Using Quadra Multi Out Version

Using Quadra Multi Out Version

Each of Quadra's four synth sections can be routed to separate outputs within a DAW virtual mixer. This is useful for individual panning, using third-party effects plug-ins, or routing to separate physical outputs of a multi-output audio interface.

The procedure for configuring multi outs varies depending on which DAW you're using, so you may need to consult your DAW's owners manual, or find a YouTube video where some windbag blabbers about nothing for six minutes and explains the actual procedure in the last 12 seconds of the video (Invariably, this video begins with, "Hey guys...").

Regardless of which DAW you're using, when loading/opening the Quadra instrument plug-in, select the Quadra Multi Out version.

Quadra Multi Out Configuration

Stereo Outputs 1-2 operate exactly the same as the standard stereo version of Quadra, that is the Output Mixer section controls and onboard effects will all operate as usual.

The individual instrument outputs are always at full volume and unaffected by level slider settings in the Output Mixer section. However, muting sections (by clicking on their name labels) will mute their respective individual outputs. Individual instrument outputs are totally dry- the bottom row effects are not applied. The exception to this is the "built-in" Strings section tri-chorus, which has no controls and is always active.

We configured it this way to offer the greatest flexibility for combining Quadra's onboard effects with external processing.

Quadra Multi Out's separate outputs are configured as follows:

Using Quadra Multi Out in Logic Pro

Configuring multi out instruments in most DAWs is relatively easy, but it's a little trickier in Logic. Essentially, you'll need to add mixer auxiliary channel strips to route separate outputs. If you know your way around Logic's mixer, these can be configured manually, but Logic Track Mixer multi out instrument channel strips have an easy-to-overlook shortcut that makes it really easy.

For this example, we'll assume you're using the Logic Track Mixer, as opposed to the old-school Logic Environment Mixer.

• Open an instance of Quadra in a DAW instrument channel; make sure to select Quadra Multi Out.

• Open the Track Mixer either by clicking the mixer button in the top left of the menu strip (this may or may not be present depending on your Logic setup), or with the top menu View>Show Mixer.

• In the main Quadra instrument mixer channel strip, click the + button beneath the output meter to add aux channel strips. Repeat this step for each separate out you'd like to use. It should look like the image below.

The aux channel strips can now be used to individually set volume and panning, and third-party effects can be added either to the individual out aux channel strips, or by inserting effects to additional aux channels and using the individual out aux channel strip send knobs. This is the most flexible approach, because it allows independent volume and panning adjustment of dry and effect signals.

All mixer channels sum to Logic's master stereo outputs by default. To send Quadra's individual outputs to separate physical outputs on a multi out audio interface, click the Outputs buttons on the individual out aux channel strips (these will say St Out by default), scroll down, and select the desired Output or Bus destination.