attenuator or pedal boost?

[captain_jim]

I have the express 5:50, and of course, I need some more gain. I wanted to get some opinions on whether or not I should get a pedal to boost the signal into the pre-amps for more gain or to get an attenuator to get some power tube saturation to add some gain. I realize that the attenuator would cause the tubes to give quicker. Thanks!

 

[jdurso]

I have the express 5:50, and of course, I need some more gain. I wanted to get some opinions on whether or not I should get a pedal to boost the signal into the pre-amps for more gain or to get an attenuator to get some power tube saturation to add some gain. I realize that the attenuator would cause the tubes to give quicker. Thanks!

Boost or an OD hands down. Attenuators are good for taming some amps need to be blasted to sound right, but i dont think the express is one of them. I think an OD or a Boost will go a lot further for you.

 

[lyman]

I agree with jdurso. If you want more gain, add another gain stage (i.e. an OD or boost pedal).

 

[captain_jim]

Thanks alot for the input guys.

 

[jdurso]

Also forgot to mention, an OD will sound more organic than an attenuator. What i mean by organic is the amp wont sound choked... most attenuators try to compensate for the loss in dynamics and they do a good job, but there is just something more alive using an OD. Also remember the OD or Clean Boost wont add much volume, but instead will get your preamp more compressed and closer to clipping. The right OD can go a long way and open up a lot of different options... i guess what i'm trying to say they're not a one trick pony and in a lot of instances much cheaper. I've found the OCD, Maxon OD808 and the Xotic BB Preamp to be excellent.