Gain / Volume Audio Filter

Documentation Documentation - English
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Adjusts the signal level of audio by applying a uniform gain change.
This filter increases or decreases loudness without altering tone, dynamics, or timing.

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Gain / Volume is a level-control filter. It is often used as a building block before or after other audio processing.

Parameters

Level (-70 to +24 dB)

Controls the amount of gain applied to the selected audio channels.

  • Negative values reduce level (attenuation).
    Useful for preventing clipping or lowering overly loud material.

  • 0 dB
    No change to the original level.

  • Positive values increase level (amplification).
    Useful for quiet recordings or restoring level after processing.

Behavior notes:

  • The control is expressed in decibels (dB), representing gain, not perceived loudness directly.
  • Large positive values can cause clipping if downstream headroom is insufficient.

Keyframes

The Level parameter is keyframable. This enables:

  • Smooth fades in or out
  • Automated level rides
  • Scene-by-scene loudness adjustments

Channel selection (toggle buttons)

Determines which audio channels the gain is applied to.
Buttons are toggle switches.

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Available buttons depend on the project’s audio channel configuration: Settings > Audio Channels

  • L — Front Left
  • R — Front Right
  • C — Center
  • LF — Low-Frequency Effects (LFE)
  • Ls — Surround Left
  • Rs — Surround Right

Note:

Independent gain per channel requires adding separate instances of the filter.

Auditory characteristics

  • Uniform increase or decrease in loudness
  • No change in tone, frequency balance, or dynamics
  • Can expose noise when boosting quiet material
  • Can cause distortion if over-driven

Recommended use cases

  • Normalizing clip levels by ear
  • Creating fades and level automation
  • Compensating level changes introduced by other filters
  • Balancing dialogue, music, or effects
  • Pre-gain before compression or limiting
  • Channel-specific level adjustment in surround projects

Usage notes and tips

  • Prefer small adjustments (±1–6 dB) for fine control.
  • If boosting significantly, consider adding a Limiter downstream.
  • Use negative gain before dynamics processing to preserve headroom.
  • For consistent loudness across clips, combine with meters and listening checks.

Limitations

  • No automatic loudness normalization
  • No peak protection or limiting
  • Can clip if pushed too far
  • Does not address dynamic range issues by itself