I think in the strictest definition of the term, a preamp should be able to amplify the input signal enough to make further amplification via power amps viable. In that sense, pedals with lots of available signal boost levels can probably be called "preamps" as well, though not the low noise, high voltage ones typically found in rackmount units.
Our specific use of the term preamp denotes a sound-shaping design that not only amplifies the input signal enough to be sent later to a power amp, but also attempts to mimic the tonal response of certain complete amplifier circuits, which are popular for their distinct sounds. Often, due to the combination of emulated preamp EQ and high signal boosting, these are not designed to be plugged into guitar amps' preexisting clean channels, which themselves are preamps. I'm sure most of us who have any experience at all with digital amp sims and plugging them straight into amp inputs would know what happens then.
I'll wait for more tech-savvy forumers to correct or clarify anything I've said above. Admittedly, this is something I only came to know through reading online guitar discussions.
Ako rin nalilito which is which. hehe
Eto from Reverb.com. To summarize: The difference between a regular pedal and a preamp pedal is complicated
https://reverb.com/news/4-premium-preamp-pedals-to-juice-your-tone"The word "preamp" can meet a lot of different things, depending on the context. Audio engineers tend to think of a preamp as a device for powering a microphone and/or amplifying its signal prior to recording, while audiophiles think of a preamp as the thing that comes before their power amplifier, featuring volume and equalization controls, and some switching functions. In guitar speak, a preamp can be an integrated section of a guitar amplifier's circuitry, which (much like the stereo preamp) often contains tone and gain controls, or it can be a similarly functional external unit meant to enter the signal chain before the guitar amp, running either straight in the front, or in the effects loop. Such a device would typically serve as the main source of EQ, drive, and other tonesculpting capabilities. Many older guitarists associate the term "preamp" closely with formerly ubiquitous eighties rack units from A/DA, Marshall, Mesa/Boogie, and other companies. Current guitar preamp options are much more varied, however, and the most convenient choice for the modern pedalboard-bound guitarist is probably a pedal preamp.
So, you might be thinking at this point, if a preamp is just a pedal that has tone, gain, and volume controls, what makes it different from a regular old distortion pedal with EQ? Well, the answer is complicated. Some pedals marketed as preamps really have nothing more to offer than a standard dirt box layout with basic EQ, while other, seemingly similar, units are much more deserving of the moniker, serving as a complete sound solution that can work equally well in front of a guitar amp, clean power amp, in an effects loop, or even direct into a recorder or PA system. These types of preamplifiers can be superb tools for traveling guitarists that need a powerful, portable gigging device that can serve as a complete tone foundation, providing a consistent sound no matter the backline or recording scenario. Here are a few of our top picks for fully-featured pedal preamps."
Naalala ko nung unang nilabas yung Vox Amplug series...i wish that i could connect that into my amp (Laney Cub10 during that time) or if someone could turn that Amplug into a pedal.
Yung Ethos OD at Origin Effects Revival Drive...2 pedals that are definitely up there. Both solid state and can be plugged into the front of the amp or effects loop.