A programmable gain controller (PGC) useful with a digital to analog converter is coupled to an input node providing a current source that is variable with a level of an input signal such as time sampled audio data, and multiple switches controlled to function as a digital gain control. Each switch is configured to selectively steer a variable fraction of the current provided by a current source to either a current sink node or to an output node of the PGC to provide at least one scaled current. An amplifier is coupled to an output of the PGC. The amplifier is configured to convert scaled current(s) to at least one output signal having an amplitude that is a function of both the input signal level and the digital gain input signal. Controlling the gain by steering current at the analog portion of the apparatus conserves circuit space and reduces noise.