Stereopotentiomeetrid

Stereopotentiometers, often abbreviated as stereo pots, are electronic components used to control volume or other audio signal parameters in stereo sound systems. Unlike a standard potentiometer which has two terminals for a single signal, a stereo potentiometer typically has three terminals for each of two independently controlled resistive elements housed within a single physical unit. The two resistive elements are mechanically linked, meaning a single shaft or slider controls both simultaneously.

When used for volume control, a stereo potentiometer has a common terminal, a "wiper" terminal for each of the two resistive elements, and two stationary terminals to which the input signals are connected. As the shaft is turned, the resistance between the common terminal and each wiper changes in tandem. This allows for proportional reduction or increase of both the left and right audio channels, ensuring that the stereo image remains balanced and the perceived loudness of both channels changes uniformly.

Stereo potentiometers are commonly found in audio mixers, amplifiers, and other audio equipment where precise and synchronized control of stereo signals is required. They are available in various resistance values and taper characteristics (linear or logarithmic/audio taper) to suit different applications. The logarithmic taper is often preferred for volume control as it better matches the non-linear way human hearing perceives loudness.