Tape Head Input Sensitivity
Tape head input sensitivity describes the playback-head signal level a tape preamp is designed to accept, usually in millivolts.
It may be a nominal level or a supported range. This helps match the preamp to the output of the connected head.
Tape Head Input Sensitivity — Tape Preamp
A stated range gives the span of head levels the preamp is intended to accommodate. A single sensitivity figure needs its output reference and gain conditions to be interpreted correctly. The value concerns the direct head signal, before the machine’s normal playback amplification.
Compare it with the head output and available gain settings. A smaller voltage is not automatically better. The maximum input before overload is a separate limit unless explicitly included as a range endpoint. Line-input and phono-input sensitivity figures describe different signal paths.