What Is Gain, and Why Is It Important?
Gain is the control that adjusts the ratio of the Output signal to the Input signal to achieve good sound quality with the least noise. This article explains the importance of gain and how to adjust it.
We believe many of you are familiar with the volume up/down control found on stereos, TVs, or radios. But in audio systems, especially equipment used for live performances or meeting rooms such as mixers and amplifiers, there is a control for adjusting the level of each signal channel, and that is the Gain control.
What Is Gain?
It is the control used to adjust the ratio between the size of the signal at the Output and the signal at the Input of each device, such as a speaker, amplifier, or mixer, in order to achieve a suitable signal. The result is good sound quality with the least noise and a reduced risk of damage to the equipment.
The Importance of Gain
Every device generates some noise of its own. Therefore, adjusting each device's audio signal to a suitable level is important. If we set the gain too low, the noise becomes close in level to the signal we want. When the two signals are close in level and are sent to the amplifier, the noise is amplified as well. The result is a faint, noticeable hiss, or unclear sound.
The easiest way to set the gain properly is to try setting the Gain control on every channel you will use to 0dB, then listen to the overall sound to see where it is too loud or too soft. Setting the gain properly depends on various factors, such as the type of installation and the size of the venue. There is therefore no fixed formula for setting the gain; we need to practice until we become skilled, especially at listening, so we can describe further details related to the audio signal level.
Frequently asked questions
What is gain?
It is the control used to adjust the ratio between the signal at the output and the signal at the input of each device — a speaker, amplifier, or mixer — to achieve a suitable signal. The result is good sound quality with the least noise and a reduced risk of damaging the equipment.
What happens if the gain is set too low?
Every device generates some noise of its own. If the gain is too low, the noise becomes close in level to the signal you want; when both are sent to the amplifier, the noise is amplified as well. The result is a faint but noticeable hiss, or unclear sound.
How should gain be set?
The easiest way is to set the gain control on every channel you will use to 0dB, then listen to the overall sound for anywhere too loud or too soft. There is no fixed formula — it depends on factors such as the type of installation and the size of the venue — so you need to practice listening until you become skilled.