A customer is reporting instances of "distortion" in a recently installed audio system. What is the FIRST thing that should be done?

The first step in addressing distortion in an audio system should be to check the gain structure of all audio signals in the system. Gain structure refers to the relationship between the various levels of audio signals as they flow through the system, including inputs, processing, and outputs. If the gain is set improperly—too high or too low—it can introduce distortion, clipping, or other audio artifacts.

By checking the gain structure first, you can identify if any part of the signal chain is incorrectly amplified, which is often the root cause of distortion. Adjusting it can help achieve a balanced signal flow and eliminate distortion without the need for more drastic measures, such as replacing equipment or recalibrating complex systems.

This process sets a solid foundation for further troubleshooting, should it still be necessary after ensuring the gain structure is appropriate.