Brown Box users

[adiaz7531]

Hello! I didn’t see a forum subject more appropriate for my question but here goes: anyone using any products like the “Brown Box” with their Boogies and if so which product and how is it working out for sound improvement.

Thanks in advance!

 

[LockStock]

I have the Brown Box, and I find I like using a good Variac better.

The Brown Box works, but it feels clunky with the stepped positions. You can wrangle your voltage to the right place though.

I find my Boogies really like 116-117V.

These are not regulators, they just adjust the voltage based on what's coming in.
Wall Voltage can vary, and generally when I am thinking my Mark is sounding particularly great, I look back at the Variac and see it is 116 or 117V.

 

[Theresa]

Word of Caution: If you do use a Variac, the voltages can vary depending on the source voltage. In other words, the wall voltage ca vary and that will determine the voltage coming out of the Variac. Many Variacs only have a dial to indicate output voltage. That can be highly inaccurate. Unless you have a digital volt meter (DVM) to measure the output, your true voltage can vary greatly. On the other hand the Brown Box has a meter to indicate the output voltage. It is always good to practice to check the checker.... use a DVM to make sure the meter is correct. Just FYI: many rack power distribution units like the Furman M-8X2 have inaccurate voltage displays.

 

[Rick]

Word of Caution: If you do use a Variac, the voltages can vary depending on the source voltage. In other words, the wall voltage ca vary and that will determine the voltage coming out of the Variac. Many Variacs only have a dial to indicate output voltage. That can be highly inaccurate. Unless you have a digital volt meter (DVM) to measure the output, your true voltage can vary greatly. On the other hand the Brown Box has a meter to indicate the output voltage. It is always good to practice to check the checker.... use a DVM to make sure the meter is correct. Just FYI: many rack power distribution units like the Furman M-8X2 have inaccurate voltage displays.

I’ll second this comment. I have a standard Variac, and they work great. But they are supplying a percentage of line voltage, not a specific number. So you’ve got to check the setting with an accurate meter each time to be sure you’re getting your target voltage. Some bands use regulators that are accurate and presettable, like the Kikusui units, but those costs thousands of dollars. A Variac or Brownbox work well for lowering voltage, but benefit from the double-check of a good meter.