Which tool is primarily used for boosting an incoming sound signal?

The tool that is primarily used for boosting an incoming sound signal is the gain control. Gain control adjusts the level of the audio signal before it is processed by other equipment. It allows the user to amplify the input sound, ensuring that it is at an appropriate level for mixing or further processing. This is crucial for achieving good audio quality, as a properly adjusted gain level can prevent distortion and ensures that the sound signal is strong enough to be processed effectively.

While mixing consoles and equalizers do play an important role in managing sound signals, their primary functions differ from that of gain control. A mixing console is primarily used to combine and balance multiple audio sources, while an equalizer adjusts the frequency response of the sound. A microphone captures sound but does not amplify it on its own; it is at this point that gain control becomes vital in boosting that captured signal to a usable level.