Step-down transformers.

Loobs

Anyone using one? Are they heavy to cart about? Do they affect the amp negatively or is it safe? 

I'm considering picking up a head in NY in a few weeks. 

woody

I've used them for years.never had a problem. Get yourself a medium sized builders transformer.plug it in to make sure it's a nice quiet one.some of them hum a little.wire a 3 phase plug to your amp,or a plug board and bobs your uncle.

Loobs

Can you link one? 

woody

www.screwfix.com should bring up something for you.a 500 va is what I use as the 1000 is a bit heavy.

surfguy13

I've been using stepdowns for 30-40 years in different amps and they work faultlessly and in my experience have never resulted in any hum or excess noise.  I use mine in combos, not for heads, so they sit happily inside the cab but with a head you have to think about where its going to sit.  if you use the head with an open backed cab then no problem but with a closed back cab there's no obvious place to place it so that it's out oif harms way.  Of course you can just sit it on the floor and will work fine.  I use this one for my 50s Fender Twin:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/maplin-110v-to-230v-300w-voltage-converter-up91y

And this one for a 50s Princeton:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/tacima-110v-to-230v-500w-voltage-converter-n59hf

The Tacima is very high quality and as a result very expensive but the Maplin transformer has been used in my Twin for years and it works perfectly.  Yes, they add a little weight but what the hell?!

Loobs

They look great, thanks! 

ChrisMusic

Hi @surfguy13 , nice to see you on here, hope you are well my friend  

Are you sure the links are correct ?
~ maplin-110v-to-230v-300w-voltage-converter
Looks like they are step up transformers to me ~ Allows you to operate UK equipment in the USA

surfguy13

ChrisMusic said:

Hi @surfguy13 , nice to see you on here, hope you are well my friend  

Are you sure the links are correct ?
~ maplin-110v-to-230v-300w-voltage-converter
Looks like they are step up transformers to me ~ Allows you to operate UK equipment in the USA

  Yes Chris, you're dead right!!!!    I got it the wrong way round....the links should be:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/240v-to-110v-300w-voltage-converter-vr05f

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/300w-uk-to-usa-voltage-convertor-n53hf

Humble apologies, a bit of brain fade.... 

jacksparrow

That's the one i use never had a problem with it. made in the uk as welll. no brainer.