Gain

[tacobobbo]

OK, OK, I'm ignorant. :-/But, I ain't stupid. >:(Well, maybe I am. ;)OK I am. ;DNow that we have all that out of the way, here's my question. What exactly is gain, what is its function on an amp, and how do ya use it?Thanks for your help.
Bob

[ChrisK]

Gain is the name that is given to the increased adjustable volume within the pre-amp circuitry, such as individual volume controls for the individual cascaded (series) pre-amp stages. This is typically used to force compression/cutoff within the single-ended Class A pre-amp stages.

Volume is the name given to either the input level on an amp channel or the overall gain (master volume) of the amp. This is typically used to force compression in a push-pull output stage or compression/cutoff within a single-ended Class A output stage.


Gain is used to make things dirty/nasty/clippy before we adjust the overall volume.

(Master) Volume is used to make things louder without significant signal distortion with only power amp stage compression in a push-pull output or compression/cutoff within a single-ended Class A output.

If ya only gots one volume, then it's the Vain/Golume control.


;D ;D ;D ;D

[tacobobbo]

OK. So I guess to simplify it for an ignorant Amos (thats me of course), gain controls the signal that is to be amplified, and volume controls how loud that amplified signal comes out of the speakers. Is that correct? Or at least correct in simple terms? Thanks.
Bob

[ChrisK]

Gain sets the pre-amp volume and distortion.

Master Volume sets the output level and power amp stage compression in push-pull outputs or compression/cutoff in single-ended outputs.

Volume typically sets just the input signal level.


These are Fender'esq descriptions.


The inclusion (and effect) of these controls varies wildly depending on th amp type.

[tacobobbo]

Well, I have a Fender amp, so I guess the Fender'esq answers are what I needed. Thanks a lot.
Bob

[sumgai]

Chris,

.......
If ya only gots one volume, then it's the Vain/Golume control.

"But Golume, that evil Golume,
slipped up and crept away with her... her...

(Hope this isn't a bannishible offense!)


sumgai

[sumgai]

Bob,

It looks like you haven't yet been properly welcomed to the board yet, so here we go: to these here forums!

What Chris said. And for the great majority of amplifiers, the descriptions aren't limited to Fender, they're fairly universal. In fact, Fender was late to the party, many of the über-amps of Arena Rock days had multiple volume controls on their amps, notably Orange, Hiwatt, Stramp, and other European makers.

I'm betting (without any kind of research to back me up) that the term "gain" was used to label the control of amplification in yet another stage of an amp so as to not confuse the "poor musician, who isn't very smart, don't you know". If I had been a fly on the wall during that conversation, I probably would have heard something like "we can't call these things Volume 1 and Volume 2, the jokers that buy these rigs will never understand how to properly set it up." Or words to that effect.

In practical terms, volume refers to how loud something sounds to your ears. Gain refers to how much amplification occured within a stage of an amplifier (it can be even more detailed, but you get the point, I'm sure). Generically speaking, in an audio amplifier, Gain is Volume, and Volume is Gain. But as Chris said, when it comes to amplifiers used by musicians in the production of music, gain is usually referred to as something that introduces less-than-clean sound to the output. (You'll also find this to be true of most stompboxes.) Volume is usually clean, at least at the beginning of the knob's rotation. It will probably get dirty near the top end, but most players can hear that it's a different kind of dirty, compared to what Gain does to the signal.

And that's it in a nutshell. HTH


sumgai

[tacobobbo]

"So, I guess I'll just hafta Ramble On....."
Well, if its banishable then there'll be two of us outside looking in. ;D .
Anyway, thanks for the warm welcomes and the help. I guess for someone like me who is stompboxless ,that info gives a better idea of how to change my sounds a bit if needed. I generally always just used clean and overdrive channels with most everything set at halfway (except reverb) and to distort a bit more turned up the volume pot on my guitfiddle. This quest for knowledge is just a result of me going thru my second childhood. But, even at the end of this one, I doubt I can grow up. Thanks guys. Been a great help.
Bob

[sumgai]

tb,

.......
This quest for knowledge is just a result of me going thru my second childhood. But, even at the end of this one, I doubt I can grow up.

You mean they let you out of your first one? I'm still waiting for them to come around with the certificate or sumpin' that says I can go home now, 'cause I'm finally a big boy! ;D


sumgai

[ChrisK]

True adulthood occurs once one realizes that they don't hafta eat their beans if'n they don't wanna.


And that it's actually only up to them to eat their beans 'cuz they shoulda oughta.

[sumgai]

Chris,

True adulthood occurs once one realizes that they don't hafta eat their beans if'n they don't wanna.

And that it's actually only up to them to eat their beans 'cuz they shoulda oughta.

But...... but..... but.......

What if you're the poster boy for that jingle of yore:

Beans, beans, the musical fruit,
.........



sumgai

[ChrisK]

................the better you feel,
So ...............