education needed : whats a preamp?

[pac112]

what does a preamp do? why do some of them come in pedal form? how do we use em?

sorry for the simple questions. heheh.

 

[tone4days]

Re: education needed : whats a preamp?

a pre amp is the device that takes the relatively low power signal that comes from a guitar then gives it gain and tone shaping (EQ) before passing it on to the power amp (which beefs it up loud enough to drive speakers and move air ... some preamps have multiple channels, each with a unique gain stage ...

doesnt matter if it is built in to a guitar, built into a pedal, part of a head, or part of a combo amp .. performs the same function irrespective of form ... just a matter or preference and other functions in the signal chain ..

 

[pac112]

Re: education needed : whats a preamp?

thanks t4d !

that means its not really a necessity in a chain? so its possible to have multiple preamps in a chain?

so the amps like head and combo are known as power amps?
do all head and combos have preamps?

 

[tone4days]

Re: education needed : whats a preamp?

rack setup = preamp + power amp + cab ... each in there own box

head = preamp + power amp in the same box ... so you need a cab to go with a head before it makes sound

combo = preamp + power amp + speaker(s) all in the same box

a preamp is always necessary .. it just doesnt matter what form it comes in .. and yes, you may use a preamp pedal in front of any of the combinations listed above if you like the way it sounds

t4d

 

[pac112]

Re: education needed : whats a preamp?

ohhhhh.. thanks alot t4d for answering my newbie questions!

i havent played a rack before. only head + cab or combo.