Volume Attenuator

Volume attenuators can be wired inline with each speaker to specifically and conveniently adjust the volume level.

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Brand
Power Dynamics

In stock
£16.00
PD PDWS In-Wall A/B Speaker Selector Switch
In-wall selector switch for speakers
Select either A, B or both A+B connected speakers
Perfect for commercial environments due to the 100W power compatibility
Stylish white finish and standard light-switch size
Metal back box, mounting bracket and screws included
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£16.00

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£14.99
PD PDVC12 100v Volume Control - 12W
In-wall volume attenuator
Back box included for cable management and installation
12W power suitable for small 100V line systems
Controls multiple speakers in a daisy-chain configuration
Rotary volume dial to fine-tune the volume to your liking
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£14.99

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In stock
£16.00
PD PDVC30 100v Line Volume Control - 30W
30W volume attenuator
Used to control multiple speakers from one output in a 100V line system
Back box included for installation (wall void must be at least 50mm deep)
Rotary volume dial to adjust the volume level to your exact preference
Discreet in any room thanks to the sleek white finish and in-wall design
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£16.00

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£31.99
PD PDVC100 Volume Attenuators - 100W - Chrome Finish
Volume control attenuator
Volume can be adjusted in ten increments, plus it can be turned off (0)
For added durability, the front panel is made of stainless steel with a black screen print
Screw terminals for simple connection to an amplifier output
A black metal flush-mounted box is included for installation in a wall
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£31.99

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£16.00
PD PDWS2 In-Wall A/B Speaker Selector Switch
Speaker selector switch
Two sets of speakers can be added at a time
Simultaneous or separate activation of A and B speakers
In-wall design and white finish keeps it discreet
All components necessary for installation included
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£16.00

Free delivery and weekend delivery available

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In stock
£28.00
Power Dynamics PDVC50 100V Volume Attenuator 50W
100V volume attenuator control
Power output of 50 watts
Dial with 10-step adjustment and off-setting
Features white plastic wall-mountable plate
Supplied with a black metal wall-mount box
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£28.00

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In stock
Regular Price £12.79 Special test Price £12.19
PD PDWS3 In-Wall A/B Speaker Selector Switch
In-wall speaker selector switch
Input and selection of two separate amplifiers
A, B or A+B selection of connected speaker sets
Installed and sleek white design keeps it discreet
All necessary installation components included
In stock
Regular Price £12.79 Special test Price £12.19

Free delivery and weekend delivery available

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In stock

Volume attenuators are used as a convenient way to control the volume from your speaker system. From reliable brands including Fonestar, Power Dynamics and Adastra, these attenuators enable you to store the amplifier out of sight or reach and still control the volume. Consequently, they are great for both home and commercial sound systems. They fit neatly into the wall, making them both easily accessible and discreet enough to suit use in offices, living rooms and public places.

These wall volume controls are for placement between your amp and speakers in your audio system. Using an attenuator alters the volume output by reducing the power output from the amplifier before sending the signal to the speakers.

The attenuators that we offer have a dial design, often with a numbered 0 to 10 scale to give you a visual aid to altering the volume output. As a result, they can be used to manually fine-tune the volume of several daisy-chained speakers at once, helping you to achieve a balanced and consistent sound across your speaker system.

Our stepped attenuator volume controls fit into a cutout in the wall using a back box. This enables them to fit into your wall, giving a discreet and low-profile appearance. Many of them are designed to fit into a cutout design for a light switch, with this uniform size further ensuring that they will look perfectly natural on your wall.

In addition to volume attenuators, there are also speaker switches in this category. These are for multi-zone speaker setups, allowing you to choose whether all zones are being used to play audio, or just the ones you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Volume Attenuator?

A volume attenuator is a device used in installed audio systems to control the volume level of speakers by reducing (attenuating) the signal strength sent from an amplifier. Unlike volume knobs on amplifiers, attenuators are typically installed in-wall or in-line with speaker wiring, allowing localised volume adjustments for specific zones or areas without affecting the overall system.

They are passive devices and are available in various power ratings and impedance levels to match the system's requirements. Volume attenuators are commonly used in commercial or multi-room setups where independent volume control is needed in different spaces.

Why Would You Need a Volume Attenuator?

A volume attenuator is useful in installed audio systems when you need localised volume control for individual zones or speakers. This is common in commercial spaces, such as offices, restaurants, or retail stores, where different areas may require different audio levels while sharing a single amplifier.

Do Attenuators Affect Sound Quality?

Attenuators can affect sound quality, but the impact is typically minimal if they are well-designed and properly matched to the system. High-quality attenuators maintain the integrity of the audio signal as they reduce volume, ensuring minimal distortion or loss of frequency response.

However, lower-quality or poorly matched attenuators may introduce issues such as signal degradation, noise, or uneven attenuation across frequencies. Using an attenuator appropriate for the system's power and impedance will help preserve sound quality.

Does Wattage Matter on Volume Attenuators?

Yes, wattage is an important consideration when choosing a volume attenuator. The attenuator must be rated to handle the maximum power output (wattage) of the amplifier and the speakers it controls. Using an attenuator with a lower wattage rating than the amplifier can result in overheating or damage to the attenuator.

Selecting an attenuator with sufficient wattage ensures it can safely manage the audio signal without distortion or failure, especially at higher volumes. Always check the system's power requirements and choose an attenuator with an appropriate wattage rating.

What Does an Audio Attenuator Do?

An audio attenuator reduces the strength of an audio signal, allowing control over the volume level without altering the audio's quality or introducing noise. In installed audio systems, it is typically used to adjust speaker volume in specific zones or rooms independently of the main system volume.

Can an Attenuator Damage an Amp?

An attenuator can potentially damage an amplifier if it causes a mismatch in impedance or is improperly rated for the system. Amplifiers are designed to work within a specific impedance range; if the attenuator adds too much resistance or drops the impedance too low, it could strain the amplifier, leading to overheating or damage.

To prevent this, ensure the attenuator is compatible with both the amplifier's output impedance and the connected speakers. Properly matched attenuators that meet the power and impedance requirements of the system will not harm the amplifier.

Where do you put a Volume Attenuator?

A volume attenuator is typically installed in-line between the amplifier and the speakers, often mounted in a wall for convenient access. In a multi-room or zoned audio system, it is placed in the area it controls, allowing localised volume adjustment without affecting the main system.

The attenuator is connected to the speaker wiring, and its location should be easily accessible yet close to the speakers it manages.