My amp has a remote gain control (like a small volume knob that connects to the amp and can be mounted away from the amp). Just how critical is this component in the amp setup? Would the amp still function properly without it connected?
You can use the amp without the knob at all. Are you sure its a remote gain knob and not a bass boost knob? If it is a gain knob when you go to set your amp voltage output have the knob connected and turned all the way up to 100%, then you can turn it down if you want to with he remote.
bass boost is terrible and only causes distortion. Gain knobs are fine to use though. If set properly gain knobs will work somewhat like a volume knob for the amplifier. Just make sure to set the gain with the gain knob at max so you don't crank it up and cause your amp to clip.