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In a different view/more "tube amp" oriented simplified version, here are some basic info on gain, etc... As you will see gain and distortion ain't the same thing but works togheter.....
Overdrive: Used to be called Distortion but that isn't descriptive enough. It is the idea of using one small amplifier (preamp) to push another one very hard, causing it to overdrive and distort. When done properly, it is controllable to the limit...
Saturation: A condition in which maximum current is reached and no more current can possibly flow.
Distortion: The difference between what goes into an electronic device and what comes out.
Clipping: A tube can be made to draw more current or less current. If it draws too so current, that no matter how positive the grid goes, the tube cannot pass any more current, then the tube is saturating and the top of the wave is "clipped" off. Instead of being round, it is flat. This is called clipping. It can also happen if the tube draws too little current because if you keep drawing less and less, you will eventually get to the point of no current. This condition is called cutoff. If you reach cutoff during a portion of a signal, then the bottom of the wave is "clipped" off and clipping is said to have occurred.
Linear/non linear range: The tube's response is the most linear when it is operating exactly half way between saturation and cutoff. When it operates close to the limits of cutoff or saturation, it is operating in the most non-linear portion of the tubes operating curve.
Gain: The amount of voltage amplification in the preamp section of an amp. This voltage amplification ultimately drives the power tubes which do not add any more gain. The power tubes add current (power).
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