How to Set the Gain on a Microphone
Updated October 2026
Gain is the boost given to the mic signal before it is recorded. Set it right and the voice is strong and clean; set it wrong and you get either noise or clipping.
The short version
- Place the mic first, then set the gain.
- Ask the speaker to say the loudest words they will use, and set the peaks around -6 dB.
- Too little gain adds noise when you raise the level later.
- Too much gain clips the loudest words, and clipping cannot be undone.
Position first
Put the mic where it will be during the recording, at the distance and angle you will use. Gain should be set for that position, not for a different one.
Test the loudest words
Ask the speaker to say the loudest part of the script at the volume they will use, including any laughs or shouts. Set the gain so those peaks reach around -6 dB on the meter, not the top.
Too little
If the level only reaches the bottom of the meter, the voice is weak and the electronics noise is more audible when you raise it later. Move closer or raise the input gain.
Too much
If the peaks touch the top of the meter, the loudest words will clip. Lower the gain, or move the mic back a little.
Check after a minute
Speakers get louder as they warm up. Check the level again after a minute of real speech, and adjust if the peaks are too close to the top.
Set the level once, then record
A recording set at a good gain needs less cleanup. Tunedzy cleans what remains, and checks the peaks on export.
Free tools for this
Frequently asked questions
What peak should I aim for?
Around -6 dB is a common target, leaving room for surprises.
Should I set the gain on the mic or in the software?
Set the input gain on the mic or interface first, then adjust the software only a little.
Why does my gain keep changing?
The speaker moves, changes distance or gets louder. Check again during the take.
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