yep the gain does raise the volume but ever so slightly...the reverb knobs can be wound full up or down and get absolutly no noticeable difference....what is the 3 pin plugs next to the normal inputs for?? is this just a different type of lead or are they for a microphone? why would this not have a volume knob per chanel or at least a master volume? ...this amp with 1 guitar pluged in is very quiet and nothing can raise the volume...my crappy 12 watt practice amp is louder much louder....how do i go about getting treble and bass etc ...is this amp meant to run with some other gadget plugged in to get these controls....sorry for all the questions but my small brain dont know much about this subject.... thanks