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Why are logarithmic pots used for volume rather than linear pots?
Logarithmic potentiometers are used as volume controls in audio equipment because the response of the human ear to the loudness of sound is also logarithmic. Using a log pot therefore gives the effect that a setting of full volume on the control sounds twice as loud as a setting of half volume.
What’s the difference between A and B pots?
500k “A” would denote an audio taper pot, and the “B” suffix would denote a linear taper pot. The only difference is the taper of the pot, or “how gradually it rolls off”. Most manufacturers use either (2) audio taper pots for volume + tone or would use audio taper for volume, and linear taper for tone.
Why do potentiometers fail?
An electrical short or open will cause the indication to fail at one extreme or the other. If an increase or decrease in the potentiometer resistance occurs, erratic indicated valve position occurs.
What is a reverse audio taper?
The dark horse taper is reverse audio, or more strictly “right hand logarithmic” taper. This taper traverses resistance very quickly at first, then more slowly as it is turned further. It’s the inverse of the audio taper.
Why do you need a linear taper pot?
A linear taper pot gives you a smoother transition to volume or tone from “0” all the way to “10” in my opinion. I, personally, like linear taper pots in volume & tone positions because they are very dependable in terms of how the volume/tone is increased or decreased. Not everyone agrees.
What’s the difference between taper pots and audio pots?
Paul, the way a pot sounds to a player due to the taper is purely the choice of the player. The taper represents how the pot responds when you dial it up or down. There are those players that absolutely hate audio taper pots because, until you get to “3” or so, you get no volume increase at all.
What’s the difference between audio taper and linear taper?
The vast majority of pot manufacturers agree that the “A250k” is the audio taper and the “B250k” is the linear taper. It certainly is that way with CTS, Bourns, & Alpha pots.
Is the b250k a linear taper pot?
The B250k is a linear pot. It should measure “0” when turned all the way down and (approx) “250k” when turned all the way up to “10”.