Pre-amp???

[Dackzy]

In my search around the web I have come across many pre-amps, but what are they used for and is it something I should get?

[Volbet]

Some very old amps only had gain control, so you needed a pre-amp to control the volume. That is/was the most common use for a pre-amp.

They are also commonly used with microphones and musical instruments.

Some people (like me) also need it to get adequate volume out of a moving coil record player.

So no, you most likely don't need a pre-amp.

[sushisharkjl]

4 minutes ago, Dackzy said:

In my search around the web I have come across many pre-amps, but what are they used for and is it something I should get?

Preamps are used for amplifying analog signals (like from a guitar or a condenser mic) in preparation for further amplification.

 

Preamps are generally used for microphones and electric guitars/other instruments, to amplify the analog signal as well as provide phantom power for mics through XLR if required.

 

Unless you have a need for recording high quality audio, you don't need one.

[Guest Generallee]

You will generally find preamps on external mixers, and some usb audio interfaces for XLR mics or instruments