What is the purpose of the gain pad on a digital mixer?

The gain pad on a digital mixer is specifically designed to control the input gain level for audio signals. This is crucial for ensuring that the audio coming into the mixer is at the right level, which helps to prevent distortion and maintain clarity in sound. By adjusting the gain, you can optimize the signal before it is processed further by the mixer. This allows for better mixing capabilities and ensures that the final output sound is balanced and of high quality.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of the gain pad. While adjusting the output volume and connecting additional speakers are important aspects of a mixer’s functionalities, those tasks fall under different controls and features of the mixer. Recording system preferences pertains to saving user settings rather than gaining control over audio input levels. Therefore, the definition and purpose of the gain pad align closely with controlling the input gain level for audio, making it the correct answer.