7 Tone control Stereo Preamplifier circuit

with PCB, Low noise

SEE! Many Tone control circuits. They are the important circuits for
controlling the bass and treble effects of the audio system.

We have lists of the top 9 tone control circuits using low noise transstors
as main. Although they are relatively old circuits. But I like them. Why?

I like its tone, soft and gentle. It’s hard to describe it for you get it. Until
you start building it yourself.

Also, you will not have a headache about where to get parts. Because All
Other components, you can buy them easily in most of the local
electronic stores.

And, easy to builds with PCB layouts. You should not waste time
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See all 9 projects below.

Note:

● The amount of transistors affects the strength and quality of the

audio signal. Sure, the circuit using 5 transistors is better than 2
transistors.

● If you want to build the best HIGH-QUALITY pre-tone control

circuit. See Circuit #8

● However, if you are a beginner. You might try to build a circuit that
uses 2 or 3 transistors first. They’re easier.

1# Classic Tone Control using 2

Transistors C829
This is a tone control circuit, the small-sized. It is the Mono using 2
transistors. They are important equipment to increase a sound signal,
more power-up.

And, we can adjust the sound with a potentiometer, VR1, VR2, and VR3.
To set a complete sound signal. Or a great treble and bass, too.

Look at the circuit below.

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[circuit-tone-control-2-transister-mono.png]

In the circuit. It is convenient for a beginner who wants to try to build a

Pre Tone control circuit to keep be usable.

The prominent point of this circuit, easy to buy the components. Even
removing good devices from old circuit boards. It works fine, as well. No
problem.

For example, transistors C829. You may use the number C945 or C1815
or The other all right.
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For the level of power supply. We can use a wide range of about 12V to
24V at 5mA only.

See other detail in the circuit.

What is next? make the circuit!

First, Get your parts ready, the list below

Components list

Resistors ¼ watts +5%

● R1: 47K

● R2, R12: 150K

● R3: 3.9K

● R4: 33K

● R5: 1.5K

● R6, R15: 1K

● R7, R8, R16:10K

● R9: 8.2K

● R10: 4.7K
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● R11: 330K

● R13: 2.2K

● R14: 15K

Potentiometers

● VR3: 100K(A) Dual Audio Potentiometer

● VR1, VR2: 100K(B) Dual Audio Potentiometer

● VR4: 100K (MN) Bal Audio Potentiometer

Capacitors

● C1, C4, C8, C11: 10μF 25V Electrolytic

● C2, C10: 100μF 25V Electrolytic

● C3: 47μF 25V Electrolytic

● C5, C6: 0.05μF 50V Ceramic or Mylar

● C7: 220μF 25V Electrolytic

● C9: 0.003μF 50V Ceramic or Mylar

Semiconductor
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● Q1, Q2: C829 or 2SC945 or 2SC1815, NPN transistors

● Other PCB, jacks RCA, jack DC, adapter, etc.

Then, Get a PCB. You may create it by yourself according to the

PCB layout.

[pcb-layout-mono-2-tone-control-circuit.jpg]
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Next, solder the device onto the PCB according to the components
layout.

[Components-layout-2-transistors-pre-tone-circuit.jpg]

In this circuit, it is a mono system. But if you want a stereo system.

Usually, we just do one more set. But we look at this second circuit
better. It's a dedicated stereo system.
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2# Stereo Tone Control using 2

transistors C945
See in the circuit below.

[Stereo-tone-control-Preamplifier-circui.png]
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In addition to adding another circuit. Each circuit has a resistor and

capacitor (C2 and R3) added to better compensate for the audio
frequency. C8 can reduce the high-frequency noise well.

For the power supply.

This circuit should use a 12V to 24V power supply. See R12, we know
that ะhis circuit uses very little current, about less than 4 mA.

You may be able to use x2 9V batteries, with connecting the series, it

works fine.

Then, build the circuit. First, get all parts as list below. (Remember it
need x2)

Components list
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Resistors ¼ watts +5%

● R1, R9: 150K

● R2: 1M

● R3, R5: 3.9K

● R4, R6, R7, R8: 5.6K

● R10: 220Ω

● R12: 1.5K

● R12: 4.7K

Potentiometers

● VR3: 100K(A) Dual Audio Potentiometer

● VR1, VR2: 50K(B) Dual Audio Potentiometer

● VR4: 100K (MN) Bal Audio Potentiometer

Capacitors

● C1, C9 : 3.3μF 25V Electrolytic

● C2: 220ρF 50V Ceramic

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● C3: 10μF 25V Electrolytic

● C4: 220μF 25V Electrolytic

● C5, C6: 0.05μF 50V Ceramic or Mylar

● C7: 0.005μF 50V Ceramic or Mylar

● C8: 50ρF 50V Ceramic

● C10: 470μF 35V Electrolytic

Semiconductor

● Q1, Q2: C945 or C829 or 2SC1815, NPN transistors

● Other PCB, jacks RCA, jack DC, adapter, etc.

Next, make the PCB as this layout see.

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[pcb-layout-2-transistors-Stereo-Tone-control-circuit.jpg]

Next, solder the device onto the PCB according to the components
layout.
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Next, solder the device onto the PCB according to the components
layout.
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3# Headphone Bass-Treble control circuit

with PCB
If you want to adjust the tone of audio in low voltage states for a headset.
Is it impossible? Most tone control circuit requires a 12V power supply.
This circuit can do.

How it works

To begin with, this circuit will connect the switch-S1, to apply the power
supply to the circuit and the input has an audio signal source.
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Function of each devices

1. There are C1, C2, and VR1/1 are set the input audio signal to high
frequency up. The VR1/1 adjusts the treble for the left headphone.

2. The similar a right way, the C5, C6 and VR1/2 are set the input audio
signal to high frequency up. We adjust the VR1/2 adjusts to control the
treble for headphone channel right.

3. When we want stereo sound. So, controlling the treble of the left
headphone is equal to the treble of the right headphone.
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So we use the VR1 is Dual Audio Potentiometer. Because changes in the

resistance of VR1/1 are equal to the resistance of VR1/2.

And must use C1 is equal C5, C2 is equal C6.

If you do not like tone of that treble sound. It can be modified circuit. By
changing the value of C1, C2, C5, C6 and VR1.

But remember, the value of C1 is equal to C5, and C2 is equal to the

value of C6.

4. Adjusting the bass, the VR2 is a dual audio potentiometer. Adjusts the
audio signal to a lower frequency, both the left and right channel.

There are R1, R2, C3 and C4 determine the bass for the left headphone,
And R3, R4, C7, C8 determine the bass in right.

5. To change the devices (C9, C10, C11, and C12) will change the sound
frequency left and right, too.

Then, the signals through the bass-treble adjustment circuit, into

transistors Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4. The incoming signal is both positive and
negative.

When added to the positive half cycle through C10 to C12 in the
previous. The Q2 and Q4 will be amplified of the positive half cycle.

On the other hand, the negative half is through C9 to C11 to Q1 and Q3.
They amplify a signal of the negative half cycle.
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It has audio headphone output with both the positive and negative half.
As the only one input audio signal changes.

Next step build the circuit.

Look

PCB layout
[Stereo-headset-bass-treble-control-circuit-pcb-layout.jpg]

And look at the components layout below

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[Stereo-headset-bass-treble-control-circuit-components-layout.jpg]

The components list

0.25 W, +-5% Resistors R1, R3: 18K (brown, gray, orange , gold) R2,
R4: 3.3K (orange, orange, red, gold) R5, R6, R7, R8: 47K (yellow, purple,
orange, gold)

Dual-layer potentiometers VR1, VR2: 100K type A

Electrolytic capacitors C9, C10, C11, C12_10uF/ 16V

50V, ceramic capacitors C1, C5: 0.0033uF (332) C2, C3, C6, C7:
0.018uF (183) C4, C8: 0.1uF (104)

Transistors Q1, Q3: 2SA1015 Q2, Q4: 2SC1815 S1: SPST Slider
Switch Others
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This circuit is suitable for a headphone. If you want high quality sound
read below

4# Simple Stereo 3 transistors Tone

control circuit projects
If you want a simple tone control circuit that easy to builds, all
components are assembled on one PCB. See this project it may your
choice, small size and cheap.

I like the transistor preamplifiers with tone controls. Because of low noise
and classic not outdated.

The tone controls, this is not acceptable. Due to high-quality audio

professionals not to use it. Connect popular Audio directly without a
sound barrier.

But this system is the most important parameter is the speaker. Your
speakers must be highly sensitive, can resonance with all audio
frequencies range.

But in fact, it is very difficult. To find speakers that feature.

Alternative, use the tone control to solution of this speaker. It will increase
the treble and boost bass.

Look at the circuit below.

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[small-preamplifier-tone-control-circuit.png]

Simple tone control circuit diagram

Working of simple tone control

There is 2 sections, the power supply, and the tone controls.

First, see the power supply, which has diodes D1-D4 are connected as a
bridge rectifier. We so can apply power to all types of AC/DC.

Then, the capacitor-C12 serves to filter the voltage. Next, will into the
voltage control circuit, by having Q4, ZD1, R14, C11 serves to maintain
constant voltage as 9V DC Regulator.
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Power Supply of Preamplifier Tone control circuit

Then, a C10 helps filter with together.

Next, come to look at the adjustable tone audio section. The input signal
is input to VR1, VR2 through R1, C1 to the base of Q1 by having R2-R6
to control working.

Then, the signal will be sent to the base of Q2 with R5, R7 is biased
working. And the signal will through to C2 to the network circuit, the
adjust base-treble by VR4, VR5.

The treble sound includes R9, C5, VR4 controls, and the bass controls
include R8, C3, C4, VR3.

Then, the signal will be sent to C6 and increased up by Q3 and includes

R10-R13, C7 as a low signal amplifier. The C8 is a feedback frequency
offset.
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Next, the signal to C9 as the output signal to the power amplifier next
step.

The main feature of this tone can be adjusted high-frequency very good,
the sound bright.

And nono loudness controls. The boost of bass and treble completed, so
cut it out.

The designer allows for easy builds and use. We put RCA and DC jack
and all potentiometers on only one PCB. We only use the RCA cable and
apply small AC or DC adapter about 300-500mA to this only.

How to builds

It is same at other circuit above. First, get all components as list.

The Components list

Resistors ¼ watts +5%

● R1: 100Ω

● R2: 150K

● R3: 82K

● R4, R6: 15K

● R5: 10K
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● R7: 12K

● R8, R13: 5.6K

● R9: 3.3K

● R10: 8.2K

● R11: 470Ω

● R12: 47K

● R14: 680Ω

Potentiometers

● VR1: 100KA Dual Audio Potentiometer

● VR2: 100KMN

● VR3, VR4: 100KB Dual Audio Potentiometer

Capacitors

● C1, C2, C6, C9, C11: 3.3μF 16V Electrolytic

● C3, C4: 0.03μ3F mylar

● C5_0.0047μF mylar

● C7: 47μF 16V electrolytic

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● C8: 47pF 50V Ceramic

● C10: 100μF 16V Electrolytic

● C12: 2,200μF 16V Electrolytic

Semiconductor

● Q1-Q4: 2SC945

● D1-D4: 1N4001

● ZD1: 9V 0.5W

● Others PCB, jacks RCA, jack DC, adapter, etc.

Next, make a PCB as layout

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[Simple-stereo-3-transistors-pre-tone-control-pcb-layout.jpg]

Then assemble all parts on PCB as Components layout below.

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[Simple-stereo-3-transistors-pre-tone-control-componenent-layout.jpg]

For who think that this circuit is difficult to build, because of making PCB,
me too.

See other Classic circuit next!

5# Classic Low noise Pre Tone control

circuit using 3 transistors
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See image below, the preamplifier tone control circuit diagram of the
home audio stereo is very well. It low noise and sound is beautiful.
Because using the quality transistors.

[3-transistors-mono-audio-tone-control-circuit.png]

The Schematic Diagram of Mono Classic Preamplifier Tone control using

3 transistors

It has three transistors, C945 ( Equivalents of C829 , C1815 or C458).

They are old electronic components but useful now.

This circuit is the Mono form, if you want stereo system. You need to
make 2 channel R+L.

The VR1 is 100kB for adjusting the treble tone sound. The VR2 is 100K
for adjusting the bass tone audio as well.
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The VR3 is 100Ka for control volume output. The VR4 is 100KW for
control balane sound fo other channel.

The power Supply Voltage used min 12V and min than 10mA. We hope
this circuit will do you are enjoying home audio. Good luck.

How to build

You may build this project on universal PCB or Perforated PCB. Or if you
want to make a PCB. See below!

[3-transistors-tone-control-pcb-layout.jpg]

The PCB layout of Classic Tone control using 3 Low noise

transistors
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[3-transistors-tone-control-component-layout.jpg]
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[Wiring and assembly guide of 3 transistor pre tone control circuit.jpg]

And Here is wiring and assembly guide below.

Components list

Resistors ¼ watts +5%

● R1, R8: 22K

● R2, R3: 47K

● R4: 68K
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● R5, R10: 1.5K

● R6, R9: 220K

● R7: 5.6K

● R8:22K

● R11, R13, R15: 10K

● R12, R17: 330K

● R14: 4.7K

● R18: 3.3K

● R19: 5.6K

● R20: 2.7K

● R21: 100K

Potentiometers

● VR3: 100K(A) Dual Audio Potentiometer

● VR1, VR2: 100K(B) Dual Audio Potentiometer

● VR4: 100K (MN) Bal Audio Potentiometer

Capacitors
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● C1: 0.22μF Ceramic or Mylar

● C2, C12: 47pF 50V Ceramic

● C3, C13: 47μF 25V Electrolytic

● C4, C10, C11: 10μF 25V Electrolytic

● C5: 470μF 25V Electrolytic

● C6: 33μF 25V Electrolytic

● C7: 0.0015μF 50V Ceramic or Mylar

● C8,C9: 0.047μF 50V Ceramic or Mylar

● C14: 3.3μF 25V Electrolytic

Semiconductor

● Q1, Q2, Q3: 2SC945 or 2SC1815, 2SC828 NPN transistors

● Other PCB, jacks RCA, jack DC, adapter, etc.

6# Classic Low noise Pre Tone control

circuit using 4 transistors
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If you want a circuit that higher gain of pre tone control circuit above. This
may be your choice.

[4-transistors-classic-pre-tone-control-circuit-diagram.png]

Here is 4 transistors pre-amplifier with tone control circuit diagram.

The designer change Q2 from NPN to PNP transistor and set other
components to response the frequency better. At the same time it will be
low noise, too.

And adding Q4 transistors makes the gain of this circuit high up. But he
need to new circuit to reduce noise, too.

We love transistor circuit because can adapter any thing unlimit as idea
of designer.

Also, we can adjust the bass,Treble and volume well.

This circuit is good at add treble clear and bass soft.

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See in the circuit, we can use many transistors number like C945 or
C828 or C1815. Which they are cheap and easy to find in any store or
recycle, convenient.

The power supply should choose to be a model of DC regulator 12V to

24V at 100mA up.

Making the circuit

You may use a Perforated board PCB, which good easy.

But this circuit quite has many components. So, you need to slow in
assemble it.

Some people may want to use a normal PCB. Look as below the PCB
layout. And Component layout.
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[PCB-layout-4-transistors-pre-tone-control-circuit.jpg]

[Components-layout-4-transistors-pre-tone-circuit.jpg]

And see Wiring and assembly guide of this project.

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Components list

Resistors ¼ watts +5%

● R1: 56K

● R2: 82K

● R3: 15K

● R4: 2K
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● R5:12K

● R6:10K

● R7, R19: 2.2K

● R8, R13: 180Ω

● R9: 3.9K

● R10, R12, R18: 3.3K

● R11, R21: 22K

● R14, R15: 18K

● R16: 47K

● R17: 330Ω

● R20: 620Ω

● R13, R22, R23: 220Ω

Potentiometers

● VR1: 50K(A) Dual Audio Potentiometer

● VR2, VR3: 50K(B) Dual Audio Potentiometer

● VR4: 100K (MN) Bal Audio Potentiometer

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Capacitors

● C1, C2, C9, C11: 10μF 25V Electrolytic

● C3, C4, C12, C12: 22μF 25V Electrolytic

● C5: 1000μF 25V Electrolytic

● C6, C7: 0.1μF Ceramic or Mylar

● C9: 0.001μF Ceramic or Mylar

● C10: 220pF 50V Ceramic

Semiconductor

● Q1, Q2, Q4: 2SC945 or 2SC1815, 2SC828 NPN transistors

● Q3: 2SA561 PNP transistor

● Other PCB, jacks RCA, jack DC, adapter, etc.

7# High quality Tone Control Mono

using 5 Transistors C945
Imagine you are listening to a very beautiful song. You hear every detail
of the instrument, clear voice Softly. You can stay with it all day long.
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This circuit may be the best choice for you. It is a high gain of
preamplifier tone control circuit using 5 transistors.

Look at the circuit diagram.

[low-noise-tone-control-mono-by-5-transister-c945.png]

Circuit Diagram of High-quality Tone Control Mono using 5

Transistors C945

A Designer adds a preamplifier section. It consists of transistor Q1,

R1-R6, C1, and C2. It gives this circuit a higher gain, can get tiny
low-level audio signals of about 1mV. While still responding to sound
frequencies as well and has low distortion.

Other details Still the same as the three transistors pre tone control
circuit (previous circuit).

Also, See in the circuit is mono form. If you want a stereo. You need to
build other one.
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We can use many number of NPN transistors like C945 or C1815 or

C828. The pin configuration is the same.

Making this project

I have built this project and found that the strength and sound quality are
good when compared with IC op-amp circuits.

But to build this project requires high neat. Because it uses a lot of
components.

Also, you can use perforated PCB. Or make a normal PCB.

[5-transistors-tone-control-pcb-layout.jpg]

PCB layout of 5 transistors High quality Pre tone control circuit

Then assemble all parts on PCB as layout below.

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[5-transistors-low-noise-tone-control-component-layout.jpg]

Components layout of 5 transistors Pre tone control Project

And see Wiring and assembly guide of this project.

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[5-transistors-tone-control-wiring.jpg]

Components list

Resistors ¼ watts +5%

● R1, R13, R25: 2.2K

● R2: 220K

● R3: 56K

● R4, R8: 82K

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● R5: 27Ω

● R6: 3.9K

● R7: 100K

● R9: 15K

● R10: 2K

● R11: 12K

● R12: 10K

● R14: 180Ω

● R15: 3.9K

● R16, R18, R24: 3.3K

● R17, R28: 22K

● R19, R27, R29: 220Ω

● R20, R22: 18K

● R21: 47K

● R23: 330Ω

● R26: 620Ω

Potentiometers
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● VR1: 50K(A) Dual Audio Potentiometer

● VR2, VR3: 50K(B) Dual Audio Potentiometer

● VR4: 100K (MN) Bal Audio Potentiometer

Capacitors

● C1: 1μF 50V Electrolytic

● C2: 0.01μF Ceramic or Mylar

● C3, C5, C7, C15: 22μF 25V Electrolytic

● C4, C6, C13, C14, C16: 10μF 25V Electrolytic

● C8: 1000μF 25V Electrolytic

● C9, C10: 0.1μF 50V Ceramic or Mylar

● C11: 0.001μF 50V Ceramic or Mylar

● C12: 220pF 50V Ceramic

Semiconductor

● Q1, Q2, Q4, Q5: 2SC945 or 2SC1815, 2SC828 NPN transistors,

or better read below.

● Q3: 2SA561 PNP transistor or better read below.

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● Other PCB, jacks RCA, jack DC, adapter, etc.

Alternate Of C945 and A561 Transistor

If you cannot find the transistors. You can use alternate transistors. But
Its pin configuration is different see in the diagram below before replacing
in the circuits.

C945: 2N3904, BC547

A561: 2N3906, BC557

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Its performance is similar. May be higher as well Because it has more

collector current (IC) and higher frequency response.

18V Regulator circuit

These classic pre-tone control circuits (Circuit 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7) require a

12V to 24V DC power supply. Since they use low current. But it should
be a DC regulator circuit only. I recommended this circuit below.

It is a series voltage regulator using Zener and transistor. So easy and

cheap. However, they are enough for our pre-tone control circuits.

Here is PCB layout and components layout.

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PCB-layout-18V-regulator.jpg
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[Component-layout-18V-regulator.jpg]