FreddieB Posted January 9, 2003 Share Posted January 9, 2003 I've heard of these, and it seems like a lot ppl have them? But excatly what are they? and what are they good for? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soundcrafter Posted January 9, 2003 Share Posted January 9, 2003 Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but they first of all, elevate the small signal from a bass to a signal that has enough power(line level output) to go to an amplifier. Secondly, they allow you to 'colour' your sound..adjust the bass, mid and treble, probably more, like a graphic EQ and they also sometimes will offer dynamic control like compression or expansion. "If you're flammable and have legs, you are never blocking a fire exit. Unless you are a table." -Mitch Hedberg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Gollihur Posted January 9, 2003 Share Posted January 9, 2003 A preamp, speaking generically, is a device or stage that amplifies instrument level inputs to a higher line level in order to drive a power amp. Integrated bass "heads" have a preamplifier within them-- that's the input volume controls and often the Bass, Treble, etc., EQ section, that you adjust to meet your needs. It feeds the power amp section within the head. Then there are dedicated bass preamps that are designed to be part of a system-- they are designed to drive a power amp. There are other preamps, such as "outboard preamps" which are boxes designed to take an instrument input and apply equalization or perhaps some effects or tone modifications- however, most of them are designed to produce a moderate output level to plug into a bass head, not really intended to have the output level sufficient to drive most power amps, though some can, of course. Then there are onboard bass preamps, small devices that are installed inside a bass. These are designed to enhance performance due to their proximity to the pickups, and to offer active equalization at the bass. These are also not designed to drive a power amp, but to plug into a modular or integrated bass head. There are more types, but this is a general overview of "preamps" -- I hope all these answers addressed your specific question. 1000 Upright Bass Links, Luthier Directory, Teacher Directory - http://www.gollihurmusic.com/links.cfm [highlight] - Life is too short for bad tone - [/highlight] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tim4003 Posted January 9, 2003 Share Posted January 9, 2003 A pre-amp "shapes" your sound. An amp head has two sections. A pre-amp section, and a power amp section both in the same unit. Some players prefer to have a pre-amp and a power amp in separate units. My Website Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rumpelstiltskin. Posted January 9, 2003 Share Posted January 9, 2003 search. we just had the same question about a month or so ago. use the search feature. it's much easier for everyone but you, so do it for our sake. c'mon, bob. isn't that your job as a moderator? robb. because i like people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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