RockBoard RPA 100 Power Attenuator - 100 Watts | No Limit Guitar Co, Idaho Falls
The RockBoard RPA 100 Power Attenuator enables guitarists to achieve their ideal tube amp tone at any volume level, delivering authentic power amp saturation and high-gain characteristics while reducing speaker output to stage-appropriate or bedroom-friendly levels. This versatile attenuator handles amplifiers up to 100 watts while preserving the tonal qualities that make tube amps indispensable for discerning players.
Product Overview
The RPA 100 Power Attenuator connects between your amplifier's speaker output and cabinet, allowing you to drive your amp into its sweet spot where power tubes naturally compress and saturate, then independently control speaker volume without compromising tone. This capability proves particularly valuable for tube amplifiers that achieve their best sounds at higher volumes, enabling you to access those coveted tones during home practice, studio sessions, or smaller venue performances where stage volume must remain controlled.
Three dedicated inputs accommodate 4, 8, and 16 ohm impedances, ensuring your amplifier always sees the correct load regardless of which cabinet you connect to the attenuator's output. This impedance matching protects your amp's output transformer while maintaining optimal power transfer and tonal characteristics. The unit functions equally well as a dummy load, allowing completely silent operation through headphones without any speaker connection.
Dual speaker outputs enable parallel cabinet connections for expanded monitoring options. The integrated cabinet simulation provides realistic speaker voicing for the DI output, line output, and headphone output, making the RPA 100 equally effective for direct recording, mixer feeds, and private practice. An auxiliary input accommodates backing tracks or drum machines, creating a complete practice solution with your authentic amp tone at the center.
Ideal For
- Tube amp enthusiasts seeking power amp distortion at manageable volume levels
- Home recording guitarists capturing authentic cranked-amp tones without disturbing neighbors
- Studio session players requiring consistent high-gain tones at recording-friendly volumes
- Small venue performers needing to control stage volume while maintaining tonal quality
- Practice-focused musicians wanting headphone monitoring with realistic amp feel and response
Key Features
Variable Speaker Attenuation
Independent speaker level control reduces cabinet volume while your amplifier operates at its optimal output level. Drive your power tubes into natural compression and saturation, then attenuate the speaker output to appropriate levels for any environment without sacrificing the dynamic response and harmonic complexity that define great tube amp tone.
Universal Impedance Matching
Three separate inputs for 4, 8, and 16 ohm loads ensure proper impedance matching between your amplifier and speakers. This flexibility protects your amp's output transformer from damage caused by impedance mismatches while maintaining optimal power transfer and tonal characteristics across different cabinet configurations.
Integrated Cabinet Simulation
Selectable 2×12" and 4×12" cabinet simulations provide realistic speaker voicing for the DI output, line output, and headphone output. Bypass the simulation when connecting to actual speaker cabinets, or engage it for direct recording and headphone monitoring that captures authentic speaker response without microphone placement variables.
Multiple Output Options
The comprehensive output section includes XLR DI output for mixer connections, 1/4" line output for audio interface recording, 1/8" headphone output for silent practice, and dual 1/4" speaker outputs for cabinet connections. This versatility accommodates recording scenarios, live performance applications, and practice situations with a single unit.
Dummy Load Capability
The RPA 100 functions as a complete dummy load, allowing amplifier operation without any speaker connection. Practice silently through headphones, record directly via DI or line outputs, or use your amp as a high-gain preamp for other applications while maintaining proper loading on your amplifier's output stage.
What's Included
- RockBoard RPA 100 Power Attenuator
- 9V DC power adapter (2.1 × 5.5mm barrel plug, center negative)
- User documentation
- Manufacturer's warranty
Ask about appropriate speaker cables and connection configurations for your specific amp at our Idaho Falls location
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Input Power | 100 watts |
| Impedance Inputs | 4Ω, 8Ω, 16Ω (separate inputs) |
| Speaker Outputs | 2 × 1/4" (6.3mm) parallel outputs |
| Line Output | 1 × 1/4" (6.3mm) with level control |
| DI Output | 1 × XLR balanced output |
| Headphone Output | 1 × 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo output |
| AUX Input | 1 × 1/8" (3.5mm) for external audio |
| Cabinet Simulation | Selectable 2×12" or 4×12" voicing with bypass |
| Controls | Speaker level, line output level |
| Power Requirements | 9V DC, 2.1 × 5.5mm barrel plug (center negative) |
| Cooling | Integrated fan system |
| Safety Features | Overload LED indicator |
| Dimensions | 180mm L × 160mm W × 125mm H (7.09" × 6.30" × 4.92") |
| Weight | 1,545g (3.41 lbs) |
Get Your Hands on This Power Attenuator Today
Experience the RockBoard RPA 100 Power Attenuator at No Limit Guitar Co in Idaho Falls and discover how it unlocks your tube amp's full tonal potential at any volume level. Our knowledgeable staff can demonstrate proper connection techniques, explain impedance matching for your specific amplifier and cabinet combination, and help you integrate the RPA 100 into your recording or practice setup. Stop by our Idaho Falls guitar store today or contact us to start achieving authentic cranked-amp tones at manageable volumes.
