Beatrice Lang
Electric guitars have a preamplifier (preamp) built into them, which is an electronic amplifier that boosts the guitar's output signal to a 'line level'. The preamp is the first section of an amp that amplifies voltage gain and increases the signal level, colours the tone, lowers the output impedance, and converts the signal from unbalanced to balanced. The preamp is what allows an acoustic guitar to be plugged into an external amp and make loud noises. Without an external amp, an acoustic-electric guitar can still be played, but the sound will not be amplified.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do electric guitars have built-in preamps? | Yes, electric guitars have built-in preamps. However, some sources suggest that an external amp is required to amplify the sound. |
| Purpose of a preamp | To increase the signal level, colour the tone, lower the output impedance, convert the signal from unbalanced to balanced, or any combination of these functions. |
| Types of preamps | Onboard preamp, rack-mounted preamp, and pedal-type preamp |
| Examples of preamps | DOD Bi-FET Studio Preamp 410, Fender Acoustasonic 15, Fender Acoustasonic 100 Acoustic Guitar Amplifier |
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What You'll Learn
Acoustic-electric guitars have built-in preamps
There are several external preamp options available for acoustic-electric guitars, which can be used to fine-tune your sound and get a mix-friendly tone. These preamps offer control over various aspects of the sound, such as gain, EQ, resonance, filtering, and compression. Some preamps also have a built-in tuner, boost switch, and feedback-fighting notch filters.
The LR Baggs Session DI is a popular choice, offering both 1/4-inch and XLR outputs and impressive sound-shaping capabilities. The Fishman Platinum Pro is another excellent option, with its low-distortion circuitry, acoustic guitar and bass modes, and impressive compressor. The Venue DI from LR Baggs is also worth considering, as it nails the acoustic's natural tone while offering a flexible 5-band EQ and a boost of up to 9dB of extra gain.
For those seeking a more compact option, the BiX preamp delivers powerful audio performance in a pedalboard-friendly chassis. Radial's PZ-Pro is another flexible choice, offering a 2-channel unit that allows control over two sources, such as an acoustic-electric guitar and a microphone.
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Preamps boost the output signal
Electric guitars can have built-in preamps, but they can also be added as pedals. Preamps are the first stage of an instrument amplifier, strengthening a guitar's weak output signal to line level.
A preamp is an electronic amplifier that converts a weak electrical signal into an output signal strong enough to be noise-tolerant and further processed. It boosts the signal strength to drive the cable to the main instrument without significantly degrading the signal-to-noise ratio. The noise performance of a preamp is critical. When the gain of the preamp is high, the signal-to-noise ratio of the final signal is determined by the signal-to-noise ratio of the input signal and the noise figure of the preamp.
In an audio system, preamps are typically used to amplify signals from analog sensors to line level. The second amplifier is typically a power amplifier. The preamp provides voltage gain but no significant current gain. A preamp looks similar to a guitar amp, and some amps have a built-in preamp stage.
On a microphone preamp, you adjust the gain depending on the sound level of the source you're trying to capture. For example, if you're recording a quiet vocalist, you turn up the gain to achieve an optimal signal level. Gain regulates the level of the signal that passes into your other processors and has a profound effect on sound quality. Turning up the gain too far will distort and possibly overload your system.
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$18.89
Preamps can be bypassed
Electric guitars and amplifiers (amps) can be complex pieces of equipment, and many guitarists are happy to simply plug in and play without worrying about the technical aspects of their gear. However, understanding how your equipment works can unlock a range of possibilities in terms of sound and effects.
A guitar amp is made up of two main sections: a preamp and a power amp. The preamp strengthens the weak output signal from the guitar to line level, and the power amp boosts that line level signal so that it can be projected through speakers.
While it is technically not necessary to have two separate amp sections to strengthen the signal, there are benefits to having the option to bypass the preamp. Bypassing the preamp can help guitarists produce a better sound, particularly when playing in large venues. When a guitarist needs a louder volume, they can use amplifier slaving, which involves taking the signal of one guitar amplifier and boosting it using the power section of another guitar amplifier. This allows the guitarist to use their preferred amplifier as a tone generator, while the additional amplifier provides extra volume.
There are a few ways to bypass a guitar amplifier preamp. One method is to use a specific guitar preamp pedal that is manufactured to bypass the preamp of a guitar amplifier. The guitar preamp pedal has an output that can be plugged directly into the P.A. mixer, as well as an output that can connect to the power amplifier section of a regular guitar amplifier. To set this up, the electric guitar is plugged into the guitar preamp pedal input, and another cable connects the pedal's output to the amplifier's effects input. This setup allows the guitarist to use the preamp of the pedal directly, bypassing the built-in preamp of the amplifier.
Another method to bypass the preamp is amplifier slaving, as previously mentioned. To slave a louder guitar amplifier, the effect send output of the smaller amplifier is connected to the effect return input of the louder amplifier. The guitar is then plugged into the smaller amplifier, and the volume of each amplifier can be controlled individually. Additional amplifiers can be added by connecting them as slave amplifiers.
Preamp pedals can also be useful when amps are cumbersome or unreliable, especially for modern guitarists seeking more portable and ergonomic setups. Tubes in valve amps, for example, have a limited lifespan and can be brittle, leading to potential issues down the line. Preamp pedals, on the other hand, are often built upon solid-state circuitry, offering better reliability and longevity. They also tend to have flexible features and controls similar to those found on conventional amps, such as EQ knobs.
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Preamps can be built into amps
A preamplifier, or preamp, is an electronic amplifier that converts a weak electrical signal into an output signal strong enough to be noise-tolerant and clear. Preamps are often integrated into audio inputs on mixing consoles, DJ mixers, and sound cards. They can also be standalone devices.
A guitar amp is made up of two sections: a preamp and a power amp. The preamp strengthens the guitar's weak output signal to line level, and the power amp boosts that line level signal so that it can be projected through speakers. Most guitar amps have a built-in power amp stage to ensure that they are all-inclusive and can work with a speaker cabinet.
The preamp is often placed close to the sensor to reduce the effects of noise and interference. An ideal preamp will be linear and have high input impedance and low output impedance. It boosts the signal strength to drive the cable to the main instrument without significantly degrading the signal-to-noise ratio.
The preamp is responsible for the sweetening effect of classic components, the added clarity of low distortion, and the increased dynamic range of high headroom circuitry. It is an important component for musicians seeking to improve the quality of their sound.
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Preamps can be used with pedals
Preamp pedals are a great option for guitarists who want to downsize their rig without compromising on sound quality and flexibility. They are designed to be placed early in the signal chain, preferably before power amp or cab simulator pedals, and can be used to achieve a variety of effects.
One of the main advantages of preamp pedals is their ability to provide consistent sound across different amps and guitars. This is especially useful for performing musicians who may be using different backline setups from night to night. With a preamp pedal, you can fine-tune your sound and ensure that it remains consistent regardless of the equipment you're using.
Preamp pedals also offer a range of tones and effects, from clean to distorted sounds. For example, Two Notes offers preamp pedals based on clean Tweed Fender amps, as well as pedals with heavy distorted sounds based on Marshall Plexi amps. Victory's V4 preamp pedals are known for their full-analogue circuitry, delivering an authentic tube amp character.
Additionally, preamp pedals can be used in conjunction with other pedals to create unique sounds. For instance, they can be paired with overdrive pedals to achieve a tighter and more saturated sound. Preamp pedals with a powerful treble and mids control can be used before a Fender amp to boost the highs and create a magical effect. They can also be combined with gain pedals, fuzz pedals, and tuner pedals to experiment with different sounds and effects.
Preamp pedals are available in various options, from simple and affordable to more sophisticated and flexible models. Some preamp pedals feature multiple channels, allowing you to switch between different sounds, while others offer comprehensive control sets for dialing in perfect tones.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric guitars do not have built-in preamps. The first stage of almost any amplifier is the preamp, which comes before the power amp.
Yes, you need a preamp in your rig. The foremost function of a preamp is to boost your electric guitar’s output signal up to ‘line level’. A pure guitar signal typically sounds weak and anaemic, which is particularly evident when you plug a guitar directly into something like a PA system or an audio interface.
There are several options for preamps that will elevate any live guitar tone. Some good preamps are the DOD Bi-FET Studio Preamp 410 and the DOD Bi-FET Preamp FX10.
