My cheap phono pre-amp has a gain control and a little light that goes from green to red depending on the signal. I never know whether to set it so the red flickers from time to time or never.
Would someone please explain how 'gain' functions?
I would appreciate it if someone would explain how gain functions in audio equipment?
I have a 'gain' setting in my phono preamp. A Gain value (along with loading) is recommended by a cartridge manufacture (MC) for proper function and playback. So what exactly is 'it' in the electrical world? What am I changing when I select a particular 'gain'.
When I play my records some are louder on the same volume setting then others. I find this to be the case on many MFSL and other high quality 180 gram / 200 gram half speed master recordings vs the old school original stamped LP's.
Then there is the difference between loudness of my CD player vs my turntable. The CD player being much louder than any vinyl playing at the same volume setting. When I create a CD on my computer with online purchased songs some are very loud and some sound just normal to me at the same fixed volume setting. I notice the same phenomenon with my Ipod. Some songs are normal at a volume setting then some songs sound louder.
I'm not trying to 'fix' anything, just looking for a understandable explanation of the term 'Gain' and how it works.
Thanks in advance!
I have a 'gain' setting in my phono preamp. A Gain value (along with loading) is recommended by a cartridge manufacture (MC) for proper function and playback. So what exactly is 'it' in the electrical world? What am I changing when I select a particular 'gain'.
When I play my records some are louder on the same volume setting then others. I find this to be the case on many MFSL and other high quality 180 gram / 200 gram half speed master recordings vs the old school original stamped LP's.
Then there is the difference between loudness of my CD player vs my turntable. The CD player being much louder than any vinyl playing at the same volume setting. When I create a CD on my computer with online purchased songs some are very loud and some sound just normal to me at the same fixed volume setting. I notice the same phenomenon with my Ipod. Some songs are normal at a volume setting then some songs sound louder.
I'm not trying to 'fix' anything, just looking for a understandable explanation of the term 'Gain' and how it works.
Thanks in advance!