Gain

At first glance, the Gain module appears to be a straightforward utility for controlling signal levels. However, beneath its simple interface lies a wealth of functionality that can significantly enhance your audio processing and sound design.

Key Features

• Adjustable gain range from -72 dB to +18 dB
• Smooth, artefact-free gain changes
• Stereo mix control for adjusting the balance between left and right channels. At +1 there is no effect, at 0 the left and right channels are summed to mono, and at −1 the left and right channels are inverted
• Pan control for positioning sounds in the stereo field
• Phase inversion option for each channel
• Essential for managing signal levels between modules

Usage Tips

• Level Matching: Adjust levels between different effects or instruments for a balanced mix.
• Saturation Control: Drive subsequent effects or modules by boosting the signal.
• Noise Floor Management: Reduce gain to minimise noise in quiet passages.
• Ladder Filter Optimisation: Use the Gain module before the Ladder Filter to control input levels, preventing unwanted distortion from the filter’s soft clipping. For clean filtering of hot signals, reduce gain before the filter and boost after.

Creative Applications

• Dynamic Panning: Automate the pan control for evolving stereo movement in static sounds.
• Phase Alignment: Use the phase inversion to correct phase issues between multi-miked sources or to create interesting cancellation effects.
• Tremolo Effect: Rapidly automate the gain for a tremolo effect, or pan for auto-panning.

Advanced Technique

• Parallel Processing: Use multiple Gain modules to create parallel processing chains with different levels and stereo positioning.
• Multiband Setup: In combination with filters, use Gain modules to create a multiband processing system.
• Stereo to Mono Compatibility Check: Use the stereo mix control to quickly check how your stereo mix translates to mono.

Remember: Proper gain staging is crucial for maintaining audio quality and achieving desired effects. The Gain module’s extended features make it not just a utility, but a creative tool in its own right. Experiment with different combinations of gain, stereo mixing, panning, and phase.