I see a lot of LM386 based simple guitar amplifier circuits like the following:

http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/richardo/practiceamp/lm386.gif

The national datasheet states that the input is referenced to ground but that the output is referenced to 1/2Vcc. If your input is referenced to ground though, won't this clip a guitar signal?

What am I missing?

Thanks

-Jeff

 

The LM386 is a power amplifier, not an opamp.
It is designed to be biased correctly when its input is at 0V and when it has a single supply polarity.

It has built-in negative feedback that keeps its output DC voltage at half the supply voltage for maximum output swing. The negative feedback sets its gain at 20 (or at 200 if a capacitor is added between pin 1 and pin 8) and reduces its distortion.

It has symmetrical clipping like any audio amplifier.

 

Thanks AudioGuru