Sorry to start 3 new threads within 15 minutes, especially since I'm sure this has been answered before :icon_redface:
I've built an MXR MicroAmp boost, and it seems to do the job. I see that there are a million different boosters out there though. What's the difference between boosters? I know that looking at a schematic, I'll see differences, but I'm still a newb at all this, so that doesn't help me yet. In a nutshell, is the MicroAmp a good booster? Is it the best? Why or why not?
Use the Search function, Luke!
Obi-Wan
I think it's all about frequency response. It's either a treble/bass booster or a full frequency boost. Then some boosters might add a little overdrive to the signal to kick it up even more. Then there are different devices - FETs, opamps, whatever. You can also distinguish between different input/output impedances but that mainly contributes to the frequency response.
One more thing - amount of boost. :)
I bet I forgot something.
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Jimbo
In principle, clean is clean is clean.
Apart from that, though, boosters can vary by:
a) how much maximum boost they provide
b) their input impedance and expected input source
c) their output impedance and expected output destination
d) the extent to which they can handle transients cleanly
e) any distortion or coloration added at higher gain levels
f) the degree of noise immunity or noise added
g) usable bandwidth
h) any additional controls functions provided apart from gain
In the same way that there are a zillion ways to produce a circuit thatcorrupts the input signal (we call them distortion pedals), there are equally a zillion ways to produce some degree of gain that is NOT intended to corrupt the signal.
OK, to put it another way, it depends what you want. But you probably wont know what you really want until you've tried a few--all the words in the world wont give you the experience, or save you the trouble, of trying them.
Ben