G

Gain Staging
Process of setting signal levels optimally at each point in signal chain. Goal: maximize signal-to-noise ratio without clipping. Head unit output 75-80% volume, DSP input near 0 dBFS, amplifier gain set for rated output. → See also: Gain, Clipping
Chapter 4.4

Ground
Return path for electrical current. Chassis metal serves as common ground. Poor ground = high resistance = voltage drop = noise. Critical points: amplifier chassis to chassis metal, battery negative to chassis. → See also: Star Ground, Big Three
Chapter 2.3, 11.3

Ground Loop
Noise created when two components ground at different points with different electrical potentials. Current flows through signal cable shield, creating audible noise (often alternator whine). Fix: star grounding. → See also: Alternator Whine, Star Ground
Chapter 3.4

Group Delay
Frequency-dependent time delay through a system. Ideally constant (flat). Peaks in group delay indicate resonances. Audible above ~5 ms in midrange, ~15 ms in bass. → See also: Impulse Response, Phase
Chapter 9.1