Makeup Gain

Makeup gain is really nothing more than a gain stage in a device where you can amplify the level. What makes it makeup gain is the context, as it is usually employed in devices where some other process occurs that reduces the level. The most obvious and common example is compressors. After your signal undergoes the gain reduction process of compression you need some way to bring the average overall level back up so that the signal sits in the mix appropriately. This can be done many different ways, however, it’s very easy and straight forward when the compressor has a final gain stage with a level control so the signal can be adjusted before it leaves the unit. This gain stage and its associated control are usually referred to as makeup gain.