What is the correct way to get consistent loudness levels when using interfaces that split each input on different channels ?

[Matthew M]

Hi,

I'm currently using a Motu M4 with a Shure SM7B connected in input #1 and nothing currently connected to input #2.

My Windows default input device is IN 1-2 (devices outputs input #1 on the left channel and input #2 on the right channel).

Obviously this is fine when using within a DAW environment as you can directly manipulate whatever is coming through each channel, however I can't quite wrap my head around how to get this to work properly in a streaming environment or for use in applications such as Discord when you can't select the left channel exclusively for mic input.

I had been previously been "emulating" stereo by simply using Equaliser APO to copy my left channel to my right channel as the right channel was unused, however if I were for example to have another mic plugged in, this probably would not be the correct approach.

So if I stop copying LTR, Discord etc. downmixes to mono by itself and the volume is 6db or so quieter than elsewhere. Same can be said in OBS if selecting the "mono" option.

If I turn the gain up higher on my interface to accommodate for this difference, then I begin to clip too easily at the interface so it's not really a workable solution.

I guess my question is what really is the best option or what should I do in order to be outputting in mono and have consistent loudness levels on my OUT 1-2 systemwide / across all applications?

My current solution (though I'm not sure whether I'm doing this right) is to only apply my gate, EQ etc to the left channel (input 1 which is in use), then select all channels and use Peace to downmix to mono, then add 6db of gain after the fact in EAPO.

Is this what I should be doing or is there something that I'm missing?

[Peter Verbeek]

So there isn't an option to disable this automatic mono to stereo feature in Discord, etc.? Anyway, if you need to copy the left channel to the right using the downmix in Peace isn't the right option. Use its routing table instead. Or better select the "Left on Right channel" configuration from the configurations list. It has marked the correct routing option in the routing table. Basically when using one mic it's about doing the stuff on the left channel as you're doing and copying the left to the right channel. Of course when using 2 mics things need to change. Btw. by going to the Commands window of Peace you can see what commands Peace is producing for everything you do on its interfaces.

[Matthew M]

Thanks for your reply!

So there isn't an option to disable this automatic mono to stereo feature in Discord, etc.?

Unfortunately not - Most applications that I've used (with the exception of DAWs or OBS w/ the option of Mono) just sort it out behind the scenes but unfortunately as a result the loudness level is 6db lower.

Or better select the "Left on Right channel" configuration from the configurations list.

OK - I will bear this in mind for single mic/input use

Of course when using 2 mics things need to change

Are you able to confirm exactly how things would need to change? Is this when the cross-feed would be applicable or are there other methods?

[Peter Verbeek]

Depends of what you need. For instance, mixing 2 mics together:

Device: the shure mics device
Copy: VL=L
Copy: VR=R
Copy: L=0.5*VL+0.5*VR
Copy: R=L

The crossfeed on the Effects panel does basically the same when dialed to "Mono" so I guess that's a yes on your question.

[Matthew M]

Thanks, that's really helpful!

I think I understand this except for the "0.5" - Is this percentage volume level or?

[Peter Verbeek]

Yes, percentage of volume. 100% volume:
Copy: R=1.0*L
Note it's 1.0 not 1. A number after the decimal point is needed.
The same in short notation:
Copy: R=L
50%:
Copy: R=0.5*L
180 degrees phase shift:
Copy: R=-L