Should you BUY a Quad Cortex?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ก.ค. 2024
- Should you buy a a Quad Cortex?
- Grab the "JM PEDALBOARD" Preset here: justinmuncy.etsy.com/listing/...
-Grab the "JM Pop Punk Preset" here: justinmuncy.etsy.com/listing/...
- Grab the JM Preset Bundle 2 here: justinmuncy.etsy.com/listing/...
**GEAR I USE**
As A Sweetwater Affiliate I earn a small commission from the links in this post. I only advertise products I use and/or believe in!
Guitar Modeling
Neural DSP Quad Cortex - sweetwater.sjv.io/4PY0yZ
SKB Quad Cortex Case - sweetwater.sjv.io/PyZEmY
It’s no secret that I love the Quad Cortex, but it definitely wasn’t love at first sight. It’s been a slow burn over the past 3 months, I’ve had to put time and work into it, and our relationship is finally in a good place. So in order to determine whether the Quad Cortex is right for you, I want to tell you the story of my relationship with QC here: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
I posted about my first quad cortex experience on April 14, 2023. I had never used an all in one rig, like a kemper, helix, etc before but I really wanted to get to learning it as quickly as possible so I thought, hey I’m good at tone, I can figure this out in one night right? I’d say for just two hours with the unit, it was solid. I was encouraged that if this is the base level, then that means the potential for this thing is huge.
Two weeks into using the unit, I found my tone took a leap. I felt so good about it that i decided to put the Quad Cortex up against my pedalboard. No captures no nothing. Just stock sounds. And yeah, in my opinion the pedalboard won, but I found the quad to be pretty impressive.
One month into this thing, and I felt like man, it’s so fun to use. The user interface is incredibly sleek and fast. The stock sounds, especially the factory amp captures are really great. And by stacking reverbs, I was able to get that expansive strymon style reverb we all know and love. But my most favorite feature is how quick it is to make changes on the fly, which I did have to do in a rehearsal. No need to rebuild your pedalboard, buy a new pedal, cables, etc. everything you need is right here- Ultimately, the one month mark is where I felt like the quad cortex was finally sounding like me.
I started to play with the capture features, and they are impressive. I broke out the old tube amp for the first time in over a year and tried to capture it.
The feel was there, the tone was there. Now, here comes the main reason I bought the Quad Cortex: pedal capture. I tried it out with three of my favorite drive pedals and it worked so well on the first try with all of them.
So now I have my drive pedals all loaded up into my go-to basic preset. It’s really handy because I can just copy and paste this rig between presets and tweak from there.Within the last couple weeks I found a way to up my sound another ten percent by creatively using the routing and splitter capabilities. Sort of reminiscent of a wet dry wet rig, I’ve isolated my delay and reverb effects from each other which gives me the ability to increase the effect mixes even higher without losing the clarity on my guitar.
I’ve taken the quad cortex on tour, I’ve used it at church, and I’ve used at home, and in all circumstances, it’s been a really wonderful tool. The best things about it for me are the sound quality, the ability to capture effects and amps, the ease of utilizing and maximizing the touch screen interface, and just the overall convenience. Like bringing this tiny little lunch pale case to a gig is much easier than lugging around my 45lb pedalboard.
Now for the bad. If you’re a tone guy, then it’ll probably take some time to get it to sound like you again. Second, I’m not a huge fan of the app system. It’s weird to me as a creator that I can’t access my own files so that I can sell preset packs. And with no marketplace built into the app, it seems to be undervaluing creators in this space. Third, this one isn’t specific to the quad cortex, but there’s something that’s just so pristine about modelers that makes them sound a touch compressed or smooth to my ear. Now I think sound quality wise, the quad cortex sounds far less compressed than the Kemper, but every now and then when I’m playing, I find myself thinking, this sounds a touch too smooth.
Chapters
0:00 The Quad Cortex
0:44 My First Time Using the QC
2:21 Week 2 of Using the QC
3:35 One Month with the QC: This is Where The Fun Begins
5:45 Neural Capture is Mindblowing
7:30 Routing + Signal Flow Flexibility
8:30 What I Love
9:55 What I Don't Love
11:16 Final Thoughts
#quadcortex #neuraldsp #guitartone #guitarpedals #kemper #line6 #line6helix #neuralquadcortex #pedalcapture - เพลง
Are you bought in to the Quad Cortex, or is there a different modeler that’s caught your eye? And for those who have asked, my go-to Quad Cortex Preset can be found here: www.etsy.com/listing/1508694232/quad-cortex-jm-template-preset?ref=listings_manager_grid
***2024 UPDATE***
I've worked pretty hard on getting my go-to sounds from my pedalboard and amp rig into the QC and now, I rarely use my Pedalboard. If you want to take a listen:
Pedalboard Re-Creation: th-cam.com/video/YpOIIzFNX8Q/w-d-xo.html
Worship Rig Re-Creation: th-cam.com/video/wZZ8FWFss1c/w-d-xo.html
Pop Punk Rig: th-cam.com/video/HUUmsUyJ0T4/w-d-xo.html
Hi Justin. I have had mine about 6 months. I am not in love with it but I don't really think there is anything better out there. I am using it on a pedalboard with a bunch of pedals I like going through the effects loop. With my current setup if I had to do it all over again I probably could have saved some money by keeping the UA Dream pedal that I sent back and got the QC instead.
I play at church and I like the Fenderish sounds. But I have it and it is only going to get better as time goes on. Right now I am using the Morgan50 amp that is built in. A really clean sound. I wish they would get the next update out and a Market Place started. I do really like the idea of having it integrated into my desktop like my PodGo did.
Brian! Yeah, I get that. I think if you like using a lot of pedals but don't want an amp, using an amp pedal like the Dream, would probably make you the happiest. I still favor my pedalboard rig when recording for arrangements and what not. I think the ACS1 sounds more "real." The QC is just kind of fun live tool for me.
And I agree! Some sort of marketplace would be fantastic!
It's a different beast altogether but I'm fully sold on the toneX ecosystem currently - both the software and the pedal. It's SO nice to be able to use the plugin for recording (don't have to worry about re-amping) and then be able to take those same amp tones on the go with the pedal when I play out. I could see why it wouldn't be quite as convenient as the QC for a touring musician like you though where having the all-in-one is so useful - tonex is def geared more towards those who wanna use it in conjunction with pedals for their non-amp/cab FX.
Question re: selling your presets -- I know QC doesn't have a formal marketplace, but what's stopping you from just making a shopify (or similar) site and listing your presets up for sale as a downloadable digital file? I do this for toneX as do many others. I know amalgam captures sells QC presets on his site, as well. I think some content creators who have partnerships with QC have said they won't list anything up for sale til the marketplace comes out for the purpose of honoring their relationship with Neural, but don't think that would be something you would need to worry about!
@@saint__andrew yeah for sure! Everyone seems to love the tonex! I haven’t used one so I can’t say a real opinion on it. I still think my pedalboard plus the ACS1 is my best sounding rig without an amp. It’s just the wear and tear on it all-
So what you’re suggesting is fantastic and is the way I would do it. The problem is, it doesn’t seem like you can access your preset files outside of the cloud ecosystem built into neural. So you’re kind of stuck sharing through the app… that’s the part about their system that I don’t like. Some people will sell presets by having users send their profile to them, friending them, and then sharing a private link. Kinda wonky
@@JustinMuncy Ahhhh that makes sense - I didn't realize there wasn't a way to save/load presets locally. Kinda lame for Neural to limit it to the cloud :/ But I believe the method you mention is how I've seen amalgam do it too, def not ideal and wouldn't blame ya for not wanting to go through the hassle.
Thank you for your great content. I appreciate your style. I like your pros and cons of the Quad Cortex. I also liked your tips on putting reverbs before amps, parallel routing, etc.
I got the QC about five months ago. I play at home. I have some fantastic sounding tube amps. I usually run those in stereo, wet/dry or even wet/dry/wet. I also have a lot of pedals.
During the past few weeks I’ve started enjoying to play through the QC a lot more. I’ve learned how to dial up the sound more to my liking. I’ve also started using IRs. I found that York Audio IRs sound the best to me. To my ears a good IR is crucial and I prefer York Audio’s IRs over QC’s amp modeling.
I’d like to start using an external delay and reverb pedals with the QC for better sound and simplicity adjusting parameters. Stacking reverbs on the QC is great. However the spring reverb (IMHO) is quite… poor. In my experience the UAFX Golden Reverb pedal has by far the best digital spring reverb. This is why I’ll probably try the UAFX Golden with the QC.
My favorite delay is Strymon Dig. Simple and effective. I can get very ambient tones with that and nice rhythmic stuff as well.
I like pedals. It’s easier to dial those. However as I mentioned I’ve really started to enjoy the QC more and more. I use the QC with studio monitors and headphones. I play electric guitar/bass and acoustic. For bass I prefer my bass amp. Probably because it has much beter lows than my monitors. I like when I can feel the bass. This is why headphones don’t really do it for me on bass.
Keep up the good work. I just purchased your QC PDF. Looking forward dialing you “Coldplay” tone. Sounded great.
I totally agree with you !! about the QC. I love this unit. It is not ideal but it is good enough...for me.,.
Thank god for a positive view on the QC , and I agree with all your comments all though I think there’s some great cloud downloads , easy to use is the main plus for me , and as a no computer man I’m 😎
Ha!! I haven’t seen many negative reviews on the QC tbh!! I’m glad you’re enjoying it :)
Took awhile to get it to arrive here & not till 2 weeks back. 🎉 Still learning & getting to know it like akin to a girl 😬 Thanks for sharing your thoughts on its hits & misses (seems like almost nots!!🤪) #staysafe ❤
haha!! Yes, it is a process! Thanks for watching!
Being able to capture pedals is enticing, as well as the touch screen and ease of use on the actual unit. However I currently use an FM9 and couldn’t be happier. Not only the tone, but the FEEL is there. If $ weren’t a factor, I’d absolutely buy a Cortex and start capturing my drives.
Oh for sure!! Axe FX has been the name of the game for so long, they've got their tones dialed in- I think the only drawback with Axe FX is the learning curve. The sound quality is pretty immaculate once you get the hang of it. And totally, I had never owned a modeler before the QC, and the only reason I picked it over the others was the pedal capture and user interface.
Very nice! I wanna buy your patches you made😍
Thank you so much!! I did a poll, and it looks like Patch PDFs were the most popular choice. I'm going to try to get them up in the next week or two. Stay tuned :)
@@JustinMuncy awesome!! Waiting!
I’m enjoying the QC, I think my journey has been pretty similar to yours with getting used to it. I also run my wet effects into the front of the amps and prefer it that way 🤓 (I do however run a small ambience reverb as the last block after amps to give it a sense of space)
Haha yes! Finally, someone else understands that there is a certain sound to hitting the front of amp with delay and verb. I always played on small tube amps that didn't have effects loops, so the sound of verb hitting the front of the amp is what I've kinda grown up with you know?
@@JustinMuncy definitely! My main amp for years was a ‘66 Bandmaster, and then I was using a Jim Kelley, so not small amps, but no effects loop. My sound is influenced by the amp gritting up and shaping some of the repeats. I run my amps pretty clean though, so it still works nicely!
That's so cool- There's a part of me that still wants like a OR100 into a 4x12 cab, but I know I'd never be able to full enjoy it since I live in a condo with shared walls lol!! But yes, I know exactly what you mean. It's great texture!!
@@JustinMuncy haha I feel you, my move to London was the reason I went from amps to the QC 🥲
Do you run it in front of your amp with clean sound ? Been curious coz thats how i do it with my processor
Love mine. Only thing I'm really missing is the ability to send multiple midi messages per scene chance.
Thanks for the great info.
I am nearly ready to pull the trigger on one. I love the other Neural stuff and think they are a great company.
I currently have a Marshall Silver Jubilee and a fairly big pedalboard, which I can run through a 4x12. It's really great for a couple of sounds, but I really want more control and more tones. Also, my cab is extremely directional.
Every few years I get tempted with digital but have never stuck with it. The QC looks like it may finally be the one.
I mainly play in my garage with a drummer and bassist and am wondering whether to go FRFR or into my cab. I really like the idea of a big stereo spread with a couple of FRFR cabs or even monitors. It would be cool to put the bass through it as well.
...they are just SO expensive, but I think I may have to bite the bullet and go for it. If I like it enough then I'll have a lot of amps and pedals to sell!
Thanks Garry! I hear you!
I've never used my QC through FRFR cabs. Just monitors at home, and then PA at the venues for shows, but I'm sure that would sound cool!
They are expensive, but it's still a fraction of the cost of my pedals and amp. Heck, the QC cost less than your Jubilee- And, if you end up liking it, you can capture your amp + drive pedals through it. I've gotten some pretty good results from that.
Not sure if you've seen, but I've done some shootout style videos where I've essentially re-created my pedalboard + amp rig with just the QC and I think the results are pretty fantastic. I'll just drop this link here in case you ever get bored, or curious: th-cam.com/video/YpOIIzFNX8Q/w-d-xo.html
@@JustinMuncy thanks, I've watched that already! It sounds amazing and is so flexible and convenient. I'll check out the rest of your videos, though. Cheers.
04:10 I found it very interesting what you said about the reverbs. I've never played a BigSky, but I also always thought that the reverbs in the QC are a bit "weak". Not as in weak sounding, more as in weak saturated. So I'd love to know more about how you stacked reverbs in the QC, because you've got a comparison now. Would you mind sharing/expanding?
Yes, exactly. I think the QC reverbs are just less "dense." Cause I noticed even with plug in reverbs like Valhalla, those sound far more lush and thick. I talked about my verbs a bit more in a video called "Thoughts After One Month With The Quad Cortex" as well as, "This Quad Cortex Routing Is Game Changing." but I'll have to dive in even further at some point!
I already had a Ventris, so I popped it in my FX loop.
you don't have to put Wet effects after the amp/cab, but you should. It's the same principle as running Wet effects through your amp FX loop to bypass the preamp. It keeps the wet effects from being distorted.
I hear you haha! I think it really depends on the application. All of my tube amps don’t have FX loops so I’ve always been accustomed to the sound of the delay and reverb hitting the front of the amp. It’s a cool texture, but to your point, if you want a cleaner wet section, after is your route.
Great video. Has the power supply been an issue for live use? I understand other brands use an IEC. Also, what are your thoughts on other brands like Fractal and Headrush?
Thanks Eric! I haven’t had a problem with it personally…
I haven’t used Headrush so I can’t really say either way on that one. Seems cool though? Fractal is pretty phenomenal. That’s for sure. The only thing with axe FX is that it’s a more complicated system to learn. I think the QC found a good middle ground with tone/flexibility/user-friendliness. But the real truth is that in reality, they all sound about the same. It’s really about which one you’re willing to deep dive with to get it to sound like how you’re hoping.
Thanks for the video. Just put in an order for a QC today. What SKB case model?
Thanks for checking it out! I hope it serves you well! I have this one: SKB 3i1309-6-026 iSeries Neural DSP Quad Cortex Case
Thank you for your videos. I have a Dream 65 paired with Plethora X5 and a distortion pedal for electric, and a separate acoustic loop using a Zoom MultiStomp, Boss EQ 200 with a Grace Audio Bix as the output. It sounds pretty good! My guitar is a Carvin AE185 with separate outputs for electric and acoustic pickups. I like the QC because it is small and has routing options that could replace my two current loops in stereo. Even if it just replaced my electric loop I think it would be worth it, but it looks like I could totally downsize my whole pedalboard with this one device. Any thoughts?
What's up John!! Very cool setup- I think you could definitely downsize your whole pedalboard with the Quad Cortex. I did! I've taken the QC on tour and used it playing locally and I haven't had any problems. Plus, you could always throw a pedal or two into one of the fx loops on the QC if you can't find a sound to your liking. Also, what might be fun to experiment with, you could run your Electric input into line 1 and acoustic input into line 2 and utilize the different routings to have both separate acoustic and electric processing on the same preset if that's ever a need. Lots of flexibility like you said!
@@JustinMuncy, awesome! Thank you!
Would love to see your presets on Cortex Cloud!
Hey Andrew!! I'm honored that you want to try out the sounds- I might get something up at some point. As I mentioned in the video, it's hard to justify giving them away for free at the moment, but I'm exploring my options in how to get you all these sounds in a way that's good for everyone :)
Great video Justin. Thanks for sharing. I’m trying to decide between a Quad Cortex or a a Fractal Axe FX III. Have you tried the Axe FX? If so, how would you compare the two?
Thank you Mark!! I haven’t personally but I know a few people who use it and they’ve all said: it’s probably the most realistic sounding one, but it’s by far the most complicated to learn and use. You pretty much have to use the desktop editor to dial in sounds. That seems to be the common thread on that one. I think it’s just going to come down to preference. All of the options sound good! Funny enough, I actually fooled a big time axe fx user with my walrus audio acs1. He was convinced I had recorded the stuff on my real amp because it sounded “way less digi than axe.” But that’s not the question haha. I’d say go with what sounds best to you. The QC was my favorite of the options for sound quality, plus it had the pedal capture ability. That was the big selling point for me-
@@JustinMuncy Thanks Justin!
I have an FM3 + FC6 and an FM9. There are a few reasons why I went with these over the QC, not least of which is the snail’s pace Neural operates at when it comes to updates. Still haven’t delivered on a lot promises of it’s announcement like a desktop editor or loading Neural’s Archetype plugins.
FAS is constantly delivering new updates. Even when you think there is nothing more you can do. I will be getting an AxeFX III Mark II Turbo in the future but honestly, with the FM9, I probably don’t need it. Except for that second pitch block…
Bro, i ALSO love the QC. i'm having a bit of a difficulty doing a stereo amp signal flow. any tips? When i use the splitter I do pan each amp Left and Right, But for some reason it just always sound uneven to me. What are your thoughts?
Yeah I think that’s actually pretty normal! Whichever amp is darker is going to sound quieter even if it’s metering the same. What I do is look at the signal in a DAW to make sure they’re metering about the same, and if they are but still feel a bit uneven, I boost the volume of the quieter sounding one until it feels good. It’ll never feel exactly the same, which used to bug me but as long as it feels good, and it’s monitoring close enough, I role with it. The differences are what make stereo sound huge!
Thanks for the Quad Cortex review. I recently bought the QC, and have never used it for live performance. What would be the recommendation to use it on stage?
Thank you checking it out!! That’s awesome. For stage use, I just use it by itself-> I plug in direct to the input, then use the XLR outputs to send to the house. I also use scene mode live, so I build a “pedalboard” for each song, then set the scenes to have which combinations of sounds/settings I need for the various sounds throughout the song. That way, you won’t get those audio gaps when you switch your sounds within a song. I also utilized the capture feature to grab my favorite drive pedals into the unit. I thought it help speed up the preset building process since I was so used to those sounds with my full pedalboard. I also have a PDF of my go-to template that I use to start my preset building linked in the description if you want to check that out to maybe help you jump the learning curve a little bit!
@@JustinMuncySo if I use the scene mode to play live, everything will go smoothly without any audio gaps? - Just like a normal analog pedal board would do.
@@themangrooves3571 yup!
I got the quad cortex last year and honestly it's one of the best investments I ever made.
I play bass in a variety of genres and was able to create a preset that had a scene for each one of my uses. Used in conjunction with my SSL 12 and having a DI out I'm able to have a tone that's fun to play with while also having a DI to work with in the mix should I ever desire to do so.
The desktop editor made a thousand times easier to deal with because of how my current Studio setup is and makes my practice and recording times so much more productive and enjoyable.
The main selling point for me was the plug-in compatibility down the line, I honestly cannot wait for the plugins to be available on it. What neural DSP plug-ins are you interested in them making compatible with it?
That’s awesome!! I’ve heard the QC is phenomenal with bass. Definitely been a big movement amongst bass players to the QC.
I actually don’t have any experience with the neural dsp plug-ins. But I wish third party ones like the Valhalla delays and reverbs could work on the QC. That would be game-changing!
Nothing kills the Kemper!
Hahahahaha. That actually made me LOL. Kemper is like Pro Tools now. It’s good ole reliable 👍🏻
Have you shared your presets on the QC app? If so, what's your QC handle?
Hi there!! My handle is just my name: JustinMuncy. I haven’t shared anything yet, for the reasons I mentioned in the video about a lack of a marketplace, but I’ll probably put something up there at some point :)
@@JustinMuncyJust followed you on Cortex Cloud, follower #28!
I had one and returned it. Until they have a market I won’t be buying a QC anytime soon. The community of patches and the paid patches for the kemper aren’t matched yet on the QC. The moment they launch a market and tone junkie sells his patches I’ll buy one again.
I hear you! Definitely more content in the Kemper world range that now. You could always make your own patches too- no one knows the sound in your head, better than you-
Since you said you carry it in that little SKB case, I’m assuming that means when you gig with it you just put it on the floor without any kind of board or fancy power supply situation? Are you still just using the dinky little AC adapter that came with it? Honestly, that’s really the only thing that scares me about buying one… Sure, I can bring a back up to a gig, but it still worries me to some extent.
Yup! I just put it on the floor and use the power supply it came with. The power supply is actually pretty sturdy. Ive taken this thing in vans, been on planes, I haven’t had any issues. And it’s definitely fallen and been tossed around in the case.
@@JustinMuncy That’s really reassuring to hear. Glad you’re getting along with it great! I’ve been torn between the Kemper Stage and the QC for months, but I think the tonal improvements and pedal-capturing abilities make the QC the front runner. Knowing that the power supply isn’t as bad as it looks solves one of my biggest worries.
That power supply is rugged enough. If you buy a spare and have it you’re covered.
👍👍
Desktop editor. Only con i see
This is out of genuine curiosity, but why do you think having a desktop editor would make your experience better? To me, it seems much faster to be able to reach down and make quick changes without having to plug in a laptop, change on the laptop, then sync to the unit. But I'm definitely in the minority opinion on this one.
I've had the unit for a year. I would like the ability to drag my tones in a daw and edit on the fly when recording without having the unit on my desktop. Scenes and presets can then be controlled their midi functions. I also wish to have the ability to have my purchased neuro plugins be linked thru cloud and placed into the unit. Like Rebea tones or the Tom Morrello plugins. This isn't a dig on the unit, it's just that we as users are driving them to really compete at top tiers for the price we pay for our investment. If I create a tone I like and want to record and then take to live setting, I wish to not have to reach down to change parameters during a show. Maybe via laptop or tablet would be cool you know? Hope this explains something.
Ahh I'm tracking. I could see the convenience of being able to control the QC with your computer for recording. That makes perfect sense there!!
Most hyped box on the market. Gets too hot, lacks effects, tear down showed mostly basic parts inside. Does not even come with their own IR's. Epic fail. To anyone who paid over $500 for one... 😅😅😅😁😁😁😜😜😜 All I will say is it is true- "A Su*ck*r is born everyday." Sell it before it is worth $100 and grab a FM9...if you are smart.
After owning the Helix for 7 years I can tell you that the QC sounds better.
Still have my Helix which I use with my amps but 95% of the time is the QC.