8 Best Guitar Amp Attenuators 2025 in the United States

The Boss WAZA Tube Amp Expander Amplifier Attenuator is designed for guitarists looking to fine-tune their sound while preserving tone. One of its standout features is its impressive power handling at 150 watts, which allows it to accommodate a wide range of amplifiers. The attenuator offers multiple attenuation levels, making it possible to crank up your amp to achieve that sweet, rich tone without overwhelming volume levels, perfect for home recording or small venues. Additionally, it maintains a good level of tone preservation, ensuring that the character of your amp's sound isn't lost during attenuation, which is crucial for serious musicians.

The weight of 12 pounds makes it somewhat bulky and less portable, which might be a concern for gigging musicians. While the product is well-built and reliable, some might find the price point a bit high compared to simpler attenuator options that could suit casual players. The USB connector is a nice addition for recording purposes, but it may not be essential for everyone, depending on their setup.

The Boss WAZA Tube Amp Expander is particularly beneficial for serious guitarists and recording artists who prioritize tone quality and versatility in their sound. For those who just need basic attenuation without the extra features, this product might feel a bit excessive.

The Bugera PS1 Passive 100-watt Power Attenuator is a solid option for guitarists looking to manage their tube amp's volume without sacrificing tone. It handles up to 100 watts of power, making it suitable for most tube amps. It also supports various impedance levels (4, 8, and 16 ohms), providing flexibility for different setups. One of its standout features is the ability to maintain the amp's tone even at low volumes, which is great for home practice or recording sessions.

Additionally, the PS1 offers a speaker-cabinet-emulated XLR direct output, allowing for mic-free recording or performance, which can be quite convenient. The inclusion of a 1/4" line output further increases its versatility, making it easier to integrate with recording equipment and use impulse responses in a DAW for perfecting tone. The accompanying Hosa cable is noted for its durability and affordability, adding value to the package.

However, the product is corded electric and not waterproof, which limits its use in certain environments. Moreover, it is better suited for indoor use, such as recording studios, home practice sessions, and low-volume live performances. With a high customer rating and solid performance, the Bugera PS1 is a reliable and affordable choice for musicians needing effective power attenuation.

The Two Notes Torpedo Captor is a solid choice for guitarists seeking a versatile attenuator that allows for silent practice and recording without sacrificing tone. With a power handling capacity of up to 100 watts and an 8-ohm impedance, it’s well-suited for a variety of tube amplifiers. The product features speaker simulation and direct output capabilities, which can effectively capture your amp's sound for recording or live performances.

One of the standout strengths of the Captor is its ability to preserve the tone of your amplifier, allowing users to crank up their amp to achieve that rich, saturated sound, even at lower volumes. The inclusion of 16 DynIR virtual cabinets via the GENOME plug-in is a fantastic feature for those looking to expand their tonal options without needing additional physical equipment.

On the downside, the Torpedo Captor has a single power level, which may limit flexibility compared to other models that offer multiple attenuation settings. Additionally, its reliance on corded electric power might be a drawback for those seeking a more portable solution. The product is relatively lightweight at approximately 2.93 pounds, which is a plus for transport but may feel less robust compared to heavier metal alternatives.