Gain structure

Question 1

Signal to Noise Ratio

Answer 1

Compares a level of signal power to a level of noise power

Question 2

Pre-Amp

Answer 2

Prepares the signal coming from a pickup or microphone for further amplification

Question 3

Power Amplifier

Answer 3

An electronic device which provides sufficient power to drive a speaker or other power device

Main purpose to raise power level of input signal

Question 4

Gain Structure

Answer 4

When multiple pieces of electronic audio are used together, they contribute to the overall sound quality.
Which equipment amplifies or reduces the signal

Question 5

Noise floor

Answer 5

Measure of the summation of all noise sources and unwanted signal.

Question 6

Phantom Power

Answer 6

Adds signal boost and used for condenser mics

Question 7

Impedance

Answer 7

the total resistance of a complex circuit involving resistors, capacitors and inductors as a composite lump

Question 8

Mic/line level switch

Answer 8

Controls line level of certain instruments: Guitar, Bass, Synths

Question 9

HPF/Low cut

Answer 9

High pass filter switch – Applies a high pass filter, attenuates bass frequencies to reduce rumble

Question 10

Drive switch

Answer 10

Output/drive, boosting and applying warm distortion

Question 11

Phase Switch

Answer 11

Flips the phase of signal

Question 12

Amp

Answer 12

• Used to boost power of a signal

Question 13

Briefly sum up the history of amplifiers

Answer 13

• Early amps used tubes/valves to boost signal until late 60s/early 70s
• Valve/tube amps boost even harmonics and give a warm tone

Question 14

What is a transistor?

Answer 14

• Invented early 40s and made of semi-conductive material such as germanium or silicon
• Smaller than vacuum valves
• Can now fit 249,000,000, on a pin head
• Amplify odd order harmonics, distorting in a ‘less pleasing way’