What is gain?
Gain, in its simplest definition, refers to the increase or decrease in the power or amplitude of a signal. In the context of music, it is the control of the input level of an audio signal in relation to the output level.
Understanding gain
In audio terms, gain is the first stage of amplification. It is the level of signal that comes into your audio system from your source. This could be a microphone, a guitar, or any other instrument. The gain control adjusts the level of this input signal.
The purpose of gain is to match the level of the signal source to the level your gear (mixing console, audio interface, etc.) is designed to operate at. If the gain is too high, it can cause distortion or clipping. If the gain is too low, it can introduce noise and reduce the signal-to-noise ratio.
Gain vs. volume
While gain and volume may seem similar, they serve different purposes in the audio chain. Gain is the level of the signal entering your gear, while volume is the level of the signal exiting your gear. In other words, gain is about input, and volume is about output.
Adjusting the gain affects the input signal before it is processed by your gear, while adjusting the volume affects the signal after it has been processed. Therefore, the gain setting can significantly impact the tone and quality of your audio, while the volume primarily affects the loudness.
Importance of gain in music production
Gain plays a great role in every stage of music production, from recording to mixing to mastering. Proper gain staging can help prevent issues such as distortion, clipping, and noise, and can also improve the overall dynamic range of your audio.
1. Gain in recording
During the recording stage, gain is used to control the level of the signal from the microphones or instruments. This is done to ensure that the signal is strong enough to be recorded clearly, but not so strong that it causes distortion or clipping.
2. Gain in mixing
During the mixing stage, gain is used to balance the levels of the different tracks. This is done to ensure that no single track is too loud or too soft in relation to the others. Proper gain staging during mixing can help achieve a balanced and cohesive mix.
Gain is also used in the context of audio effects. Many audio effects, such as compressors, equalizers, and reverb units, have their own gain controls. These are used to adjust the level of the signal going into and coming out of the effect.
3. Gain in mastering
During the mastering stage, gain is used to adjust the overall level of the mix. This is done to ensure that the final product has the desired loudness and dynamic range. Proper gain staging during mastering can help achieve a professional-sounding and commercially viable product.
In addition, gain is also used in the context of limiting and maximizing. These are processes used during mastering to control the peak levels and increase the overall loudness of the mix, respectively.
