TC Electronic G-System - Manual (Page 24)

TYPICAL SETUPS
22
Pre-amp
The pre-amp generates your basic tone. It usually has 2
or more channels. E.g:
Channel 1 Clean
Channel 2 Lead
The Pre-amp could also be viewed as an advanced
overdrive or distortion pedal.
Power-amp
The power-amps main object is to amplify the sound
generated by the pre-amp and effects that are placed in
front.
Head
A “head” is a pre-amp and a power amp built into one
box. It is as simple as that.
The Input on the front is the pre-amp input.
The effect loop Send – is the pre-amps output.
The effects loop Return – is the Input of the power-amp.
Combo
The Combo amp is identical to the Head but also has
built in speakers – hence the “combo” or “combination”
expression.
We are quite aware that not all amps are built and
labeled exactly alike and the generic explanations above
must therefore be considered as a basic guide. We also
recognize the importance and tone-differences of the power-
amp models, tube-types etc. - This page is a reference for basic
understanding of the principles of guitar amplification only.
P
reamp
Clean ch. Drive ch.
IN OUT
P
ower
amp
(stereo)
Speaker
IN IN
Speaker
IN
Head
Preamp OUT/SEND
Power amp
IN/RETURN
Effect
Speaker
Combo
IN
Loop SEND
Loop RETURN
Preamp
Effect
Power amp
If you an experienced gear “nerd” already, this page will not apply to you. This page gives information on a few
basic issues regarding amp types.
Generally said - all setups include both a pre-amp and a power-amp. This applies whether it is a Head, a Combo or a split
system with separate pre/power-amp. How to enter and exit these components is a different story. However, “Send” is
usually equal to “Pre-amp out” and “Return” is usually equal to “Power-amp in”.