TL072 High-Impedance Guitar & Microphone Preamp Module | 1MΩ Input | 10x Gain | 12V Single Supply | Pedalboard Ready

Studio-Grade Signal Conditioning for Electric Instruments

Transform weak instrument signals into robust, noise-free audio with this TL072-based high-impedance preamplifier. Engineered specifically for electric guitars, bass, and passive pickups, this compact module delivers clean 10x voltage gain while preserving the natural character of your instrument. The ultra-high 1MΩ input impedance ensures proper loading of high-Z sources, preventing tone loss and maintaining full frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz.

Key Technical Features

🎸 Optimized for Instrument-Level Signals

• Input impedance: 1MΩ (prevents pickup loading and tone degradation)
• Fixed gain: 10x (20 dB) voltage amplification
• Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz (full audio bandwidth)
• Ideal for passive guitar/bass pickups, piezo transducers, and high-impedance microphones

⚡ Simple Single-Supply Operation

• Power requirement: 12V DC single supply
• Current draw: Low power consumption for pedalboard integration
• Connector: Standard 3-pin header (+VCC, GND, SOUT), ¼" Jack (Audio Input)
• Compatible with standard 9-12V pedal power supplies (use 12V tap)

🔧 Dual Op-Amp Architecture

• IC: TL072 dual JFET-input operational amplifier
• Low noise, low distortion, high input impedance
• Industry-standard chip used in countless guitar pedals and studio gear
• Supports both single-ended and differential input configurations

📐 Compact & Pedalboard-Friendly

• Small PCB footprint fits inside standard enclosures
• Onboard gain control potentiometer for level adjustment
• ¼" jack-compatible I/O connections (user-wired)
• Ready to integrate into DIY pedal builds or rack systems

Technical Specifications

What's Included

• 1× TL072 Preamp PCB (fully assembled with gain pot)
• 1× Flat ribbon cable for power/signal connections
• Ready to wire—just add jacks and enclosure
• Online installation and operating instructions

Perfect For

✅ Guitar/Bass Preamps – Boost passive pickup signals before effects chains
✅ Pedalboard Integration – Add clean gain stage between guitar and pedals
✅ Instrument Buffers – Prevent signal loss in long cable runs
✅ DIY Pedal Builds – Drop-in preamp module for custom stompboxes
✅ Acoustic Pickups – Amplify piezo and magnetic soundhole pickups
✅ Recording Interfaces – Condition instrument signals before A/D conversion
✅ Vintage Gear Restoration – Replace aging preamp circuits in old amps

Why the TL072?

The TL072 is a workhorse dual JFET op-amp that's been the backbone of guitar electronics since the 1970s. With its naturally high input impedance, low noise floor, and warm sonic character, it's the go-to choice for instrument preamplifiers in pedals from Boss, Ibanez, MXR, and countless boutique builders. Unlike bipolar op-amps, the TL072's JFET inputs draw virtually no current, making it ideal for high-impedance sources like guitar pickups.

Application Notes for DIY Builders

Wiring Recommendations:

• Input: Connect to ¼" TS jack tip (sleeve to GND)
• Output: Wire SOUT to output jack tip via DC-blocking capacitor (10µF recommended)
• Power: Use isolated 12V supply from pedalboard power brick or wall adapter
• Grounding: Connect all jack sleeves and GND terminal to common ground point

Gain Control:

• Onboard potentiometer adjusts output level (does not change voltage gain)
• Use as a "trim" control to match levels with other pedals or gear
• For fixed gain, replace pot with resistor divider

Input Configuration:

• Single-ended: Connect instrument to one input, ground the other
• Differential: Connect balanced or differential sources across both inputs for common-mode noise rejection

Enclosure Integration:

• PCB dimensions allow mounting in 1590A/1590B Hammond-style enclosures
• Use standoffs or adhesive mounting for secure installation
• Route wires away from input traces to minimize noise pickup

Important Notes

• This is a voltage preamplifier, not a power amplifier—output requires additional amplification for speaker drive
• Requires 12V DC supply (not 9V)—verify your power supply voltage before connecting
• Input/output jacks not included—user must wire to standard ¼" TS/TRS jacks
• No phantom power generation (for active electronics, use battery or separate supply)
• Gain is fixed at 10x—not adjustable via component changes (onboard pot controls output level only)

Typical Signal Chain Examples

Guitar → Preamp → Effects → Amp:
Guitar → TL072 Preamp → Overdrive → Delay → Amp Input

Acoustic Piezo → Preamp → DI:
Acoustic Piezo → TL072 Preamp → DI Box → Mixer/Interface

Passive Bass → Preamp → Recording:
Bass → TL072 Preamp → Audio Interface → DAW