Best blocks to sum stereo to mono

Quad Cortex
1

Hi there

I use outputs 1 and 2 to got to FOH in stereo and output 3 to go to an onstage cab.

I have seen a few suggestion of blocks that allow you to sum stereo to mono.

What are the least DSP hungry blocks that won’t change my tone at all?

Transparent Blend? Empty IR? any others to consider?

Many thanks

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2

Just use the left output. You don’t need to sum to mono. Unless you’re using ping pong delay you’ll just make the sound be phased out and weird

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3

Thanks for the tip, this is what I currently am doing.

I’m not using ping pong delays, but feel like some of my stereo delay repeats are a little lost through the cab alone.

4

I have been using the Jewel compressor as described here: Question about summing mono output - #17 by carl

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5

great info. really appreciate you taking the time to reply.

6

I’m curious, I can’t understand. What’s the benefit of using an extra block (i.e. the J.Comp) vs set the output on a mono channel and not multi or stereo?

7

I think switching to a mono output could work just as well, although it may be a few extra taps if you are using both XLR and TRS outs and need to switch them both to mono. I like to be able to double tap one block on the grid and have the preset switch to mono. Of course, the trade off is consuming a space at the end of my chain.

There is also the option of using an empty mono IR block as described here: Global stereo/mono hack

It requires some discipline with your preset building to ensure you have no other IR blocks in that lane, but has the advantage of being able to toggle it for all presets via a global setting. I have not tried that method yet.