Gain

Colloquially, amplification. Technically, the ratio of the output of a system such as an amplifier to its input. It may be expressed as a simple arithmetical ratio or in decibels.

Determining the record or playback levels on a tape recorder is often called gain adjustment.

See: Fader, Limiter, Peak Clipping, Potentiometer. Compare: Dynamic Range, Signal-to-Noise Ratio, VU Meter.