So much 'row three' confusion

Quad Cortex
1

Hi,
Like many before me, I’m trying to build a basic template for amp models and effects that sits within the external gear I plug my QC into. How to best route all this within the four lanes confuses the hell out of me.

The way I use my QC is as follows:

  1. Out 3/4 used to drive external power amps into a pair of guitar speaker cabs. Obvs I don’t use any speaker simulation or IR on these outputs, just a bit of EQ. I know, this is not really how you’re meant to use a modeller but I like the sound of the cabs I built.
  2. In the evening (or any of the other times I can’t play loud) I use headphones routed via Out1/2. This path needs an IR or speaker simulation.
  3. I have too much esoteric kit and still run external stereo effects in the effects loop so that takes up Send/Return 1 and 2.

I’d like to set up a template with a handful of slots before and after the amp model that then splits off through an EQ block to Out3/4 and an IR to Out1/2.

I’ve read horror stories about latency as soon as you include Row 3 and so wanted to try and achieve all this on Rows 1 and 2.

So, two questions:

  1. Is there really a latency issue related to use Rows 3 and 4?
  2. Ideally I’d use something like the preset below but assigning the output of Row 2 to Out1/2 and connecting the Mixer block on Row 1 to the Output of the Reverb block on Row 2.

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Or, even being able to assign the output of Row 2 to be Row 3 would at least only incur latency on the headphone output but I don’t seem to be able to do that either.

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Any tips gratefully recieved.

2

I use rows 1, 2, 3 in series for all my patches, and have no issues with latency.
I did add an FX Loop block to try something once and that did make the latency unusable when using three rows though.

It’s all down to personal preference really. Some people are far more sensitive to latency than others.

To send to an external amp, I just use an FX Send block, that makes the routing FAR simpler as you can move the block wherever you need. It does mean that it’s only in mono though, which may be an issue for you?

3

Yes, I could just route to the amps via the FX loop out but then I’d lose the ability to have an send/return within the template (for my external effects). I could, of course, route to the amps from the output of the external effects but then they’d not be present when I’m using headphones on out1/2.

The best/only scheme I’ve been able to come up with so far is the one below. Is this just the only way to do it?

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4

I use all rows, usually linked together in some way to put as many blocks on them as I can. Additionaly I always have two analoge pedals in the fx loops. Also use hybrid mode and a MC6 for parameter changes for maximum creativity. I don’t notice any latency running into my Fender FR-10 or focusrite. I do notice that a lot of amps and effects don’t mix well en often introduce digital clipping. So building great presets take time.