MIXING PATHS & GAIN STAGES AUD220 DAY 4 Reference: Chapter. 12 Thompson

GAIN STAGES Gain Stage Any stage or point in an audio/video signal path where the gain or level of the signal can be adjusted or amplified. This means any piece of equipment the signal passes through can be considered at least one gain stage

GAIN STAGES cont. INPUTS and OUTPUT level controls are considered gain stages The goal is to MATCH gain stages. Too much boost and gain reduction will ultimately raise NOISE LEVEL and reduce DYNAMIC RANGE

There can be many GAIN STAGES! Refer p. 261 in Thompson Source -> Mic -> Preamp -> Channel Fader -> Monitor Fader -> Master Fader - > Control Room Level -> Power Amp -> Loudspeaker -> Our ears Many FX could be in-between

GAIN STRUCTURE This tells which pieces are amplifying or reducing the signal, and how much If this is done properly, it takes advantage of the MAX dynamic range of EACH piece IMAGINE A SCENARIO: BAD Gain structure…. How can we make it good?

REFERENCE LEVEL “PRO” gear has a +4 dB OPERATING LEVEL Consumer gear is -10 dB Keep these differences in consideration! They work well on their own, but challenges can happen

THE MASTER FADER The stereo master fader in your DAW’s virtual mixer is not for controlling the output level of your studio speakers. If your master fader is turned way down in order to keep your speakers low, the mix you’re printing to disk is also going to be low in volume.