A gain or input volume controller and method includes a modified R2R ladder network having a number of R2R branches, switches coupled respectively to the R2R branches, and a switch controller for respectively controlling the switches to control and provide an overall gain value for a signal. The switch controller further includes a mapper for mapping a gain control signal to the switches wherein the gain control signal respectively activates or deactivates the switches. A fine gain control stage provides a fine gain control of the overall gain value. A coarse gain control stage is coupled to the fine gain control stage. The coarse gain control stage includes the modified R2R ladder network and provides a coarse gain control of the overall gain value.