An example of a typical high-end stereo preamplifier.

A preamplifier (preamp) is an electronic amplifier which precedes another amplifier to prepare an electronic signal for further amplification or processing. Image File history File links Broom_icon. ... Image File history File links MusicalFidelityElektraE200. ... Image File history File links MusicalFidelityElektraE200. ... High end refers to the best and generally most expensive of a class of goods or services. ... This article is about the spacecraft and the mission. ... It has been suggested that Rf power amplifier be merged into this article or section. ... In telecommunication, signalling (or signaling) has the following meanings: The use of signals for controlling communications. ...

Description

In general, the function of a preamp is to amplify a low level signal (possibly at high impedance) to line-level. A list of common sources would include a pickup, microphone, turntable or other transducer. Equalization and tone control may also be applied. Generally, amplification is a basic process sometimes seen in nature, and often used in processes which involve a signal which must be made stronger. ... Electrical impedance, or simply impedance, is a measure of opposition to a sinusoidal alternating electric current. ... Line level is a term used to denote the strength of an audio signal used to transmit analog sound information between audio components such as CD and DVD players, TVs, audio amplifiers, and mixing consoles. ... Three magnetic pickups on an electric guitar. ... A microphone, sometimes referred to as a mike or mic (both IPA pronunciation: ), is an acoustic to electric transducer or sensor that converts sound into an electrical signal. ... Edison cylinder phonograph ca. ... A transducer is a device, usually electrical or electronic, that converts one type of energy to another. ... For information about computer bandwidth management, see Equalization (computing). ...

In a home audio system, the term 'preamplifier' may sometimes be used to describe equipment which merely switches between different line level sources and applies a volume control, so that no actual amplification may be involved. In an audio system the second amplifier is typically a power amplifier (power amp). The preamplifier provides voltage gain (about: 10millivolts to 1volt) but no significant current gain. The power amplifier provides the higher current necessary to drive loudspeakers. Sound recorder redirects here. ... Electrical switches. ... Line level is the strength of an audio signal used to transmit analog sound information between audio components such as CD and DVD players, TVs, amplifiers, and mixing consoles. ... Attenuation is the reduction in amplitude and intensity of a signal with respect to distance traveled through a medium. ... An amplifier is a device which changes a small movement into a larger movement. ... International safety symbol Caution, risk of electric shock (ISO 3864), colloquially known as high voltage symbol. ... Electric current is the flow (movement) of electric charge. ... A loudspeaker is a device which converts an electrical signal into sound. ...

Preamplifiers may be:

• incorporated into the housing or chassis of the amplifier they feed
• in a separate housing
• mounted in other pieces of equipment, such as turntables, microphones and electric basses.
• close to the signal source, remote from the next amplifier -- eg: beside hi-fi system, then feeding into a computer in the home office.

Edison cylinder phonograph ca. ... A microphone, sometimes referred to as a mike or mic (both IPA pronunciation: ), is an acoustic to electric transducer or sensor that converts sound into an electrical signal. ... Fender Precision Bass Bass Guitar is a commonly spoken phrase used to refer to the electric bass and horizontal acoustic basses, a stringed instrument similar in design to the electric guitar, but larger in size, commonly fretted and sometimes fretless and with a lower range. ...

Examples

• the integrated preamplifier in a foil electret microphone.
• the first stages of an instrument amplifier.
• a stand-alone unit for use in live music and recording studio applications.
• as part of a stand-alone channel strip or channel strip built into an audio mixing desk.
• a masthead amplifier used with television receiver antenna or a satellite receiver dish.

A microphone, sometimes referred to as a mike or mic (both IPA pronunciation: ), is an acoustic to electric transducer or sensor that converts sound into an electrical signal. ... An instrument amplifier is an electronic amplifier designed for use with an electric or electronic musical instrument, such as an electric guitar. ... A concert is a live performance, usually of music, before an audience. ... A recording studio is a facility for sound recording. ... An audio channel strip may be a stand alone unit or one of many units built into a mixing desk. ... BBC Local Radio Mark III radio mixing desk In professional audio, a mixing console, mixing desk (Brit. ... A masthead refers to the top of a mast of a ship. ... A yagi antenna Most simply, an antenna is an electronic component designed to send or receive radio waves. ... An Earth observation satellite, ERS 2 For other uses, see Satellite (disambiguation). ... The word receiver has a number of different meanings: In communications and information processing, a receiver is the recipient (observer) of a message (information), which is sent from a source (object). ...

See also

• Buffer amplifier