Tone Pots...

dead_in_okc · Post by **dead_in_okc** » Wed Jan 28, 2004 4:22 am

Can someone tell me the difference between a 'linear taper' tone pot,and an 'audio taper' tone pot???

Thanks...

jps · Post by **jps** » Wed Jan 28, 2004 2:11 pm

A linear taper changes the resistance at a constant rate as the wiper travels across the resistive track, this does not produce a even change soundwise; an audio taper varies the rate so that the audio signal sounds like it is changing evenly. I hope this makes sense to you.

dead_in_okc · Post by **dead_in_okc** » Wed Jan 28, 2004 3:01 pm

Thanks very much...It most certainy does...

soundmasterg · Post by **soundmasterg** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 9:30 pm

Which ones are used in Rics? It seems to me that the newer Ric stuff appears to be using linear taper stuff. Anyone?

philco · Post by **philco** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 6:52 am

An audio taper pot attempts to vary the resistance at a log(10) rate. In actuality, it is usually two or more linear taper sections that are joined together to form a rough log taper curve. A big problem in dual section pots that are used in stereo circuits is getting the sections matched to each other. When I tested some Radio Shack stereo carbon pots made by Alps, the sections were off by nearly 6dB at some settings, but that's what you got for $2.00. Sounded good, but you needed to reset the balance every time you changed volume. I was able to get very closely matched sections in a conductive plastic stereo pot made by TKD that is used by some audiophiles, but the price was $65 for a stereo pot. That is a good price for the level of quality they possess. We're talking military grade parts here. They have never gone the least bit scratchy after 12 years of service in my audiophile preamp. The Black Beauty pots made by Alps for $20 each are a good compromise in quality and price. Anything under $5 is either junk for critical applications, or you "stole" them. Cheap carbon pots can actually sound good, but they always go scratchy eventually and have tremendous variability between units, and can vary over time. The ones in my 1993 4004L need replacement, and they were lightly used. I will probably replace with Alps Black Beauties.