@mandel
That is normal and how Auto Gain works.
From the user guide:
“Auto Gain
This can be used independently of Auto Set and turned on or off at any time. Auto
Gain constantly checks the input signal level in the background and if the preamp
gain is set too high (e.g. an instrument or voice get louder than they were during
sound check), it will reduce gain until the signal is back to an optimum level.”
There is no way to tell whether the 5 seconds of increased level you mention is abnormal and only a one off, or if the preamp gain is set too high for the source, and therefore needs to be reduced.
We did look into increasing gain as well, but the main issue is how long should it take to do so?
If too short a time, then the level would be bouncing all over the place.
Too long a time and you could end up with a passage where, say a vocal, cannot be heard and then gradually comes back, but in the meantime, the performer cannot hear themselves and pushes harder, thereby triggering the auto gain to pull back again, so there is no benefit.
It may be something we revisit in future, but as it is, the Auto Gain simply pulls back the preamp gain to prevent peaking and distortion from the preamp stage if the gain has been set too high.
It generally works best when used alongside the auto set, e.g. set gains on channels (individually or all at once) then play through a track at soundcheck to ensure nothing is peaking when everyone plays together. Then leave Auto Gain active on any channels where you suspect someone might turn up or play louder later.
Thanks,
Keith.
