Quad Cortex Mini Output Level vs Interface Gain

Quad Cortex
1

Hey, I’m new to the forum and just wanted to ask a quick question regarding output levels vs interface gain.

Recently purchased a Quad Cortex Mini, and loving it (come from the Fractal FM3). I also swapped my audio interface (now have a SSL 2 mk2) and read that if using the XLR input to the interface, the Mic Pre will be activated. The whole time I was using the FM3 I’d been running with this configuration and unknowingly boosting the input level with mic pre on the interface vs running at a natural line level.

Now to my question! I changed over leads, and now run XLRs out of Output 1/2 to TRS inputs on my interface and have it set to line mode. Obviously there is a significant signal drop as it’s not getting boosted. I’ve ready plenty of threads about how the Out 1/2 is lower than 3/4 and that in general it’s lower output than some other similar devices - I’m good with that. What I’m wondering, is would it be better to boost the gain on the interface vs the Out 1/2 levels on the Mini? Gain on the interface to obtain a reasonable level (Out 1/2 on 0dB) is set around 3’o’clock.

I don’t want to run the Quad Mini as the main interface, as I use my Mac for work and use my monitors all the time - I don’t want to have the Mini running when not in use. For recording, I do have the Mini hooked up via USB.

Thanks in advance!

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2

If your QC Mini delivers a healthy signal, you shouldn’t have to boost on your interface really. What does the output level on XLR 1+2 show when you play?

3

Hey, thanks for the reply. It’s getting up to -12dB - looks totally healthy and is fine on the headphones out and USB in the DAW. I actually plugged in my old interface (UAD Volt) to test, and it’s the same behaviour. Fairly low signal when using XLR to TRS, but boosted with XLR to XLR.

I thought much the same as you, when using Neural plugins I can leave the gain at 0. It’s just an issue when using line level apparently.

4

Just to clarify: what do you mean by “low signal”? Can you make a picture of your interface and/or your DAW.

5

The signal coming into my interface is low (showing -30dB max). Therefore I need to boost the input gain on the channels to compensate.

6

Got it. I don’t have the SSL 2 but the manual confirms what you already said. You indeed bypass the analog preamps of the SSL 2 when connecting a TRS cable. The knobs now don’t control the (physical) mic gain anymore, but the (digital) trim. So you can simply set them to fit your desired levels.

7

Thanks mate, yeah that’s how I interpreted it but just wasn’t sure if having such a low input coming out the device was expected. I’ve just tested with my Digitakt however, and it’s not much different so clearly not an issue per-se.

Out of interest, do you believe for a signal to noise perspective it’s ok gaining up the inputs on the interface this way vs either continuing to use the mic pre or increasing the Output 1/2 Level?

Thanks again!

8

Yes. Because you are not “gaining up the inputs on the interface”. You are simply trimming it.

9

Thanks again mate, appreciate your advice! I think I’ve been fixated on keeping the gain on 0 with the plugins, and used the mic pre (in error) with my FM3 for a long period so was used to boosted levels coming in. The main thing is it’s sounding awesome! I’ve just done some A/B’s with recorded audio over USB vs monitoring via the interface and it’s indistinguishable….. Back to jamming :slight_smile:

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