I've owned every attenuator out there, this is the best one in terms of pure tone. If you want more bells and whistles go for the Ox, Waza Tube Expander. But pure tone....this is the one. Great demo as always Shawn!
Great demo and a great product as allways. That's how pro's like a product demonstration. Short, to the point, great musicianship, and a wise selection of the gear.
this is the best video iv seen so far , Shawn....you just look really good sitting next to such an iconic amp!!...be awsome to see you do some video's using drive pedals into this amp at moderate volumns
Would you say that this is a superior to the other loadbox options out there? Does the extra attention to detail they have implemented really show in the tone result?
This is the review that everyone needs to watch when wanting the right one…read the comments Shawn says all you need to know and to everyone… well done off to watch your OX review just for the hell of it IM 2 ordered 🤘😎🤘 thank you
That mic sim sounds incredible! This could be a great way to do a wet/dry rig and keep the volume at decent levels while still having a cranked amp. Shawn, did you try it with a Fender style amp?
I was just thinking about a wet/dry rig set up with the Ironman and how brutal it would sound! The mic sim out is shockingly good! I didn't try it with a Fender style amp but I can't imagine it would be anything less than stellar.
@@ShawnTubbs I run a wet/dry pedal board. Can you please explain how the ironman could help facilitate this? I normal just run to amps - wouldnt you need two Tonekings, one for each? thanks
Hey Shawn, great video man! You've answered a couple of my questions on different videos about this, but I am still trying to find what would suit my situation best. I ultimately have 3 main goals. 1: Be able to record my old tube amps at their sweet spot, either silently or through monitors 2: Be able to attenuate/re amp when I don't feel like climbing through software or routing output through monitors and just want to jam in front of my amp with its own speakers 3: Be able to play silently with headphones when needed I'm still lost with all the options and now just added this one to the mix. The Captor X seems like it would fit all my needs at the best price, but I'm not sure if the attenuation is serviceable for my 2nd goal. The Boss TAE seems like the best option, but I don't know if it justifies being 2x the price. Although I do like that it could add an FX loop, delay and reverb to my old vintage amps. Then there's other options like the Suhr RLIR, but no attenuation feature. And the Fryette Power Station, but now RL haha. Now there's this one. I've heard TK attenuation is best in class, but I wonder if the RL IR abilities are on par with the other options? What would you recommend/which option would you go with? Really appreciate the help! Cheers!
Looking at the 3 goals, I would look at the UA OX. The attenuation is not as good as the Iron Man II, but the software for recording sounds incredible. You would still have the option to attenuate when needed and listen through headphones. A lower cost option is certainly the Captor X. I doesn't have quite the horsepower that the OX has but it does sound good for recording and some attenuation as well as allowing for headphones. The Suhr RLIR is really good sounding, but I don't think it will meet your needs as well. The Fryette and the TK are both stellar sounding but in my opinion they're best for players that want to play mainly through cabs and are less apt to be recording direct.
@@ShawnTubbs Thanks for the feedback man! I really appreciate you offering your vast knowledge and experience all the time! This brings me much closer to hopefully solving my quarantine tone quandaries. Cheers my friend!
Excellent demo! I'm flipping back and forth between the Tone King Ironman and the Rivera Rock Crusher. The theory behind the compensation that the Ironman has makes a lot of sense to me. I've read some comments though that the Ironman may not be robust enough to handle attenuating a big amp. I would be using it with a '72 Marshall Super Lead which, I think, qualifies as a "big amp". I know you demoed it with a Super Lead, but how about for extended use? Any thoughts?
@@ShawnTubbs Actually, I did contact Tone King and this was their response: " So those old Marshalls have been known to push above 100W when you really crank them. I'd be cautious with hooking it up to an Iron Man. Without putting it on a scope and properly measuring it, I can't say for sure." KInda vague... The Rock Crusher is rated at being able to handle 120w.
i have had these for 4 years. hands down my favorite attenuator. rockcrusher is a close second. powerstation is great for a loop though. but i use the di outn the ironman into a separate amp for a true wet dry set up.
Could you confirm if the Iron Man II needs the power supply to run? I received mine yesterday and tried to run it without the power supply (like the Iron Man Mini) and nothing happend. Then I plugged in the 12Volt Supply and it was running. Thanks. The Mini just needs the power supply to activate the LED, but the big one needs it for something else, doesnt it? And thank you for the video, it is still the best here on YT.
Thanks so much for watching! Reach out to Tone King to verify but I believe the Iron Man II requires a power supply to operate. When I power it on, I hear a relay cycle.
@@ShawnTubbs Didn't you say in the video that a power supply is needed only for the DI feature? I don't think you were using a power supply for the attenuation demo.
Uh oh, I can read it on your face that you will be finding yourself a 100 watt Marshall to buy soon....;-) . Great demo dude! I wanna try that thing on the RJS
I didn't understand. You have a cabinet there, under the amp, and you didn't use it?! What better occasion than use that cab now that you are testing an attenuator! Maybe I'm missing something. Could you please explain? Thanks.
Hi Shawn, really love your demo and great playing! I've also watched your Ironman Mini demo. Just wondering have you tried the line-outs on both the 100w version and the Mini with some IR? I have a Mini and really love it as attenuator. But I've found the line-out doesn't sound very good when using with my Torpedo CAB M. I'm wondeing is there any difference on the line out between the Mini and 100w Ironman II? BTW, is the transformer-coupling in the 100w version have improvement on attenuation and reactive load than the Mini version? Thank you!
I really like both models as attenuators. I would reach out to TK and ask about the trans coupling but I really hadn't noticed that one sounds better than the other. I've never tried either into an IR. Seems like it's a lot of trial and error to find the right one.
So glad I found your channel, I’ve learned so much already. Maybe this is a stupid question, but I am wondering if an attenuator of this quality can help me to get a better tone and amp feel at lower volumes. I have tried a few other attenuators, though not reactive load, and using more than 3dbs of attenuation sounds terrible to my ears. I’d much rather just turn my amp down and use pedals. Is this going to be that much of a difference from passive load attenuators? Can it really satisfy a tone-nut? Thanks so much.
This is a great sounding attenuator but I have yet to use one that doesn't have some sort of effect on the sound. Usually, it's in the top end and can be compensated when attenuating. If retaining the feel or "sag" of the power section of your amp is top priority, then you will have a hard time doing that with pedals but if you just want a decent tone when you're turned down then that can be achieved via a decent master volume amp. If you have a non-master volume amp, the struggle is real for sure but the same idea applies. Thanks for watching!
Wht’s the difference between using Presence DB Cut and just turning down the presence knob on your amp? I have a couple Friedman amps with Presence knobs, wouldn’t it be better to just use the amp controls? Seems like once you start adjusting presence or eq on an attenuator you start changing the tone characteristics?
Superb demo Shawn and thanks for that. I have a fantastic Suhr Reactive load ir but no atténuation. I need an attenuator just an attenuator what do you suggest me? Thx.
This sounds great! So for quiet recording (not 100% quiet) and ease of use with a combo amp, could I leave the combo amp speaker plugged in and just turn down the attenuator as far as it goes? Would you recommend the LINE OUT or DI OUT to interface when adding IR's from DAW? Cheers!
Dear Shawn, I bought the IM2 after your demo and advices (with respect to UA OX). I am very satisfied so far, incredible tone! However I have been using the IM2 just like an attenuator, with sound coming from my 2x12 cab. Now I would like to start using the analog speaker cabinet simulation throughout the XLR balanced DI output. My idea is to avoid using my 2x12 speaker cab, putting the IM2 at -38dB, using it as dummy load. Through the DI output with simulated speaker cab I would like to hear the sound from a monitor...the aim is to further improve the tone at any volume. And now the questions: Do I have to buy a DAW (scarlett or apollo twin for example), connect a PC and then go to the monitor(s)? or I can go directly from the DI output of the IM2 to monitor(s)? my aim is to hear a good tone at any volume...i don’t want to register. So if I can avoid audio interface and PC and go directly to the monitor(s)...it would be a very nice rig!! If so...which monitor(s) do you advise? I only know that a flat response is good...thanks a lot in advance!!! cheers, Alessandro
My favorite studio monitors are definitely my KRK V8's. If you have an analog mixer, you could run out of the DI output of the IM2 into a channel of the mixer and the out of the mixer to studio monitors.
Shawn Tubbs thanks a lot! it means that the signal out of the IM2 needs to be amplified? monitor are not amplified? are just “speakers”? if so...and given that I don’t have an analogue mixer...I have to buy a DAW...maybe scarlett 2i2 could be a good and cheaper option wrt the apollo twin...thanks a lot again!!
Shawn Tubbs well...actually I do not understand why I need something (like an audio interface) between the DI output and a krk monitor...is it due to D/A conversion? thanks a lot in advance!
thanks for your video. I am considering between this power attenuator and still keep my vibrolux 68 custom or to go for imperial tone king. My issue is always the loudness on the stage: I often run my vibrolux at 2 or 3 volume but still to loud for small clubs. what would you prefer. ironman mini is 30 watt.. vibrolux 35.. Thanks for your help.. Best regards from Germany. Sorry for my bad writing.!
Thanks you I will check it and try imperial soon in Frankfurt I saw you and the reviews on you channel Imperial sounded so good and your playing kills it
New on this channel I’m impressed by the quality of some reviews I’ve just seen! thanks! I would have a question: if I focus more on the “pure power attenuation” than in cab and mic simulation for recording...how I can obtain best tone? Universal audio OX ore Tone King Ironman II 100W? thanks a lot and congrats again for these nice videos!
Shawn Tubbs, thanks for your reply! Same question (sorry I wasn’t clear enough with the previous one) for tone just coming out from the “attenuated” cab speakers. I better explain: I want to play in a small club, with tone coming directly from my amp (attenuated by Universal Audio OX or Ironman)...or play in my apartment...small venues in general with no mic in front of the amp...just attenuated amp! what’s the best solution in your opinion? thanks a lot in advance!!!
Shawn Tubbs yes correct! let’s imagine small venues or small rehearsal rooms where just voices go to the board (or in apartment)...In such cases I wouldn’t mic my amp...what’s the best solution to attenuate power and keep tone? OX or Ironman? thanks
Never mind. My goodness! This thing is amazing! Running through a 79’ JMP 100 watt, and using a maxon OD808 as a boost..: Between the amp, the attenuator, the boost pedal, and the pickup combo (bare knuckle neck and Billy and Becky Lawrence L500XL…..I am in tone heaven! So many tones and options. Haven’t stopped playing since I’ve figured everything out. And I’ve recorded some original stuff already on my phone. Love it!
Power scaling might be a little better when thinking about power tubes but I wouldn't go that route solely based on that parameter. If you're happy with the tones you're getting, stay with your current setup. I don't know that switching to PS would be worth the little extra tube life if you end up not being as happy with the tone.
Hello. Shawn. I would like to have the most transparent attenuator and also have a great versatile guitar recording tool with cabinet simulation (IR). I know there are few products that do both like the Universal audio OX but according to most videos I’ve seen the attenuator feature is not so good. Which product or combination of products would you recommend to achieve the best attenuation experience and very good recording quality? Thanks.
Thanks for the question. In my opinion there really isn't anything on the market that is excellent for both attenuation and IR capabilities. The Iron Man II with either an OX or a Two Notes Captor X would be your best bet. I prefer the OX but the Captor X is a cheaper option.
If this was already answered earlier I’m sorry- I scrolled through some comments but not all. If you turn the Ironman ii to bypass is it like a true bypass? Or is it going to affect the tone a little when not attenuating? Half the time I can play I can open it up so I’d rather not have to unplug it every time I don’t need attenuation
Hey Shawn, i have the same attenuator for my marshall sv20,so recently i bought a Motu audio interface that have analog line inputs where i can connect the D.I output for recording or just play like you in 9:10, also my Motu AVB have guitar inputs and manual says "Guitar inputs with volume control. These are high-impedance guitar inputs that provide authentic guitar amp volume response and feel." (but in this case i need a female XLR to TS?) or in mic inputs ?what would you suggest me? straight to line inputs?
I would try the line XLR input on your Motu. I have an Apogee Quartet interface and I ran the XLR DI out of the Iron Man II into the XLR input of my Apogee. I would start at line level but if you're not seeing enough signal you can try the mic level instead.
hey shawn thx for your demo! id like to seek your opinion, i'm considering getting a vox ac 15, what's your take on this amp with pedals.....platform style? it's not my dream amp, but i am not looking for a $3000.00 combo, anyhow, for metal hj gain, im happy with thee plug ins and monitors..thx
Hello Shawn. Can I use it without plugging a real cabinet if I want to use just the simulation in the -38db setting? And what if I use it without a cab in the -15db ption for example?
Anyone have experience using the diy M2 reactive attenuator from the marahall forums? It has resistive stages but has an inductor in the beginning that gives a reactive load. The guy that designed it fine tuned it so the amp 'sees' normal apeaker impedence. It has 3 switchable stages of -3.5db, -7db, and -14db, or a combination of the 3 for almost -25db of attenuation. i usually run -7db and it sounds excellent
Hey Shawn - I've seen both your vids on the Ox and the Iron man II and you seem to like them both - which is your fav though? Seems like the IM2 has a more natural sound as it attenuates, but the Ox gives you more with the software... thoughts? Thanks!
You are correct about the OX and the Iron Man II. It really just depends on your needs. If your main focus is to attenuate then the IM2 is superior for sure. If you need an amazing cab sim with incredible models and top-notch hardware for recording, you'll want to go with the OX. I primarily use the OX for recording and I can't live without it and I almost never have a need for an attenuator but when I do, the OX is good enough.
@@ShawnTubbs Thanks so much for the feedback Shawn! The thing I was wondering is if the Ox sounds like a DI - you know that DI sound? I hear it on a lot of peoples demos of it but I noticed from your demo of the IM2 that it definitely sounds like the amp. Have you used the IM2 with IR's for recording? I'm thinking from your praise of the Ox that its more the way to go... I would need it daily for recording, but love a good mic in front of a speaker!
I have yet to try the Torpedo Reload but this is the one fully transformer coupled attenuator on the market so as a stand-alone attenuator it will be hard to beat.
Hey Shawn, do you or anyone know how to use the Tone King Iron Man II with a Fender Super Reverb amp which is 2 ohms? Not sure if there is a work around for this amp. I appreciate your input.
Hi Shawn, I am writing for an advice. Hope you may want to provide some suggestions. This is an old buddy (52) that got to tube amps just recently. I definitely realised that tube amps are different beast then digital I was used to and that I probably would need an attenuator to keep it down playing at home (that is 90% of time). I do play just for fun and I am not a professional. In my case amp is clean and pedals do the overdriven parts. The amp has some built in power switch but I feel it sounds better at max power (50w/6L6/1x12 V30 cab) rather than intermediated steps. But at max power it is basically impossible, at home, raising volume to get a slight breakup (actually even at 15w it is hard to get the volume at more than 2.5). Thus the idea of an attenuator. Browsing your channel I got to the OX and Ironman II tests you uploaded. The function I am mostly interested in is attenuation even thought I would like to record some of my progresses with guitar / songs I write. But it is again for fun. I am not for sure going to record tracks for publishing a CD. I wanted to ask your opinion about the attenuation function of the OX and Ironman II. I have the feeling that the OX is much better for getting a produced sound for professionals and the Ironman II instead is more focused on an accurate attenuation. The former looks like the ultimate weapon for professional working in studio while the latter seems more something that does just a function but in a very good way. I also understand that I could always augment an Ironman II setup with an IR loader platform (like the cab m) and get results comparable with the OX if I would ever need to improve the recording function. Is this correct? What would you recommend in a hobbyist scenario like mine? Thanks in advance for your time. Merry Christmas and happy new year!
I honestly think you should get the Iron Man II and use it as an attenuator. It's better than the OX for attenuation and I think you're on the right track to eventually get a CAB M for recording but keep in mind the CAB sim out on the Iron Man II does sound really good in the meantime. Thanks for the question and Merry Christmas.
It's a fully transformer-coupled reactive power attenuator so it shouldn't cause any issues for the amp but that being said, it does allow you to run the amp hotter than you normally would so you could maybe burn through power tubes faster.
@@Matan2222222 Did you reach out to Tone King? I could just tell you "of course it will work with your maxed out 100-watt amp" if you like. I don't advise running a hundred-watt amp maxed out into an attenuator for extended periods of time because it will kill your tubes. I don't think you would damage your amp but hey I'm no expert...Guess who is?
Shawn Tubbs ToneKing? 😁 just wanted a fast answer from someone who played it you know how long it can take until they answer😅 Can you tell which attenuator is the most transparent from the ones that you’ve tried over the years?
@@Matan2222222 The Tone King Iron Man II is very impressive. I've heard that the Fryett Power Station is incredible from some very reliable sources but I don't have any personal experience with it. It's a different approach to attenuation.
Cant get the DI out to work with my DAW. Im going from the DI out on the ironman into the mic input of a focusrite scarlett solo. There are signal, but no sound. Anybody?😊
Having the exact same problem. Ironman DI OUT (XLR) to Presonus Studio 24c MIC IN (XLR) and I have to drive everything to full to get any sound, and the sound is terrible. Even worse with Ironman LINE OUT (1/4 inch plug) to Presonus LINE IN (1/4 plug). If you found a solution I'd love to know.
As an attenuator, the Iron Man II is WAY better than the OX, but one doesn't really buy an OX to use as an attenuator. The Ox is good as an attenuator but it's really designed for use as an amazing sounding reactive load with IR's box. I use my OX every day but I almost never use it as an attenuator.
@@ShawnTubbs Thanks for the reply. Interesting comments. I see many using OX live. Seems to be the "in" thing now. I'm torn. I gig a ton, but I'm also doing lots of recording. Argh! 3rd world problems....!
So this sounds cool, and handy. But, honestly, aren't we damaging the tubes and output transformer in the long run? I'm just asking because I don't know and I'm looking for an honest answer.
I don't feel like you're damaging the tubes or the transformer. That being said, power tubes will wear out sooner because the player is able to run the amp at max output more often than normal. As far as transformer damage goes, as far as I can tell there isn't any because the load being placed on the amp itself is fully reactive and transformer coupled.
No. Speaker load boxes and attenuators do not cause damage or exta wear to amps when used correctly. Just like speakers used with tube amps, the impedance must be matched between the speaker load box and the amp. (for example, an 8ohm amp to 8ohm speaker) As long as the impedance of the load matches that of the amp, the amp will be operating normally. However, mismatching the impedance either by using the incorrect speaker or with a mismatched load box will cause unnecessary wear to the amp's tubes and output transformer, and is a situation which should always be avoided. Even though an amp may "work" when mismatched its not running optimally if the impedance doesn't match. But if you have to mismatch the impedance, only use a larger load (or speaker) than the amp is expecting. A 8ohm amp to 16 ohm cabinet is ok, but there will be reduced power and excess heat, but a 8ohm amp to a 4ohm speaker (or load box) is not acceptable as this will very likely lead to damaging the amp.
my 1971 had black plastic toggle switches, and would make my pants leg flap if I got too close to the ampit's a wonder those 25 watt Celestions never blew
Funny, I owned a Rock Crusher for a few years and sold it, then bought this a year or so later. The Rock Crusher is nice, but the Ironman II is in it’s own league. Much more true to Amp tones and for the few hundred extra I’d go with the Ironman.
for the money they want ill stick with my7 weber mass 200..it can get great results. and i use it for a few db off live..these are over priced imo for the result.whats weird a treble cut and not boost whats that all about?? most attenuated amps lose treble..looks well built sounds good but to expensive for what it does.id rather save a bit more get a fryette
Shawn Tubbs thanks, Shawn. Wasn’t sure if the Super’s 2ohm output transformer would work on the 4ohm setting. After commenting last night, I did some Googling and it sounds like this is how most people use attenuators with Supers since most attenuators aren’t configured specifically for 2ohm.
