An active antenna array for a mobile communications network and a method for receiving radio signals is disclosed. The active antenna array has a plurality of antenna elements for relaying radio signals, a plurality of first amplifiers for amplifying a plurality of individual receive signals a plurality of first analog-to-digital converters and a plurality of first gain switches located between one of the plurality of first analog-to-digital converters and the plurality of first amplifiers. A digital signal processor is connected to outputs of the plurality of first analog-to-digital converters and has a common gain switch control line connected to at least two of the plurality of first switches for controlling the gain of the first gain switches.