Editing Preamplifier (section)

{{Short description|Electronic amplifier that converts weak signal into strong signal}}
{{Redirect|Preamp|the device used in professional audio|Microphone preamplifier}}
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[[Image:Musicfirstaudioclassicpreamplifier.jpg|thumb|right|An example of a typical high-end [[Stereophonic sound|stereo]] preamplifier]]

A '''preamplifier''', also known as a '''preamp''',  is an [[electronic amplifier]] that converts a weak [[electrical signal]] into an output signal strong enough to be noise-tolerant and strong enough for further processing, or for sending to a [[power amplifier]] and a [[loudspeaker]].<ref>{{Merriam-Webster|preamplifier}}</ref> Without this, the final signal would be noisy or distorted. They are typically used to amplify signals from analog sensors such as [[microphone]]s and [[pickup (guitar)|pickups]].<ref name="PCMAG v825">{{cite web | title=Definition of preamp | website=PCMAG | url=https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/preamp}}</ref> Because of this, the preamplifier is often placed close to the [[sensor]] to reduce the effects of [[Noise (electronics)|noise]] and [[Electromagnetic interference|interference]].