what's a preamp?
- Thread starter kelvin
- Start date
Duke of Metal
New member
Re: what's a preamp?
a poweramp is the section of an amp that amplifies the preamp's signal because the preamp's signal isnt strong/loud enough to be amplified through a cabinet.
Somebody correct me if I am wrong.
Hope that helps,
Duke
a preamp is the section of an amp that provides your tone controls (bass, Mids, treble, presence) and provide the gain's structure.kelvin said:sorry guys,
but i have no idea
a poweramp is the section of an amp that amplifies the preamp's signal because the preamp's signal isnt strong/loud enough to be amplified through a cabinet.
Somebody correct me if I am wrong.
Hope that helps,
Duke
Re: what's a preamp?
That's right, DoM. To add a bit more: The guitar signal is a fairly low voltage at a very low current, that is a high impedance signal. No way could it drive a speaker. Speakers require a higher voltage and a much much higher current. The purpose of the preamp section is to amplify the voltage with enough current capacity in order to drive the power amp. How much it amplifies is called the "gain" of the preamp The power amp uses larger components that handle higher power, and it is designed to be more efficient than a preamp in order to keep the size and weight down.
A preamp can also be a separate box to put before your amp if you want more "gain", usually to get more overdrive or distortion.
That's right, DoM. To add a bit more: The guitar signal is a fairly low voltage at a very low current, that is a high impedance signal. No way could it drive a speaker. Speakers require a higher voltage and a much much higher current. The purpose of the preamp section is to amplify the voltage with enough current capacity in order to drive the power amp. How much it amplifies is called the "gain" of the preamp The power amp uses larger components that handle higher power, and it is designed to be more efficient than a preamp in order to keep the size and weight down.
A preamp can also be a separate box to put before your amp if you want more "gain", usually to get more overdrive or distortion.
TwilightOdyssey
Darkness on the edge of Tone
Re: what's a preamp?
The cool thing about preamps, now that we've had it so clearly defined
) ), is that you can mix and match pieces to come up with your own tone. For example, I use an Engl Preamp with a Marshall Power Amp. The result is a sound that's not Engl, nor is it Marshall -- It has the brightness and clarity of Marshall and the sick gain of Engl.
Cool, huh?
The cool thing about preamps, now that we've had it so clearly defined
) ), is that you can mix and match pieces to come up with your own tone. For example, I use an Engl Preamp with a Marshall Power Amp. The result is a sound that's not Engl, nor is it Marshall -- It has the brightness and clarity of Marshall and the sick gain of Engl.Cool, huh?
M
MrHeavyMetal
Guest
Re: what's a preamp?
perfect genius!
TwilightOdyssey said:The cool thing about preamps, now that we've had it so clearly defined
Cool, huh?
perfect genius!
Neeradj
New member
Re: what's a preamp?
Not all pre-power-amp combinations provide for enough gain for some people. Think of it this way, my Mesa has a switchable power-/pre-amp option, but if I'd say it didn't have enough gain for me right now I'd want to use a stompbox right? So it really depends on what combination you use for you to make out whether you want more gain.
Not all pre-power-amp combinations provide for enough gain for some people. Think of it this way, my Mesa has a switchable power-/pre-amp option, but if I'd say it didn't have enough gain for me right now I'd want to use a stompbox right? So it really depends on what combination you use for you to make out whether you want more gain.
TwilightOdyssey
Darkness on the edge of Tone
Re: what's a preamp?
I do NOT use an OD pedal with my preamp, but I DO use my Fat Boost fer solos ...
I do NOT use an OD pedal with my preamp, but I DO use my Fat Boost fer solos ...
Duke of Metal
New member
Re: what's a preamp?
Low = Bass
Mids = Mids
Highs = Treble
Presence = Sorta higher highs that provide the sound clarity and bite.
I agree with what TwilightOdyssey & Neeradj said.
Another thing people prefer Rack gear is the control-ability. basicly you can program your programmable midi controlled units to all be controlled through 1 button instead of having to tap dance on loads of pedals, etc..
and just like TwilightOdyssey said.. you combine a different brand preamp with a different brand poweramp, and you have a whole new amp. its sorta like having your own "custom" amp build for you.
Hope that helps,
Duke
thats the same thing:kelvin said:
Low = Bass
Mids = Mids
Highs = Treble
Presence = Sorta higher highs that provide the sound clarity and bite.
I agree with what TwilightOdyssey & Neeradj said.
Another thing people prefer Rack gear is the control-ability. basicly you can program your programmable midi controlled units to all be controlled through 1 button instead of having to tap dance on loads of pedals, etc..
and just like TwilightOdyssey said.. you combine a different brand preamp with a different brand poweramp, and you have a whole new amp. its sorta like having your own "custom" amp build for you.
Hope that helps,
Duke
