Better Volume (and Balance) Controls


Posted on Apr 8, 2012

The volume control in a hi-fi amp or preamp (or any other audio device, for that matter), is a truly simple concept, right? Wrong. In order to get a smooth increase in level, the potentiometer (pot) must be logarithmic to match the non-linear characteristics of our hearing. A linear pot used for volume is quite unsatisfactory. Unless you pay serious money, the standard `log` pot you buy from electronics shops is not log at all, but is comprised of two linear sections, each with a different resistance gradient. The theory is that between the two they will make a curve which is `close enough` to log (or audio) taper. As many will have found out, this is rarely the case, and a pronounced `discontinuity` is often apparent as the control is rotated.


Better Volume (and Balance) Controls
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