preamp

or pre-amp

[ pree-amp ]

noun

, Informal.

1. a preamplifier.

Word History and Origins

Origin of preamp¹

First recorded in 1955–60; by shortening

Example Sentences

Focusrite has upgraded the preamps on the Scarlett line for its third generation with all-new “Air” settings that aim to recreate the rich, open high-frequency response of the company’s standalone ISA preamps.

From Popular-Science

USB microphones house a traditional microphone and add a built-in preamp and analog-to-digital converter, which means they can plug directly into a computer or mobile device.

From Popular-Science

With hundreds of options out there, choices range from the most basic boxes to full-featured interfaces with built-in mixing features and studio-quality microphone preamps.

From Popular-Science

Not all vocal microphones are portable and most require some form of external preamp and recording interface to function on the go.

From Popular-Science

Like most USB microphones, the Yeti X acts as its own computer audio interface and preamp, functioning with a single USB cable and requiring no extra gear beyond a laptop and a pair of headphones.

From Popular-Science

His early boards are so sought after that a Neve preamp alone will regularly go for $3,000.

From The Daily Beast