preamp
Before the amplifier
A preamp (preamplifier) is an electronic device that boosts a weak audio signal before it reaches a main amplifier.
Microphones, turntables, and electric guitars produce signals too faint for standard amplifiers, so a preamp strengthens them to usable levels: The vocals sounded thin until we ran them through a better preamp.
Preamps also shape tone, which is why musicians and recording engineers obsess over them.
Semiconductor signal switch
- capacitorCharge-storing circuit element
- resistorCurrent-limiting circuit element
- circuitClosed electrical pathway
- impedanceAC circuit opposition
gain · input · output · potentiometer · diode · soldering · inductor · semiconductor
Positive return received
- noiseUnwanted auditory disturbance
- distortionTwisting from original state
- feedbackReturned response data
- attenuationGradual intensity reduction
clipping · headroom · saturation · coloration · transparency · warmth · clean · dirty
Audio input device
- mixingCombining into one mass
- studioCreative professional's workspace
- channelPassage for transmission
- consoleComfort in distress
interface · DAW · tracking · overdub · monitor · rack · outboard · insert
transistor
Semiconductor signal switch
- capacitorCharge-storing circuit element
- resistorCurrent-limiting circuit element
- circuitClosed electrical pathway
impedance · gain · input · output · potentiometer · diode · soldering · inductor · semiconductor · voltage
gain
Positive return received
- noiseUnwanted auditory disturbance
- distortionTwisting from original state
- feedbackReturned response data
attenuation · clipping · headroom · saturation · coloration · transparency · warmth · clean · dirty · boost
microphone
Audio input device
console · interface · DAW · tracking · overdub · monitor · rack · outboard · insert · bounce
phono
Record player, informally
audiophile · stereo · integrated · separates · high-end · vinyl · DAC · source · component
pickup
Small open-bed truck
- pedalFoot-operated lever
- overdriveEfficiency mode at speed
- distortionTwisting from original state
fuzz · boost · tone · crunch · sustain · bypass · buffer · pedalboard · rig · stack
- audiosound, headphones, audio track, volume control, sound recording
- audio equipmentspeakers, microphone, headphones, subwoofer, subwoofers
- audio devicesmicrophone, mic, CD player, iPod, stereo
- AV equipmentTV, streaming, audio player, cable box, DVD player
- car audiocar radio, car stereo, head unit, stereo, infotainment
- music gearguitar, piano, amps, keyboard, guitars