# Another output level topic (gain staging, gain unity, output level)

**URL:** https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/another-output-level-topic-gain-staging-gain-unity-output-level/20282
**Category:** Quad Cortex
**Tags:** quad-cortex, support
**Created:** [December 3, 2025, 7:51pm UTC](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/another-output-level-topic-gain-staging-gain-unity-output-level/20282 "2025-12-03T19:51:11Z")
**Posts on this page:** 2
**Page:** 1

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### Author: ![LouisGuit](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/unity.neuraldsp.com/louisguit/32/7808_2.png) [@LouisGuit](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/u/LouisGuit)
#### Post date: [December 3, 2025, 7:51pm UTC](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/another-output-level-topic-gain-staging-gain-unity-output-level/20282/1 "2025-12-03T19:51:11Z")

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I couldn’t find any discussion that really answered my questions.

I read several forums and watched several videos about gain staging and unity gain, with a view to getting the most out of my Quad Cortex. Initially, I came to the conclusion that I needed to keep my final Path Output (Line) close to –12 dB. After playing at this level for a while, I realized that it didn’t give me much headroom when I activated a boost for a solo: clipping often occurred.

So I started reading up on the subject again and found that digital zero would actually be -18 dB, which seems very plausible to me considering the extra headroom I gain when I boost my guitar.

So my question is this:

I want to reduce the level of my presets already built into my Quad Cortex from -12 dB to -18 dB, and I’m wondering what’s the best way to do this without altering my tone.

Should I reduce the output level of my amp block?

Reduce the level of my Lane Output Control?

Add an EQ block at the end to reduce the level?  
Thank you !

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### Author: ![Andyjcp](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/unity.neuraldsp.com/andyjcp/32/2996_2.png) [@Andyjcp](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/u/Andyjcp)
#### Post date: [December 3, 2025, 11:21pm UTC](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/another-output-level-topic-gain-staging-gain-unity-output-level/20282/2 "2025-12-03T23:21:20Z")

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All three options that you mention would work without changing the tone. I use the output on the lane, but it’s a matter of taste.

And I came to the same conclusion: 12dB is a bit borderline if you need solos boosted.