unity gain

Unity gain is when a device in the signal chain neither amplifies nor attenuates the signal, so the output level equals the input level¹². It matters as a reference point when setting level controls: after adjusting Blend, EQ, or Drive, the Level control is used to return the output to unity gain¹. Unity gain does not necessarily fall at 12 o'clock on a knob; on various pedals it has been reported anywhere from about 9 to 1 o'clock depending on the circuit and other settings¹³⁴⁵⁶⁷. Pedals and buffers described as transparent at unity gain are used to pass the core tone unchanged, while settings above unity gain add boost⁸⁹¹⁰.