A method of harmonic selection for mixing with a received signal includes receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal and determining a variable gain setting from among a plurality of gain settings or from a range of gain settings. The variable gain setting is based on the RF signal. The method further includes selecting a harmonic to provide to an input of a mixer to generate an output signal. A baseband signal or an intermediate frequency signal is generated from the output signal. The harmonic is selected based on the variable gain setting. An apparatus includes a harmonic selector that is configured to generate an indication of a selected harmonic. The harmonic is selected based on a variable gain setting determined from among a plurality of gain settings or from a range of gain settings. Based on the selected harmonic, a mixer generates an output signal. A baseband signal or an intermediate signal is generated from the output signal.