Attenuator for Ampeg Micro VR

[Nihilism]

Hello everyone,
I recently purchased the Micro VR stack (head + cab). I really enjoy the overdriven sound of it when the gain is cranked, but sadly it doesn't sound as good when I lower the master volume.
I was wondering if an attenuator would help me maintain that cool sound while playing at low volume, or is that not relevant since the amp does not have any tubes in it?
FWIW, I have the same 'problem' with my Tech 21 Geddy Lee overdrive - sounds amazing when loud but very mild when the master volume is low.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Stylee Mousse]

I suspect this is more about the fletcher Munson curve than tone. Things sound better to us when louder much of the time.

In this case the master volume really is acting as an attenuator, just before the amp rather than after.

 

[Aloe]

well, you could hear different things with maxing the volume. one is the power amp's saturation, in this case an attenuator might help, but I really have no recommendations.

it's easy to check tho: check the DI out signal (it's pre-power amp), do you get the enjoying overdriven tone there? if not, yeah, there're chances you're hearing the power amp limitations by taking the master volume up.

 

[Timmah]

I do wonder if what you’re hearing is actually the sound of the cab working hard- I was just playing my Micro VR stack the other day and noticed that the low end didn’t really fill in until I pushed the volume a little bit. I don’t think there’s anything to be done about that though.