I've owned every attenuator out there, this is the best one in terms of pure tone. If you want more bells and whistles go for the Ox, Waza Tube Expander. But pure tone....this is the one. Great demo as always Shawn!

Great demo and a great product as allways. That's how pro's like a product demonstration. Short, to the point, great musicianship, and a wise selection of the gear.

Sounds so good. I ordered one. Thanks for the demo!

Really well done review Shawn! Nice dive into the features and well explained.

this is the best video iv seen so far , Shawn....you just look really good sitting next to such an iconic amp!!...be awsome to see you do some video's using drive pedals into this amp at moderate volumns

The demo I've been seeking, Great Work!!! I just received mine today and I'm thrilled with it ! I'm also a new Subscriber 🤘again fantastic review 👍

Great Demo Shawn wasn't shure about the tone of those Attenuator ....but now i know it can do the job !!!

Awesome demo!! Very cool piece of gear.

ooooooohhhhh. been waiting for this review for a while

A year later still super happy with the Ironman II, had tried everything other than the Ox box. I have my dual rec at just enough to push the speaker most of the time but later at night with wife upstairs I can dial it down to bedroom and still have it sound reasonable. Fryette was decent but this one even more invisible than that, and it's so simple and rugged

Thanks Shawn! I just ordered one of these.

this is great info - thank you Shawn!!!!

Thank you for this great review!

Great demo!!!

Very well made video.

Great review!

That was an amazing demo…most gear demos leave you wondering…Sold.

This is the review that everyone needs to watch when wanting the right one…read the comments Shawn says all you need to know and to everyone… well done off to watch your OX review just for the hell of it IM 2 ordered 🤘😎🤘 thank you

Very nice demo ! The first 100w capable (the silver one) sold out so quickly and i was too slow....but this time i will act fast :-)

yep...this is what I've been looking for...just a matter of saving up for one. lol thanks for posting.

Shawn is easily the best at gear review. Killer muscian & presenter!

Sick.....👍......I have a 74 MKII JMP 50w....this would be fire with it.....awesome...

One of the best if not the best attenuator on the market, hands down!

i have had these for 4 years. hands down my favorite attenuator. rockcrusher is a close second. powerstation is great for a loop though. but i use the di outn the ironman into a separate amp for a true wet dry set up.

Would you say that this is a superior to the other loadbox options out there? Does the extra attention to detail they have implemented really show in the tone result?

Hey Shawn, great video man! You've answered a couple of my questions on different videos about this, but I am still trying to find what would suit my situation best. I ultimately have 3 main goals. 1: Be able to record my old tube amps at their sweet spot, either silently or through monitors 2: Be able to attenuate/re amp when I don't feel like climbing through software or routing output through monitors and just want to jam in front of my amp with its own speakers 3: Be able to play silently with headphones when needed I'm still lost with all the options and now just added this one to the mix. The Captor X seems like it would fit all my needs at the best price, but I'm not sure if the attenuation is serviceable for my 2nd goal. The Boss TAE seems like the best option, but I don't know if it justifies being 2x the price. Although I do like that it could add an FX loop, delay and reverb to my old vintage amps. Then there's other options like the Suhr RLIR, but no attenuation feature. And the Fryette Power Station, but now RL haha. Now there's this one. I've heard TK attenuation is best in class, but I wonder if the RL IR abilities are on par with the other options? What would you recommend/which option would you go with? Really appreciate the help! Cheers!

Best attenuators out there......

Would this work on a Bogner Shiva combo as a DI to lower stage volume, go to FOH? 4 cable method.

Wht’s the difference between using Presence DB Cut and just turning down the presence knob on your amp? I have a couple Friedman amps with Presence knobs, wouldn’t it be better to just use the amp controls? Seems like once you start adjusting presence or eq on an attenuator you start changing the tone characteristics?

Hi Shawn, really love your demo and great playing! I've also watched your Ironman Mini demo. Just wondering have you tried the line-outs on both the 100w version and the Mini with some IR? I have a Mini and really love it as attenuator. But I've found the line-out doesn't sound very good when using with my Torpedo CAB M. I'm wondeing is there any difference on the line out between the Mini and 100w Ironman II? BTW, is the transformer-coupling in the 100w version have improvement on attenuation and reactive load than the Mini version? Thank you!

Hi! Can this be used as a pure dummy load with no cabinet plugged in? I would want to use this with only the line out going to my soundcard.

That mic sim sounds incredible! This could be a great way to do a wet/dry rig and keep the volume at decent levels while still having a cranked amp. Shawn, did you try it with a Fender style amp?

So glad I found your channel, I’ve learned so much already. Maybe this is a stupid question, but I am wondering if an attenuator of this quality can help me to get a better tone and amp feel at lower volumes. I have tried a few other attenuators, though not reactive load, and using more than 3dbs of attenuation sounds terrible to my ears. I’d much rather just turn my amp down and use pedals. Is this going to be that much of a difference from passive load attenuators? Can it really satisfy a tone-nut? Thanks so much.

Uh oh, I can read it on your face that you will be finding yourself a 100 watt Marshall to buy soon....;-) . Great demo dude! I wanna try that thing on the RJS

Hey Shawn, i have the same attenuator for my marshall sv20,so recently i bought a Motu audio interface that have analog line inputs where i can connect the D.I output for recording or just play like you in 9:10, also my Motu AVB have guitar inputs and manual says "Guitar inputs with volume control. These are high-impedance guitar inputs that provide authentic guitar amp volume response and feel." (but in this case i need a female XLR to TS?) or in mic inputs ?what would you suggest me? straight to line inputs?

Superb demo Shawn and thanks for that. I have a fantastic Suhr Reactive load ir but no atténuation. I need an attenuator just an attenuator what do you suggest me? Thx.

How would this change if your amp has a master volume?

This sounds great! So for quiet recording (not 100% quiet) and ease of use with a combo amp, could I leave the combo amp speaker plugged in and just turn down the attenuator as far as it goes? Would you recommend the LINE OUT or DI OUT to interface when adding IR's from DAW? Cheers!

hey shawn thx for your demo! id like to seek your opinion, i'm considering getting a vox ac 15, what's your take on this amp with pedals.....platform style? it's not my dream amp, but i am not looking for a $3000.00 combo, anyhow, for metal hj gain, im happy with thee plug ins and monitors..thx

Fantastic video…. Swayed towards this over the OX now 🤦🏻‍♂️

I didn't understand. You have a cabinet there, under the amp, and you didn't use it?! What better occasion than use that cab now that you are testing an attenuator! Maybe I'm missing something. Could you please explain? Thanks.

thanks for your video. I am considering between this power attenuator and still keep my vibrolux 68 custom or to go for imperial tone king. My issue is always the loudness on the stage: I often run my vibrolux at 2 or 3 volume but still to loud for small clubs. what would you prefer. ironman mini is 30 watt.. vibrolux 35.. Thanks for your help.. Best regards from Germany. Sorry for my bad writing.!

Is this compatible with Marshall DSL40CR?

New on this channel I’m impressed by the quality of some reviews I’ve just seen! thanks! I would have a question: if I focus more on the “pure power attenuation” than in cab and mic simulation for recording...how I can obtain best tone? Universal audio OX ore Tone King Ironman II 100W? thanks a lot and congrats again for these nice videos!

Hello Shawn. Can I use it without plugging a real cabinet if I want to use just the simulation in the -38db setting? And what if I use it without a cab in the -15db ption for example?

Hello. Shawn. I would like to have the most transparent attenuator and also have a great versatile guitar recording tool with cabinet simulation (IR). I know there are few products that do both like the Universal audio OX but according to most videos I’ve seen the attenuator feature is not so good. Which product or combination of products would you recommend to achieve the best attenuation experience and very good recording quality? Thanks.

I have this and this is the best attenuator. However is power scaling better? Because it doesn't shorten tube life?

If this was already answered earlier I’m sorry- I scrolled through some comments but not all. If you turn the Ironman ii to bypass is it like a true bypass? Or is it going to affect the tone a little when not attenuating? Half the time I can play I can open it up so I’d rather not have to unplug it every time I don’t need attenuation

How does it compare to two notes torpedo reload? Which attenuator is better?

Ok thanks I have synergy 50/50 playing with two Syn 1 this would work with synergy?

Hey Shawn, do you or anyone know how to use the Tone King Iron Man II with a Fender Super Reverb amp which is 2 ohms? Not sure if there is a work around for this amp. I appreciate your input.

Will this work with my Fender 60 watt super sonic amplifier! Can’t turn it up past 2 without blowing my eardrums out!!!

Could you confirm if the Iron Man II needs the power supply to run? I received mine yesterday and tried to run it without the power supply (like the Iron Man Mini) and nothing happend. Then I plugged in the 12Volt Supply and it was running. Thanks. The Mini just needs the power supply to activate the LED, but the big one needs it for something else, doesnt it? And thank you for the video, it is still the best here on YT.

What if I want to run pedals in front of the amp, or? If I use pedals, how would I connect this? Thanks, Jon

Dear Shawn, I bought the IM2 after your demo and advices (with respect to UA OX). I am very satisfied so far, incredible tone! However I have been using the IM2 just like an attenuator, with sound coming from my 2x12 cab. Now I would like to start using the analog speaker cabinet simulation throughout the XLR balanced DI output. My idea is to avoid using my 2x12 speaker cab, putting the IM2 at -38dB, using it as dummy load. Through the DI output with simulated speaker cab I would like to hear the sound from a monitor...the aim is to further improve the tone at any volume. And now the questions: Do I have to buy a DAW (scarlett or apollo twin for example), connect a PC and then go to the monitor(s)? or I can go directly from the DI output of the IM2 to monitor(s)? my aim is to hear a good tone at any volume...i don’t want to register. So if I can avoid audio interface and PC and go directly to the monitor(s)...it would be a very nice rig!! If so...which monitor(s) do you advise? I only know that a flat response is good...thanks a lot in advance!!! cheers, Alessandro

Hey Shawn, is the mini ironman 2 as good as the 100w??

Hey Shawn - I've seen both your vids on the Ox and the Iron man II and you seem to like them both - which is your fav though? Seems like the IM2 has a more natural sound as it attenuates, but the Ox gives you more with the software... thoughts? Thanks!

Cant get the DI out to work with my DAW. Im going from the DI out on the ironman into the mic input of a focusrite scarlett solo. There are signal, but no sound. Anybody?😊

Anyone have experience using the diy M2 reactive attenuator from the marahall forums? It has resistive stages but has an inductor in the beginning that gives a reactive load. The guy that designed it fine tuned it so the amp 'sees' normal apeaker impedence. It has 3 switchable stages of -3.5db, -7db, and -14db, or a combination of the 3 for almost -25db of attenuation. i usually run -7db and it sounds excellent

I'am guessing you can't use this with Peavey 5150 because its 120 watts?

Does it need the power supply to attenuate or does it work without it?

Sag on an amp work like an attenuator?

This attenuator will be able to work with a 100w Marshall full volume?

Would this work with a Super Reverb?

Hi Shawn, I am writing for an advice. Hope you may want to provide some suggestions. This is an old buddy (52) that got to tube amps just recently. I definitely realised that tube amps are different beast then digital I was used to and that I probably would need an attenuator to keep it down playing at home (that is 90% of time). I do play just for fun and I am not a professional. In my case amp is clean and pedals do the overdriven parts. The amp has some built in power switch but I feel it sounds better at max power (50w/6L6/1x12 V30 cab) rather than intermediated steps. But at max power it is basically impossible, at home, raising volume to get a slight breakup (actually even at 15w it is hard to get the volume at more than 2.5). Thus the idea of an attenuator. Browsing your channel I got to the OX and Ironman II tests you uploaded. The function I am mostly interested in is attenuation even thought I would like to record some of my progresses with guitar / songs I write. But it is again for fun. I am not for sure going to record tracks for publishing a CD. I wanted to ask your opinion about the attenuation function of the OX and Ironman II. I have the feeling that the OX is much better for getting a produced sound for professionals and the Ironman II instead is more focused on an accurate attenuation. The former looks like the ultimate weapon for professional working in studio while the latter seems more something that does just a function but in a very good way. I also understand that I could always augment an Ironman II setup with an IR loader platform (like the cab m) and get results comparable with the OX if I would ever need to improve the recording function. Is this correct? What would you recommend in a hobbyist scenario like mine? Thanks in advance for your time. Merry Christmas and happy new year!

Does it shorten the life of your amp?

Second !! 😃

How does this compare with the Universal Audio Ox? Anyone?

So this sounds cool, and handy. But, honestly, aren't we damaging the tubes and output transformer in the long run? I'm just asking because I don't know and I'm looking for an honest answer.

this or a rivera rock crusher?

my 1971 had black plastic toggle switches, and would make my pants leg flap if I got too close to the ampit's a wonder those 25 watt Celestions never blew

Does anyone know how this compares to the Rivera Rockcrusher?

No.1 only problem is it doesnt go quite enough for late night jamming. Needs an infinity control. Have made request to Tone King.

"And it can be yours for only $750.00". Bedroom rockstar here, would love to have this but I can't justify paying for it.

I built a reactive attenuator for less than $50 and it works perfectly.

$800 bucks for that? I'll pass

for the money they want ill stick with my7 weber mass 200..it can get great results. and i use it for a few db off live..these are over priced imo for the result.whats weird a treble cut and not boost whats that all about?? most attenuated amps lose treble..looks well built sounds good but to expensive for what it does.id rather save a bit more get a fryette