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computer speaker amp?


pjackson92

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ok i am a complete noob when it comes to amps and stuff like that. I found some computer speakers that run off of a wallwart and have a volume and tone knob. So my questions are: can i wire it so it will run off a 9volt? is there an easy amp circuit that i could use as a preamp for it? Remeber i have no clue what im doing when it comes to wiring amp circuits or anything :thu:

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They can be used as an amp but you need to keep 2 things in mind. Computer speakers get driven at line level and they are full range in many cases 20~20K or so. instruments put out an unamplified instrument level signal and a guitar would need a preamp to get the level up to line level to be heard properly. A guitars frequency range is from around 100~5k so dont expect cranking leads coming from them and they may be a bit bright and lacking low end.

 

So with a preamp or booster you can play through the speakers no problem in fact i do this all the time when multitracking, but I use the computers interface/soundcard to boost the level. I use a guitar preamp with speaker emulation and can get the guitar to exactly match just about anything thats being played back at the same time.

 

If you dont have a preamp or mic mixer or something simular you may be able to get enough gain with standard guitar pedals. if you have a gain/overdrive/ or distortion pedal with som volume knobs on it you may be able to get enough gain from it to drive the computer speakers. Compressors, effects rack units etc all tend to have output levels too that may work. Just remember the computer speakers have a 1/8" stereo jack. You'll have to get that to a mono 1/4" jack to get sound through both. Otherwise give it a shot. Also if you do need a preamp, you can build or buy one for about $10 and even mounr one right into the guitar.

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