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manual version: 3.1.0, 09/2024
Arx Piezo Preamp v3
User Manual
You are looking at a preamplifier designed specifically for contact (piezo) microphones and
pickups, typically used with acoustic instruments. Using contact microphones without a
specialized preamp can result in suboptimal sound quality, particularly lacking in bass. The Arx
Piezo Preamp utilizes a technology known as "charge amplifier," which features low input
impedance, offering lower noise compared to traditional high-impedance piezo preamps.
The input preamp stage strives to be as transparent, as "flat" as possible, preserving the original
microphone output without alteration in the full audio frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz. The
pure sound of the microphone therefore depends on the quality of your microphone, its position
on the body of the instrument, and the method of attachment to the body. It often requires a bit
of experimentation.
The preamp stage with Gain switch is followed by a High-Pass Filter stage, then Baxandall
Bass / Treble tone control stage for fine-tuning, and lastly the Volume knob. The preamp can
thus be used for many different types of acoustic instruments.
I created this preamp as a way to learn audio PCB design. It is produced in a DIY way in small
batches in the EU. Thank you for choosing it!
-- Arx
arx.wtf
1/3
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Summary of Contents for ARX Piezo Preamp v3
- Page 1 You are looking at a preamplifier designed specifically for contact (piezo) microphones and pickups, typically used with acoustic instruments. Using contact microphones without a specialized preamp can result in suboptimal sound quality, particularly lacking in bass. The Arx Piezo Preamp utilizes a technology known as "charge amplifier," which features low input impedance, offering lower noise compared to traditional high-impedance piezo preamps.
- Page 2 manual version: 3.1.0, 09/2024 Mounting the preamp It is best to position the preamp as close to the piezo microphone / pickup as possible. Do not insert any other devices between the microphone and the preamp. The bottom side of the enclosure features protruding flanges with mounting holes.
- Page 3 manual version: 3.1.0, 09/2024 GAIN switch Sets the gain of the input preamp stage. The actual amount of gain depends on the capacitance of your piezo microphone(s) / pickup(s), which varies greatly between the microphones in the real world, therefore it is not possible to determine the gain exactly. Find the switch position that serves you best.
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