Gain staging
Gain staging is managing signal level at every point in an audio chain — mic preamp, interface, software — so each stage runs with healthy level and none clips.
The classic failure is boosting late what was recorded too quiet early, which amplifies the accumulated noise floor. Set healthy level at the first stage and every later stage inherits clean signal.
Related terms
Frequently asked
What is Gain staging?
Gain staging is managing signal level at every point in an audio chain — mic preamp, interface, software — so each stage runs with healthy level and none clips.
Why does Gain staging matter?
The classic failure is boosting late what was recorded too quiet early, which amplifies the accumulated noise floor. Set healthy level at the first stage and every later stage inherits clean signal.
What terms are related to Gain staging?
Closely related concepts: Headroom, Clipping, Noise floor — each has its own entry in this glossary.