Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jillian Holladay on September 9, 2013 at 9:51am

I am not an expert but my understanding is that a passive EQ uses resistors, capacitors, inductors, and the like to do the work. This means that the signal coming out will always be lower than that which went in. Active EQ would employ circuitry that could boost the signal.

Permalink Reply by The Capo Kid on September 9, 2013 at 11:38pm

 Ok thanks , so what I don't understand is what is the point of a passive  pre-amp if I does'nt give any boost to the output , this build uses a short scale smaller box than I normally use so there's not a lot of room for a active pre-amp and battery box

Permalink Reply by David L. on September 10, 2013 at 12:10am

The passive preamps are poorly named. They consist of a volume control and a tone control that has minimal effect on cutting the higher frequencies.

Active preamps lower the impedance and can cut or boost the various frequencies so you get a warmer sound. A feature worth looking for is a preamp with tuner so it is easy to try different tunings quickly.

If you are short on space you can get smaller preamps on eBay if you search for ukulele preamp.
I have one like this in a uke I restrung with guitar strings - the little tuner is great for quick tuning http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Ukulele-EQ-Chromatic-Tuner-2-Band-W-S...

Regards,
David
PS if you order from Hong Kong to the UK keep below £15 or you risk import duty.

Permalink Reply by The Capo Kid on September 14, 2013 at 11:24pm

 This pre-amp is still too big for the box depth , i'm just going to use a 500k vol pot , keep this build simple .