Need definitions on some guitar things.

[rokgod]

I guess I'm a guitar noob in terms of knowledge.
I need to know what:
1. A preamp is
2. A combo amp is
3. Rack? is

Thanks everyone.
~David

[Tetril]

okay, Dave....

a combo amp is when the actual "amp" itself is combined with a speaker cabinet. An actual guitar "amp" is where all the sound and power is generated (also known as the "head"). When a guitar stack (head and cabinet), is used, a cable connects the head and cabinet.

A combo amp (think 'combination of amp and speaker'), integrates both into one (usually compact) package. This combination allows a player to easily transport one item.



a "rack" is usually a processor, power amp, preamp or any other piece of equipment that can be rackmounted. If you don't know what other rackmounted equiptment is, this is pretty much impossible to explain. A rack setup is convenient for some guitarists who like to have their entire setup and effects in one place. So... instead of having an amp head, speaker cabinet, effect pedals and effects processors - you can have all of that in your rack with the cabinet (w/speaker) miked offstage or somewhere else.


the definition of a preamp goes much deeper than just guitar use, so I won't try to give a shallow definition that doesn't really cover the meaning. I'll bet you can find a pretty good definition somewhere else on this sight though.



Hope this makes sense!

[Tarktones]

Preamp:

An amplifier is expecting its input to be at a certain level. The output of the guitar is much lower than the level that the input of the amplifier is looking for. So a pre-amplifier is used. The preamp is a smaller amplifier which brings the guitar signal up to the appropriate and usable level.

Preamps also usually have very strong tonal characteristics and play an important roll in making one amp sound different from the next. The preamp on a guitar amplifier is the section where you make adjustments to gain, EQ, presence, etc...

[rokgod]

Thanks a lot you guys, appreciate the help.

[Tetril]

yeah, when Tarktones says: "An amplifier is expecting its input..." and "input of the amplifier is looking for..." he is talking about the amp's POWER AMP. You need both to make noise ;-)

[Demo]

1. probably part of the amp.
2. an amp in a speaker cab.
3. an element of your lead singer's attraction.