Preset

A preset is an electronically, magneto-electrically or mechanically stored presetting of parameters, which enables a standardized application with respect to the respective system. This may be subject to a user-related condition and, above all, a "taste of the times". Sometimes they can be changed individually, but can be reset to the original state at any time .

The word is made up of pre ("vor-") and set (English for "compilation").

Technical application

Presets found their first practical application in the punch card control of a mechanical loom . The storage medium of the punched card, a simple cardboard disk, which is easy to create and therefore easy to copy, allowed a wide range of uses.

Preset switch on a radio receiver from around 1960

In the audio sector , radio receivers began installing filters that could be individually selected by means of a switch : "Classical, jazz, language, treble, orchestra, solo, bass" are unchangeable formant filters that influence the timbre of the entire audio event .

Current flat screen televisions usually have similar presets for influencing the sound, but also for color characteristics (for example, “Film”, “Sport” or “Game” settings).

Electronic Musical Instruments Use presets to manufacturer a "ready-made" sound (English: Sound ) to keep ready "at your fingertips". The individual components of a synthesizer are set so that the desired sound can be heard. A concert organ , for example, has different presets than a digital sacred organ , although there is no technological difference between the two. Often not changed the presets are a keyboard , adding effects like reverb (English: Reverb ) has no effect on a preset. However, the actual effects device itself can also have various presets ready: for example, adjustable from reverb to echo . The traditional register system with the mixture registers of the pipe organ is usually not called a preset, but a sample in a Mellotron .

An automatic accompaniment includes variable presets: For example, the basic pattern of the rhythm maintained, the accompanying harmony is quickly influenced by a predetermined algorithm , the performances of the accompanying instruments are each style of music (for example jazz combo or rock band ) is adjusted.

Some devices for lighting control use information stored on suitable data storage media.