QC Mini Output Volume Woefully Low

Quad Cortex
1

Hi all, new to the forum and QC Mini. I have a seemingly well recognised and much discussed issue so apologies for regurgitating but nothing i’ve read seems to solve. the issue is concerning output volume from my QC Mini. I have tried all combinations of outputs 1&2 XLR and 3&4 1/4 jacks but both give very feeble output. I have my main output set at 100 which i’ve read to be ‘unity gain’, i’ve adjusted input, and all block, amp and effects levels but to no avail. I’ve tried both TS and TRS connectors, no difference. HELP!!

My set up is guitar into input 1 and stereo output from either 1&2 or 3&4 into my active studio monitors (Edirol MA-20D’s). I have to turn the monitor volume up all the way to get precious little output. As I said all QC Mini controls seem ok, overall output set to max., input and output not clipping so where am I going wrong? Incidentally, if I use headphones obviously from the headphone out all is good, deafening sound if i so choose! Likewise, if i run a single TRS jack from headphone out to a dual hi-fi in and connect thus to my Edirol monitors, hey presto, perfect sound and plenty of it. It just seems that the designated outputs 1&2 and 3&4 do not supply anything like proper sound levels; my active monitors are plenty loud enough and receive signals from all my other equipment without volume issues.

Being in the fortunate position of owning a Fractal FM3 and AM4 and a Fender Tonemaster Pro as well as Nano Cortex none of which I have had any issue with when connecting directly to my monitors, all have been seamless and provide accurate sound reproduction.

I have resisted the QC for so long only dipping my toe into the water so to speak with the Nano which I find quite limiting so took the plunge with the Mini which I do hope is not a big mistake aside from the output issue as I thus far seem unable to get the same quality sounds as I do from the TM Pro and certainly the FM3 both of which IMHO are this far quite surprisingly but substantially superior.

Would anybody be kind enough to make some suggestions to cure the output issues I have, most of which I think already tried spending endless time researching on line to no avail. Could it be simply that I have a duff unit?

All suggestions gratefully received.

I should also add that I have no issue running the QC Mini as an audio interface with my Mac Mini and Logic, wet signal recording all ok and volume controlled by the DAW into my monitors all ok. Further, if I again take the QC headphone out into my Volt audio interface input using a TRS mini jack to TRS 1/4 inch jack and the Volt outputting to my monitors, no problems.

Why is there the need for all these problems a lot of people seem to be having with output volume on QC?? Don’t think i’ve seen such volume of queries with any other modeller. I’ve certainly had my fair share of gear over the years but never have I had such issues!

What is it with thios

2

Is this with your presets you are building or factory presets? Maybe post a screenshot of your I/O settings, something isn’t configured correctly in your I/O is my guess but start with a screenshot, video etc. If it’s a specific preset you built, share the link here and someone can check it out possibly.

3

Appreciate the reply. Issue is with both factory presets, downloaded presets from the cloud and self build presets. I’ve played around with all the settings both global and each component of the preset, all seems good on levels, ‘unity gain’ (100%), ‘gain staging’ doesn’t appear to be an issue but sound from designated outputs on QC just woefully inadequate! my active studio monitors which have served me well for over 20 years now have substantial volume, I think they’re 20 watts a side and are usually deafening when cranked but set at max volume quite literally from the QC feed, it’s pathetic!

4

If you swipe to the in/out screen and select the outputs you’re using, where is the output control set and what do the output meters show? Plenty of signal on the meters? Which outputs is your big volume knob assigned to control and where is it set. I’ve never connected mine to Edirol monitors, specifically, but I’ve always had plenty of signal to drive the 3 different FRFR cabs I’ve owned and any mixing board and interface I’ve plugged into.

5

Thanks for that but I’ve solved the problem! Should have posted it’s all good now.

Issue was using an incorrect, under rated power supply. Stupid mistake but I’ve so many power supplies around I just picked up the wrong one which by way of an excuse actually looked identical! Whilst it did in fact supply power, obviously not sufficient to drive the output! I’d read somewhere that maybe this could be the problem and sure enough it was.

Lesson here I think is to label power supplies to avoid this; I have so many lying around and haven’t a clue which goes with what!

6

I think you could try turning the volume down to the minimum and see if the volume is properly linked to the corresponding output. If the sound still persists when the volume is lowered, then it’s likely not linked correctly and needs adjustment. If you can turn it off, there might indeed be a hardware issue (though you could back up your system first and try resetting to factory settings).

In short, I’m not really fond of the Mini—I feel something’s off with the sound—so I’ve switched back to the Quad Cortex.

7

Thanks for the reply! Although I’ve no experience with the main QC, whilst resolving the output issue with the Mini, I have to confess I’m not a huge fan! Too fiddly and time consuming to get the sounds you want with way too many gain staging issues to consider.

I own Fractal products (FM3 & AM4) which I consider premier league to Neural’s Championship offerings! Far easier to dial in the tones even with much greater options, they just work! Only IMHO of course but if you’ve not compared then I would urge you to do so.

I’ll keep the Mini and persevere but don’t really think for me it’s that great for the outlay.

8

Thanks for the update, glad you resolved your issue!