Thanks again.

As stated utterly pointless with an active system. Knock back the
amplifier 12dB and get an extra 12dB of dynamic headroom, or
use an amplifier with 1/16 the power, which is what using the
autotransformers or L-pads will effectively do.

/sreten.

[AJ]

Thanks for the advice Sreten. I do understand that I have that capability already. I'm just looking at alternatives mostly for the experience of it. It's not always about taking the most obvious route.