Splitter blend creates ~5db volume boost

Quad Cortex
1

CorOS Version: 2.3.0

Describe your issue

Using a splitter in “balance” mode, it gets too loud when blending signals.

Steps to reproduce your issue:

  1. Created new preset using input-1 and multi-out.
  2. Run “Out 3/L” to a mono FRFR amp.
  3. Created a signal chain. In my test I used Brit 2203 + 412 Brit 60B GB 71 (M), but I don’t think the specifics matter.
  4. Created a second row: splitter to mixer.
    1. Splitter: Left all settings default (“balance” mode), and set split point before first block
    2. Mixer: Left all settings default and set mix point after last block.
  5. Replicated the identical signal chain as above on the second row.

I expected this to happen

In the splitter, adjusting the “balance” between the two channels should have near-zero effect on the tone or volume, since the effects are the same on both channels.

What actually happened

There’s a volume boost when any amount of blending is happening. The boost seems to peak at ~5db, and the effect is the strongest between positions 1.3 and 8.7.

I have tried the following things

  • Toggling the splitter’s stereo setting between “split” and “normal”, no difference.
  • Lots of different signal chains; the effect seems consistent
  • The effect is also present when recording into Logic.
  • The ~5db estimate is based on how much volume automation I had to add in Logic to negate the effect.
2

Of course it will get louder if you sum two identical signals into one, that’s just how wave physics work. Splitting does not reduce your signal with balance at default, it will basically create a copy of your signal, both as loud as the incoming signal. If you sum this identical signals (you used the same blocks on both) back together, you will end up with constructive interference.
constructiveanddestructiveinterference
.

2 Likes
3

It’s not a bug. Just turn down the mixer. Maybe start at -3 dB and go down to -5 dB if you feel like you need it.

1 Like
4

Thanks for the responses.