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Author Topic: Gain versus volume  (Read 2257 times)

Stephen Swaffer

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Gain versus volume
« on: February 13, 2023, 01:04:26 PM »

With modern digital boards is this conversation even relevant?

https://www.leadsrating.com/microphones/what-is-gain/
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Steve Swaffer

Brian Jojade

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Re: Gain versus volume
« Reply #1 on: February 13, 2023, 01:31:48 PM »

"In addition to that, gain controls the tone and not the volume"

Yeah, credibility of the article is lost right there.
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Brian Jojade

Stephen Swaffer

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Re: Gain versus volume
« Reply #2 on: February 13, 2023, 04:07:56 PM »

To be clear-I am not buying into this article-but here is another that repeats the "gain affects tone" mantra:

https://producelikeapro.com/blog/understanding-the-difference-between-gain-and-volume/

"Volume is the actual loudness of the output on the channel. It controls the loudness – but not the tone of the audio.

Gain is the loudness of the input on the channel. It controls the tone – but does not affect the loudness.
"

I am having to explain that this to others...I love google  :(
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Steve Swaffer

Brian Jojade

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Re: Gain versus volume
« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2023, 04:56:04 PM »

In certain scenarios with non-linear circuits, such as guitar tube amps, or when adjusted beyond the normal working  limits of a circuit, then yeah, gain could impact the tone.  It most certainty DOES affect the loudness.  Turn the gain up and the final output will also go up.  Unless of course, you're already past the limit of the input stage and then it wouldn't increase the loudness, but would increase the distortion.

That's really not relevant in any standard mixer.  Different position of gain stages could impact how effects work, and especially may be relevant if you have multiple channels feeding into a single effects unit.

But generally speaking, today's audio gear has a much much wider working dynamic range available and as such the gain settings are very forgiving.  Adjusting gain down and turning up the 'volume' fader (I've never personally seen a mixer with a volume adjustment, but that's just me) would have basically offsetting impact on the sound.
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Brian Jojade

Dave Pluke

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Re: Gain versus volume
« Reply #4 on: February 23, 2023, 11:19:25 PM »

Yeah, credibility of the article is lost right there.

Convoluted article, at best. To simplify in training, I prefer to phrase it; Proper setting of Input Gain is to maximize Signal-to-Noise ratio inside the Audio Console.

Dave
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Re: Gain versus volume
« Reply #4 on: February 23, 2023, 11:19:25 PM »


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