I propose the addition of a feature that allows users to connect an external microphone to the Quad Cortex for real-time monitoring of output dB levels. This functionality would enable precise calibration of preset and effects levels, ensuring consistent volume across different patches and live performance settings.
Proposed Implementation:
Input Configuration: Enable the use of existing input ports (e.g., Input 1 or 2) for connecting an available microphone.
Real-Time dB Monitoring: Incorporate a visual dB meter within the Quad Cortex interface that displays real-time output levels as detected by the connected microphone.
Calibration Mode: Introduce a mode where users can play through their presets while the Quad Cortex analyzes the output via the microphone, providing feedback or automatic adjustments to achieve consistent dB levels across all presets.
Benefits:
Enhanced Consistency: Ensures uniform output levels across all presets, preventing unexpected volume discrepancies during performances.
Simplified Setup: Reduces the need for external equipment or software to monitor and adjust output levels, streamlining the user experience.
Professional Calibration: Empowers users to achieve studio-quality sound calibration in various environments, adapting to different acoustic settings with ease.
Justification: While the Quad Cortex currently offers manual output level adjustments and visual metering for inputs and outputs, integrating an external microphone for dB monitoring would provide a more accurate representation of the sound as perceived in the performance space. This feature would be particularly beneficial for live performers and studio engineers who require precise control over their audio output levels.
The output meters only show digital levels, not actual room volume. Different presets can have the same output level but sound much louder due to EQ, gain structure, or effects. A microphone would measure real-world SPL, helping balance presets based on actual perceived loudness.
Two presets can show the same output meter reading but sound 6-10 dB apart in real-world loudness.
A built-in mic dB meter feature would measure and correct these real-world discrepancies, ensuring consistent live volume levels.
Connect your QC to a computer (USB) or to an interface (Output 1/2/3/4) and use a loudness meter in the DAW of your choice (logic comes with a really good one, but there are plenty free plugin ones). Way easier than having to work with an external mic IMO and corresponds to the human hearing in contrast to a plain spl measurement.
The meter levels for your patch output are going to vary in the same way that the input level on any SPL meter will. In fact, it would probably vary even more unreliably, because the value would then be dependant on the type of microphone used, as well as its positioning. I can guarantee almost no one is going to be using this with a properly calibrated, high-quality measurement microphone.
SPL levels are massively dependant on the frequency content of the sound. An earsplittingly loud high pitched noise can have a much lower SPL than a comfortably loud low frequency sound.
Adding an external SPL meter wont help you with your issue, you just need to tweak your sounds by ear and a combination of the output meters.
