Sequis Motherload Elemental Powersoak & Speaker Emulator (16 Ohm Version)
Anyone who owns a tube amp knows that great tones are only a twist of the gain or volume knob away. Sadly, we don't all live in isolated country houses so it is rare that you can enjoy sweet valve tones, especially if you have a high powered tube amp. This is where the Sequis Motherload Elemental steps in! It's simply a power soak that sits between your amp and your speaker that will literally soak up some of the excess power from your amp and dissipate it as heat. This means that your amp is working just as hard, but less of the signal is getting to the speaker, meaning great tones at low volume.
In addition, the Motherload Elemental can soak all the power and function without any speaker at all. It has line outputs so the attenuated signal can be recorded direct without any external noise! This means you can record hi gain tube tones without making any of the noise you would have to traditionally. It even has speaker cab emulation to give an added, realistic dimension to the direct sound.
The Motherload Elemental comes in 3 different power ratings 4, 8 and 16 Ohms (i.e. the load the unit will present to your amp). If you need a different rating, check out the other options in the "Optional Extras" section below.
Manual
Click here to read the Motherload Manual and here to check out the Block Diagram if you're not sure how to integrate the Motherload Elemental into your rig.
Reviews
- "Plugged in between your amp and cabinet, the Elemental does exactly what it should in attenuating the volume, while still maintaining the same dialled-in tone that you'd expect from the amp's settings."
- "We used it with a Marshall JMP 50, a seventies vintage 120 watt Orange head and a Mesa/Boogie Mk3, all of which it could reduce to small gig and bedroom levels, while keeping the core sound intact and preserving the playability."
- "The speaker simulation is tactile and natural sounding, giving you the sense that you're playing through and hearing a mic'ed cabinet. There's a useful degree of variation available from the cab type knob."
- "If you want that big cranked amp sound from your rig but without the decibel levels to match, the Motherload Elemental will act as your definitive master volume control... It's an extremely practical and versatile dual purpose unit."
- "Superbly designed and engineered, the Sequis Motherload is an absolutely brilliant unit and one that should be part of the armoury of every serious guitarist and bassist who plays through a good valve amp and who cares about his or her sound (and neighbours)."
- "It's easy to set up, simple to get a great recorded sound from and does exactly what it says it does!"
Here's what Sequis say about the Motherload Elemental
The amplifier knobs control the tone, the Motherload Elemental controls the speaker volume. It can also emulate speaker tones at line level for recording, with or without speakers being used, so you can record with your real amp at midnight! It will also connect your guitar or bass amp to the PA for amazing live sound.
Our new design, the Motherload Elemental, is now available. This easy to use unit combines an upgraded version of the Richter Control attenuator with Motherload versalility and sonic qualities all in one compact package. The Elemental is a dummy load, speaker attenuator and speaker emulating D.I. for guitar and bass. All of this is achieved in a format as near to plug and play as is possible while maintaining tone and feel.
Features
- Unspoilt sound from the attenuator, consistent in dynamics and tone over entire range, limited only by the speaker sensitivity.
- 2 ranges of attenuation, giving an output of 0 - 12% and 12 - 50% of incoming power.
- Signal and overload indication.
- Separate units are available for 4, 8 & 16 ohm operation.
- Elementals have the facility for a footswitch operated volume shift unit.
- 2 speaker outputs in parallel for simple full stack connection.
- Can operate as a dummy load without speakers for silent recording.
- Powerful speaker simulations in an easy to use preset format from a single blend control.
- Speaker sounds are based on Celestion Blue back, as used by Vox, and modern 4×12 and bass cabs.
- Distortion control in simple format of variable Centre to Edge of cone microphone simulation.
- Send and Return connections facilitate adding post-amplifier effects to the speaker simulation signals.
- The Return input can be used as a line level input for general use and in editing/mixing, using the speaker simulation filters.
- Thru connections are provided for simple backline to P.A. direct connection with speaker simulation when attenuation is not required. The amplifier is connected to the speaker via the Richter Thru connections.
- Speaker simulation outputs are balanced 600 ohm from an XLR, controlled from the front panel, and a 3 pole 1/4" jack which has full signal level.
- A free-standing rugged metal case in blue enamel, with ventilation, keeps things protected and cool.
- Switches are provided on the rear panel to connect either balanced output braid to the case for screening.The case is isolated from the amplifier input.
- Designed to be used with amplifiers up to 100W, including those whose outputs are actually higher, like the Boogie and Plexi heads.
This incredible package is completed by a molded carry case, ready for service on any stage or in any studio anywhere in the world with no power supply needed.
