Global reverb
It is convenient to have a reverb that adjusts to the room for all presets at once. Also, given the ability of QK to replace the mixer for a small group, it is logical that it will have common reverb for all. It should look something like this:
The column on the left allows you to determine the send level for each stereo path. On the right we see the parameters of the reverb itself and a set of presets for it, it is quite ergonomic, without any extra drop-down lists.
Global EQ
This is an incredibly powerful tool that can be used not only to change the nature of the sound, but also to effectively eliminate feedback and achieve maximum volume even in tiny unprepared rooms. However, on all the effects processors I know, the implementation of PEQ is very ascetic and is suitable for use only by professional sound engineers who are able to distinguish frequencies with an accuracy of one Hertz by ear. Quad Cortex, thanks to the touch screen and powerful stuffing, should break this rule.
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All bands should be completely parametric, without dividing into zones, since the problem frequencies are usually close and require 2-3 bands.
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The lack of visualization is the most difficult obstacle preventing the effective use of parametric equalizers, analyzer should be placed against the background of the equalization curve, which allows you to see the problem frequencies in real time. I have already mentioned that the most convenient visualization for tracking feedback is used in EQ2 (FLStudio), it really is. Take a look at the screenshots:
Although we see a pronounced peak on the curve, it is quite difficult to position the selector exactly on its axis. The EQ2 visualization draws a very bright vertical line and it is easier for us to set the selector more precisely, which allows us to use less bandwidth and cause less damage to the overall sound. However, visualization in EQ2 has drawbacks: note how well you can see all the noise from my microphone and amplifier on the curve, but there is almost nothing on the EQ2 visualization. Thus, it is useful to have two types of visualization. In some cases, the ability to switch between a linear and logarithmic graph helps.
However, the best way to achieve greater accuracy is to scale the graph horizontally. -
In different usage scenarios (for example, the case of multiple musicians), separate equalization may be required for each of the outputs. Therefore, you should add the ability to apply the equalizer separately to each output in stereo and mono modes.
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And finally, we need presets for the General equalizer, because it is quite a time-consuming task to adjust it every time we return to the base and at the points where we regularly perform.
Sum up
- For accuracy, we need two types of visualization and a switch between a linear and logarithmic graph.
Or the ability to zoom the chart in the horizontal direction - For flexibility, we need the ability to assign a different equalization to each output
- For convenience, we need presets
Here is one of the options how the overall equalizer should look like:
On the presented layout we see:
- Separate EQ configuration tabs for outputs
- activation button on the current tab
- a stereo\mono switch (In this case, it is activated for XLR and Phones, and deactivated for output 3-4 and send 1-2, so their tabs are divided)
- visualization switch
- switch the type of graph
Perhaps the idea with tabs and the location of buttons on\off and stereo\mono is not the most successful, however, concentrating all these functions on one screen would be quite convenient
limiter and maximizer
In addition to the reverb and equalizer, a limiter and maximizer (although this effect is in doubt, it introduces a latency, but if use it only for sound from a computer, then it will come in handy) would be extremely useful.
It is important to note that these effects should be able to process not only signals from physical inputs, but also from a computer. Usually, this whole set is used on the master bus of DAW and their transfer to the hardware processor will allow for performance to give up a productive bulky PC and use even a rather weak tablet. Since global effects are intuitively felt to the right of the tool chains (and on mixers they are usually located to the right), it will be convenient to show this panel with a swipe from the right edge of the screen
This trick is just for introduce an additional interface adapted for another task without modifying the architecture. This is just an easy modification, not a rework.