gain stage

In a rig, it matters as a building block: adding an extra gain stage can make an effect louder and punchier¹, increase sustain and fuzz grain², or give a fuzz fuller, more dynamic tones across its controls³. Pedals can act as an added gain stage for an amp or as another gain stage pushing other pedals⁴⁵, and some makers describe an entire overdrive pedal as a gain stage rather than a mere boost⁶⁷.