Guitar Amplifier Electronics: Basic Theory Richard Kuehnel

Our new book uses these calculators to design preamps, power amps, and power supplies. An entire chapter is devoted to sculpting the dynamics of overdrive and harmonic distortion.

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What does this calculator do?

The grid stopper resistor RGS blocks radio frequencies while allowing audio signals to pass. This keeps the amplifier from becoming a radio receiver and prevents the stage from breaking into parasitic oscillation. Large values can be used to attenuate treble and improve the dynamics of overdrive.

The frequency response for a given resistor value depends on the output impedance that drives it, the inter-electrode capacitances of the tube, and the voltage gain that it achieves. The calculator plots gain versus frequency based on these factors.