> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.gridshift.studio/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Monitor Profiles

> An output selector that bundles audio device, channel pair, gain, and a room-correction plugin, letting you switch between Studio Monitors, Headphones, and other outputs in one click.

**Monitor Profiles** are Gridshift's primary output selector. Each profile captures everything that defines a monitoring setup:

* **Audio output device** (interface + stereo channel pair)
* **Hardware volume** (restored per profile)
* **Input and output gain** in dB (pre- and post-plugin trim)
* **One optional AU plugin** on the listen bus (room correction, headphone calibration, reference meter, etc.)

Switching between Studio Monitors and Headphones swaps all of these atomically — the device changes, the plugin chain is rebuilt, and the remembered volume is applied to the hardware.

## Where to find them

Open `Settings → Audio → Monitor Profiles`. A **System Default** profile is created automatically on first run and follows the macOS system output device.

## Switch outputs

| Action                     | How                                                                                                 |
| -------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Pick a profile             | Command Palette (`⌘K`) → **"Switch Output"**                                                        |
| Follow macOS system output | The **System Default** profile auto-switches whenever you change the output in macOS Sound Settings |
| Activate from settings     | Hover a row in the profile list and click **Activate**                                              |

When the profile activates, Gridshift: applies the device, applies the channel pair, writes the remembered hardware volume, and loads the profile's plugin onto the listen bus.

## Profile fields

Open the info button (ⓘ) on any profile row for the detail sheet.

| Field               | Description                                                                                                        |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Name**            | Display name (e.g. "Beyerdynamic DT 900", "Genelec 8030").                                                         |
| **Device**          | Audio interface or output. System Default follows macOS.                                                           |
| **Output Channels** | Stereo pair (e.g. 1-2, 3-4). Appears on devices with more than two outputs.                                        |
| **Device Volume**   | Hardware volume, stored per profile and restored on activation. Only appears if the device supports scalar volume. |
| **Input Gain**      | dB trim applied before the plugin. Use to match calibration targets.                                               |
| **Output Gain**     | dB trim applied after the plugin. Use to compensate for plugin makeup gain.                                        |
| **Plugin**          | Optional AU. Add / remove directly in the detail sheet.                                                            |
| **Level Meter**     | Horizontal stereo meter for monitoring the active profile's signal.                                                |

### Multiple profiles on one interface

A common setup: Studio Monitors on channels 1-2 and Headphones on channels 3-4 of the same interface. Create two profiles, bind both to that interface, and set different **Output Channels**. Switching profiles re-routes the stereo pair instantly without interrupting playback.

## The monitor plugin

Each profile has one optional plugin slot, designed for room / headphone correction:

* Add a plugin in the profile detail sheet, or use **"Add Plugin to Monitor Profile"** from the command palette.
* Plugin state is saved back into the profile on profile switch and on app quit — your settings persist across sessions.
* Run **"Open Monitor Plugin"** to pop the plugin's AU window. The command is shortcut-bindable.

The plugin is audible through the listen bus (you hear it) but is excluded from bounces — your exported audio is never colored by a correction plugin.

## iCloud sync

Monitor Profiles sync via iCloud. The setups you configure on one machine appear on every other Mac signed into the same Apple account — handy if you have the same interface in more than one location.