X and R channel gain

[dbanner]

On the relative gain of these channels and what are the technical considerations. Any discussion on this topic?

[Carl-NC]

Back in the early days, the channels had the same gain. Most later (analog) designs run the R channel with a higher gain, usually 4x-8x. Since it is ground-free you don't have to worry about it overloading in hot ground. So the X-channel gain is set so that it does not overload in the hottest expected ground, and the R-channel is set, say, 8x higher. And since the R channel is also the targeting channel, it increases overall sensitivity.