So, I love my little CQ, and I’d like to think I’m pretty familiar with its functions and use. I use the virtual soundcheck feature regularly with tracks recorded from the CQ straight to SD card. The issue I’m having relates to the overall output level of the recorded tracks vs live inputs. I’m tapping the recording post preamp and pre everything else’s . When I adjust the master to what seems like a good gig level, when the band shows up and we are back to live inputs I need to bump the main output quite a bit to reach the same level as the tracks. Any insights?
I can’t verify the following, but hope the block diagram is correct.
If you record something to SD via inputs 1-16, it goes through the path shown in red in the image.
When you then play back the recording from SD, it goes through the path shown in yellow.
Therefore, if the Trim control in the signal path is not exactly set to 0dB, the played-back signal will have a different level than the recorded and also later the live signal.
That’s a good thought, but trims are all set to 0, so I don’t think that’s the culprit. Also the balance of the mix is translating fine, it’s just the overall output level is much greater with playback than live channels. I have also tried a scenario where I attempted to play along with the multitrack by flipping all the channels to multitrack input except my guitar input from the Kemper (with my levels set the same as as when we record live) and the tracks are louder, and my live guitar is buried in comparison. If I flip the guitar channel back to SD output, the recorded guitar is back in line with everything else.
Can anyone from A&H weigh in on this one?
The diagram suggests the playback trim could be reduced to balance the levels.
Is it possible that Auto-Gains are currently active for some reason, which could unintentionally reduce the level of your live inputs?
No auto gain. I may occasionally use the gain assistant to do an initial setting, but I never leave auto gain on, ever.
But it also happens reproducibly if you were to record your guitar to a track on the SD card now and after it immediately play back that track (with 0 dB trim) without changing any settings?
Yes I can reproduce the same result every time. I can record a track, immediately play it back, and the level coming off the main output is much louder than what was coming out from the live instrument playing through the same signal path.
We can assume you’re using the current firmware version 1.2.2?
A&H supposedly reads all posts, but rarely replies.
And since even none of the many dissatisfied users here have confirmed the problem, it doesn’t seem to be a widespread issue.
If I were you, I would try the following:
- Store the show to USB sticks.
- Perform a factory reset.
- Load the show.
- Afterwards, double-check that the source point for SD recordings is still set to “Post Preamp,” that all Trim controls are at 0 dB, and that all Auto Gain are disabled.
If the problem persists, please submit a support ticket to A&H directly for assistance.
It would be great if you could also share the outcome here.