An automatic sound volume control device for use in a device such as a radio or tape player used in a high ambient noise environment. The noise and sound signal levels above predetermined reference levels are detected and a control signal is produced having a level determined in accordance with the output signals so produced. The amplification gain of the sound signal is set by this control signal. Several different ways of producing the control signal are described, each of which has particular advantages in different situations and for different types of reproduced sound.