gain knob in a clean boost? whats the point?

[stopstopsmile]

I see fulltones fatboost and a few others with a gain knob.  Whats the point?  Just trying to understand?  I would think a 1 knobber would be more effective.  Adding a tone control can make sense.  But why a gain?

[MikeH]

Gain up and Vol down = Gritty/Sparkly/Dirty/etc. type boost

Vol up and gain down = Clean booster

It's all about what type of tone you prefer.

[stopstopsmile]

so the gain knob is just allowing you to have clean-in off position and adds grit as you turn the knob up?

[mojo_hand]

In theory, at least.  It may not end up being quite the gritty sound you wanted, but there will be some sort of increase in distortion and/or clipping if you raise the gain high enough.

[Mark Hammer]

I think you ask a cogent question.

To the extent that the input signal, and maximum gain, would never result in clipping within the circuit itself, you're right; why bother?  However, if the circuit itself can be made to clip, then there is some rationale for dialing in clipability or not.  Of course, if you want clipability all the time then dime that sucker, and just use the volume pot, right?

[stopstopsmile]

exactly mark, thats why I am confused.  seems odd. 

[frankclarke]

A gain knob costs a dollar, and lets the circuit do double duty.

[stopstopsmile]

but frank then you have to buy another knob 

[tenchijin2]

But it's WAAAY cooler to have two knobs instead of one lonely knob.

Everybody knows that!

[mojo_hand]

Especially if they're chickenheads.  Or go to 11.

[amz-fx]

Boosters, Gain and Distortion

regards, Jack