My First Gigs with the Quad Cortex

[@SteveSterlacci]

Get the best price on the QC from Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/qnaX9y

[@oldglamrocker]

Your coaxing some great sounds out of that Steve! Side note, it was great seeing those people in the crowd dancing and enjoying themselves too.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks for checking it out! Much appreciated

[@LivinginLosAngeles-re5yx]

This set sounded really good. Fun songs, great energy, and the guitar sounded terrific. 👍

[@wilmer33086]

Idk how I came across this video but oh boy sounded really really good!!! 👏👏👏✊✊. The whole team was amazing and on point. great job!!!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Glad you liked it!!

[@wilmer33086]

@@SteveSterlacci no man, thank you. Plz keep bringing more content like this. 🎸🎸🎸

[@JiTiAr35]

Glad you enjoy your new gears. Keep up the good work.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks for watching and checking it out!

[@caseybcraft]

The old people dancing in the corner makes this show excellent.

[@SteveSterlacci]

It was a lot of fun watching them!

[@stevefearon9337]

Thanks Steve, followed on the QC. Cloud, I learned some really interesting helix fixes from you, looking forward to seeing what you do with neural captures and presets. Regretting selling my power cab now.. looks like back in the market for one . Cheers

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Steve! The PC is great for monitoring. If you're able to stand about 10 feet in front of it, it almost feels real, but is very directional. Hoping to add some content soon!

[@stevekannes89]

Very cool brother! Sounded great

[@eranzaksh]

Sounds great over here. Feels like you gravitating towards QC more and more xD

[@SteveSterlacci]

🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️ maybe!

[@Ozman77]

Great tones Steve! The band and your wife sounds great!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks!! Much appreciated

[@kenny80s]

Your videos has a great sound Steve, listened to this one with the big earphones on. Love the guitar! 🤩

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks kenny!

[@jimleininger8963]

Old guy dancing in the background was priceless

[@SteveSterlacci]

Absolutely 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@LostSinceSundayBand]

Really cool and informative video and your band kicks ass

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks John! I can't wait to do the international touring vlogs I did pre covid. This band is more local scene. Thanks for watching and keep an eye out for more 🤘

[@matejfele9971]

Sounds dope and so does the band!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thank you!

[@hangtite87]

Everything sounds good!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks for watching !

[@hillaryedwards1246]

Love that lead tone man! Great job!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thank you for watching even though its the dark-side 🤣

[@matthewwillinger8475]

Sounds great! I have the same setup (QC into PowerCab), and will be using it live in the near future, so it's nice to hear your experience.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Highly recommend flat and LF RAW mode! Thanks for watching 🤘🤘🤘

[@andrewwolves]

@@SteveSterlacci Are you using PC speaker models at all then? Or primarily QC cabs/IR’s? Sounds great either way :)

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@andrewwolves thanks man! No speaker sims, but I keep my rig self contained so if I ever need to fly in for shows, I'm not dependent on it

[@JonnyLeeguitarist]

That sounds killer !

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks bro!

[@DomTremendous]

Really good idea. Get yourself a perspex cover though dude. I got one the other day. It's a must have got gigging.

[@rhodriwilliams8111]

I'm so close to pulling the trigger on a QC, been using a helix for about 4 years for shows every weekend which I can't fault it/ But Im looking to step it up! The knobs suck on helix, the tap tempo has gone for like the 7th time! I think this video has sold it for me! The only uncertainty is I have size 13 feet... Do you find the knobs a bit TOO close?

[@SteveSterlacci]

They definitely are a little tight. And no scribble strips make it tougher too. I actually debated trying the helix as a midi controller for it since its a better layout for gigging IMO

[@speedriff]

Nice to see you guys playing something other than old bar standards.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks! We used to try to avoid that

[@aaronhenning5184]

It really does sound great! Nailing as always. As far as tone goes do you have a preference? Helix vs. Cortex

[@SteveSterlacci]

Tone? No actual preference. Both sound insanely good. QC sounds better off the bat when you pull up a given amp, but helix is way easier to use overall and can definitely sound great with some work

[@shellsjoint]

Sounded killer!!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks man!

[@GtrMan863]

Sounds great

[@jerryreff1857]

Great band Steve!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Jerry!

[@Lamarro]

Every German on the Thumbnail: "IST GIG" xD

[@SteveSterlacci]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 its actually appropriate too!

[@ashton.harris]

I have a powercab and am still waiting for my QC. This just makes me want it come more and more!

[@SteveSterlacci]

You're gonna love it!

[@Axman66]

+++ nice GIG+++ cool show and really high end sound+++ i whish i was there and join with you+++

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks axel!

[@EricMarinko]

Yeah, when I got my Quad Cortex I pretty much stopped playing my Helix. I'm just keeping a Stomp as an emergency backup device. Just found it much easier to dial in tones to my liking on the QC and the captures of my real pedals are excellent.

[@fortheloveofstraightpool9836]

Great video and sound. Do you hear you guitar from the FRFR powered speaker behind you or are you listening through a stage monitor or both? Haven’t received my QC yet and currently gigging with Mesa amp / cab. If it’s a larger gig outdoors my amp gets kicked up and I can hear my guitar more from my amp and use the stage monitor for other band members/vocals. Smaller venues I need to rely on the stage monitor cause the amp is too low. Thanks!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks man! Stage monitor is for the vocals as a backup. We are on in ears. The line 6 powercab behind me gives me stage volume if needed and, same reason as your mesa, when I'm outside I get to crank it 😅🤣. So its a hybrid set up for me. Half in ear, half powercab behind me

[@Guitar6ty]

Excellent pro live gig.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Paul

[@8345434]

Great show

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks!

[@MarcusFHurt]

HA! My city has the same mobile stage ;) You guys sound awesome. So I started with the Helix and ended up getting a Headrush MX5 and fell in love with touch screen. I made more presets on that little thing in 2 weeks than I did on my Helix in a year... so just got my QC delivered last week. How do you feel about not having the expression pedal? I never use is other than as a Vol, but I feel something missing without it.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Nice! I do not miss the exp at all. I prefer the smaller footprint!

[@VideoMcVideoface]

Similar experience here. My HR Gigboard is so easy to program, I often create a rig by scratch than look through saved presets. I’ve learned so much about gain and the interactions between devices with my HR just because it’s so easy to reorder slots. My only complaint is some of the effects aren’t deep enough, for example ENV modulation on tremolo depth and speed. I’m considering selling my FM3 and trying out the QC, since they seem to be commuted to updates and improvements.

[@SarcasticComments23]

Yeah I quit using my Helix after getting the QC. Best thing for music ever

[@SteveSterlacci]

I still jump back and forth

[@SarcasticComments23]

I did the same thing. Only use the QC now :)

[@ChapmanMusic]

Great job

[@r.t.ingram3156]

What In Ear Monitors do you use? I tried looking through your gear list and through comments, but I didn't see any mentioned ( or I missed them).

[@SteveSterlacci]

We use 64 audio currently! Thanks for watching and asking!

[@billk5864]

I’m a tube amp snob and I thought it sounded good. The Quad Cortex is my first Modeler and I thought it sounded good at the first show I played with it. Good job making your presets. They sounded good and fit the songs you played.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Bill! I am looking forward to making more and getting better with it

[@paulsmith3807]

Steve, did the QC go mono or stereo to FOH and in-ears? Sounded great on the clips...

[@SteveSterlacci]

I always run mono live. Never served me wrong!

[@paulsmith3807]

@@SteveSterlacci cool, me too...

[@nmdpa3]

How is the spacing of the knobs when stepping on them during a show? Any issues with stepping on the wrong knob? Also, any thoughts on how it might handle weather or someone spilling something on it?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Its fine for my 11.5 size foot. I hope it can handle some weather. The vents on the sides make me nervous, but I don't have any reason not to trust it at this point!

[@alienlovesecrets9379]

I just wanted to ask for the presets but maybe I should buy the QC, first. Nice band, tight sound, good singing. Cool guitar and sound.

[@danyavilaoficial]

Nowadays all (or almost al the them electronics) sound and feel amazing. Is so difficult to hear real quality differences. I’ve been following very famous KZbinrs and 2 in particular play all their stuff thru a Behringer V-amp (I used to owned one, was so damm good). The quality leap between brands are becoming so slim.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Agreed! We are spoiled with options for sure. So much quality out there

[@fabienbouron4789]

Hi steve, Thanks for the video, small question, why having a cab on stage if the QC is going to front of house?

[@SteveSterlacci]

I like a little stage volume to help with the feel! Also, in case my in ear monitors die

[@fabienbouron4789]

@@SteveSterlacci thanks for answering Steve, another question, maybe you could make a video on this, how to get the feedback(Larsen) with a quad cortex without a speaker ? I would love to know! Thanks and regard from France

[@DRodMuzicman]

Fine job for a jingle jangle clear tone guy. Now I want to hear a Rock band pull it off not convinced yet but I’m close.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Theres this band called "Megadeth". Up and comers that use one. These guys dave and kiko...

[@MultiGuitarDave]

Line 6, Kemper, QC, AXE FX, etc.....i'ts all good. Do you hear the different in a mix?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Absolutely no difference in the mix to be honest

[@jsteelrocknroll]

Im so close to ordering a qc but the only thing that concerns me is how small and close the buttons are. Have you ever accidentally hit the wrong button or 2 buttons at a time ?

[@FLdb-wj4wc]

Band sounds tight! I cancelled my QC order and got the Helix. I have the same wireless and it fails me 50% of the time. Do you ever tilt the powercab back when gigging? I'm wondering if there's a reason you don't. Good stuff. Good video. Great playing!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Never had a problem, but my L6 relay always dropped out. I use it not tilted because it gets too harsh. I would only tilt it if i was using as a full mixed monitor instead of guitar amp. It loses low end when tilted

[@FLdb-wj4wc]

@@SteveSterlacci I'm going to try it not tilted next time. It's pointed straight at the mic and I feel like it's messing up the front of house mix. I worry about it being harsh for the audience if it's not tilted

[@SteveSterlacci]

Valid concerns. I don't think you should worry about people in front of the amp. They should at least have some idea that may be loud there. Plus, the PC doesn't spread all that well so the beam is pretty directional to the front

[@tmuka]

sounded good to me, and looked fun to have a good crowd! interesting to hear you're using mostly captures of your "real" rig. do you use modeling rigs just for easy setup? why not your real bassman?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Absolutely for ease and consistency. I will never go back to real amps on stage. I get my perfect sweet spot every single time i turn it on, load in is a breeze and I tour full time with an independent artist. So we don't get the crew to load stuff so I have to keep it light 😅🤣. There are some vlogs of our European tours on the channel

[@paologaio2494]

To play that funky music a 100 £ Zoom is enough.

[@caseybcraft]

I have a quad cortex purchased from sweetwater and waiting for it to deliver. Have you tried experimenting with playing through monitors from mixer vs powercab direct from QC? I am curious if I will need a legit FRFR or if stereo monitors will suffice on stage. My intent is to run stereo direct out to FOH and direct out to stereo powered monitors.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Do you use the monitors for a full stage mix or for only the guitar? I think it'll be fine either way. I personally prefer to have a separate guitar only volume source on stage over a stereo monitor mix. Again, just my preference would be to have a mono mix monitor, and a guitar only monitor. I think it'll suffice if you're okay not having the guitar out of its own source if that makes sense. You can still send stereo to FOH and do this

[@edfuller9111]

Steve, does this mean you won’t be doing any Helix content anymore? If it’s a shame I really enjoyed your Helix videos.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Absolutely not! I will still be using and loving my helix!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thank you for all yhe support and for watching !

[@RadMedia402]

Steve, have you played the Axe-FxIII? I have the Helix, Axe-FxIII, and the Quad Cortex. The Cortex sounds like a Helix 2 to me, they are the same sound family for sure. You have to do the standard monster hi/low cuts you would do to a Helix to make it sound good live. The Axe-Fx to me has way more feeling and nuances to me. I've had several of my guitar friends play the Quad and the Axe-fx and while the quad sounds more Hi Fi and clear, they all liked the playing through the Axe-fx more.

[@SteveSterlacci]

I would love to try axe and I am on the fm9 wait list. I think they all can sound as good as each other depending on the users knowledge and experience working with them. I am curious to do shootouts 1 to 1. I only got QC for the captures. I think L6 has it beat in 90% of comparisons

[@henrikbloch-jrgensen3651]

I'm still confused, should I buy helix or quad cortex or FM9 or Kemper. Please Help meeeeeee :-) What would you recommend

[@SteveSterlacci]

Depends on your specific needs. They are all amazing professional devices. QC and FM9 have limited availability and sound great, Helix sounds just as great and has the easiest work flow of all of them

[@henrikbloch-jrgensen3651]

@@SteveSterlacci Hiii Steve, Thank you for you quick responce :-) I think i have to buy the Helix because i have to conect 3 instruments electric & acustic guitar and a ukulele . But i really really like the sounds in QC . Maybe there is a way to make it with the QC .

[@JimsMusicJourney]

Sounds great Steve. Have fun with it.

[@jjadams1000]

Good band…sounded great.

[@steveliberty]

So the QC has the sound and feel - that is certainly the most important thing. [Of course we both know that tone is in your hands, so if it sounds good, it's mostly you]. UI does matter though. Hopefully they will improve the UI significantly in the coming months. You used to put your stuff and your wife's through the Helix though - how are you handling that?

[@SteveSterlacci]

I can still do it in a similar way. Working on it!

[@ratnadeepkamble619]

sounds great brother, but does it sounds the same through direct pa

[@SteveSterlacci]

Yep! It does

[@timhopkins3810]

Sounding good 👍 I think you’d be crazy to lock yourself purely into one device and everything else is “inferior”. Use whatever fits the need 😊 As a question on the quad cortex, are you using the built-in amps within it or solely captures? Also, have you tried capturing an overdrive yet and is it as good as the amp captures?

[@SteveSterlacci]

I've been using mostly all captures. They're the best part of it IMO. Even the pedal caps. I did some of my ODs with great results

[@shadracastrat]

@@SteveSterlacci may ask whether it could do they twin reverb job of getting very loud but still remaining crystal clear? I'm really intrigued for the 1st time by modelers, well really just the QC but everything is usually aimed at high gain. I'm looking for Cornel Dupree tones for example. Do you think it could manage this?

[@shadracastrat]

Great video by the way, I've subscribed 👍

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@shadracastrat thanks Lee!!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Absolutely can do super clean! The newest model is a Morgan SW50 which is squeaky clean. The fender amps also can be super clean

[@spivvo]

What made you switch from helix to QC?

[@SteveSterlacci]

I wouldn't say I've switched. I wanted to play my '63 bassman at appropriate volume live without carrying it or killing my bandmates with volume 😅. Helix is still my touring rig for now

[@0909mw]

Try the Rockron G100 to 300...They've got a kick. Handy to have around for emergencies😎

[@SteveSterlacci]

Looks cool!!

[@blackmetalbreadstick]

Does the powercab require a lot more output for you? I have my output on my qc kinda cranked going to the powercab but at 0 db to my interface and I still hardly hit red on the powercab? It sounds great but I’m always looking to learn how to do things more efficiently

[@SteveSterlacci]

Absolutely does. It needs either a lot of signal, like a Line level out. Or you can change the input gain on the powercab. The preamp on the PC is quiet all the way up to +12

[@blackmetalbreadstick]

@@SteveSterlacci mine is at +6 so I’ll crank it to +12 so I don’t blow something up if I get the xlrs mixed up lol

[@SteveSterlacci]

@Devourmatt you wont blow it lol you have that indicator light on the PC, try to get it to yellow, and even if you can make it touch red, then dial back, itll be great

[@blackmetalbreadstick]

@@SteveSterlacci nah I mean if I plug the xlr that’s supposed to go to my powercab into the PA or my interface haha

[@SteveSterlacci]

@Devourmatt you have an input gain ON the PC too if that didn't come across clearly! I ususally set mine pretty high and go 1/4 inch to the PC. So my XLR volume is never going to blow things up 😅

[@stephendre2902]

Bro. Killin it. I wonder what the vocalist is using as her setup. Looked cool how she was stomping on a pedal board during different parts. As someone who is forced to sing. I need all of the help i can get. 🤣

[@iann8733]

She's using one of these. I recognized the form factor and color kzbin.info/www/bejne/rISZn36Ci51ro6c

[@Utube-g3g]

She’s Steve’s wife he would definitely know what she’s using.

[@JessicaLynnCountry]

Hi! Yes you are right I'm using that tc helicon unit! We put one low harmony on so that we can get 3 part harmonies on the choruses etc. Other than that it's dry but I highly recommend it. Can program your set list and there are so many fun things you can do with it

[@mallclaude1949]

hi Steve, you quit Helix? why isn't Bob playing at your geriatric event :) ?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Never quitting Helix! Just seeing other people at the moment. Seeking 3rd if you will 😉. Bobs not in this band 😅

[@niteguy1976]

Have you tried running them together? Can the helix midi control it and alow you to use helix effects?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Absolutely can. Trying it with stomp lately ! Experiments have been fun

[@christianboddum8783]

Can't take my eyes of that guitar ;-)

[@SteveSterlacci]

'72 ES 345! Thanks man 🤘

[@christianboddum8783]

@@SteveSterlacci Is it the mono version? It's my dream guitar. I had the option of buying the new Freddie King model, but it was stereo and I didn't feel like modifying a 5000$ guitar as my first move, so it didn't happen. I've ordered a Maybach Capitol 59, with is a more standard 335 at a sweeter price, with a custom sidemounted jack, so I hope it delivers the goods. I've made a varitone stompbox so I don't have to drill in a new guitar. I hope it works the same ;-)

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@christianboddum8783 i ripped out the 70s wiring and flipped the magnet to keep the pups in phase. Its always been my dream axe too and Ive always wanted the '72 Embossed pups. So its now converted mono and I don't regret it at all! New wiring sounds so much better. Also, installed a de lisle pentatone to replace the varitone

[@christianboddum8783]

@@SteveSterlacci I'm Happy for you :-) !

[@alwaysforget911]

Whats the switch you have set up next to the quad cortex?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Shure GLX tuner/wireless

[@hockeycanada18]

Are you no longer using the Helix?

[@SteveSterlacci]

I still am ! I have the helix, fm9 and qc. I am experimenting a bit. Helix is still at the top for.my particular needs

[@MrDavemiley]

How fast does it switch between presets /patches ?

[@SteveSterlacci]

About the same as the rest of the modelers. Few ms. Definitely noticeable, but thats why you use scenes that are seamless

[@ludlow555]

Are you jumping over to the QC at some point?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Getting to know it more and more! I will definitely want to incorporate an HX into this rig

[@SteveSterlacci]

As for touring, probably gonna stick with Helix

[@gregsmith4406]

Steve…do you use IEMs or just the power cab on stage?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Both, when I can

[@IndyRockStar]

who picks your set list?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Band leader

[@accidentals_hacks]

Why were you not using scenes though? A lot of stomping.

[@SteveSterlacci]

I was using both scenes and stomp modes

[@felipealonso8409]

Sounds killer like an HX Stomp and feels like a QC! 🙌

[@niteguy1976]

I'm hoping yamaha buys them and combines them

[@SteveSterlacci]

That'd be cool! But I doubt it

[@bergsofcanada2757]

This thing will be really cool until about 5 minutes from now and someone releases something that is supposed to be miles Beyond this! So realistic an awesome and whatever stupid technology whether it's convolution or capturing or whatever it says is happening at the moment

[@GiantSFaithfuL]

Town of Yorktown. Seems redundant. 😂

[@SteveSterlacci]

Town so nice, they named it twice !

[@dividedbytimestudios]

Those are all generic guitar tones that you could probably pull of with hot Rod deluxe and couple pedals, not knocking your playing, I just mean it’s hard to really tell was the quad cortex really that much better 🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️

[@SteveSterlacci]

For sure! My commentary was more on the stage feel through the power cab. I used to do this gig with 1 pedal and a deluxe reverb lol you are right that it is hard to tell. It really comes down to how the user can dial it in. I was mostly excited for my '63 bassman to sound good and not need to risk bringing it out

[@jeale778]

Traitor.. 😁

[@SteveSterlacci]

🤭🤭🤭

[@cast390]

Geriatric festival?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Yeah. You wouldn't believe how well they paid!

[@JessicaLynnCountry]

There were people from 5 to 100 there . Was a really fun mix of an audience

[@majesticpbjcat7707]

Yeah I bet the pay was killer. I would do that in a heartbeat if I wasn't in metal bands 🤣🤣🤣

[@StratsRUs]

My favourite music takes me back three decades plus, to when I was a teenager, going to early U2 and REM gigs.So all the best to them too for their love of music.

[@bergsofcanada2757]

Yay! First gig with another digital modelling fake box. That tries to capture and reproduce amplifiers. And fails entirely to do any of that.

[@SteveSterlacci]

You must be super professional ! Thanks for coming by for literally 0 reason. I would say that I hope this made you feel better about yourself, but I don't think that's possible...

[@JessicaLynnCountry]

@@SteveSterlacci 😅😅😅

[@marksh24]

Look at Mr. Banter Space with two subscribers and no videos who comes by here to be a cool, tough guy and offer some valid input and knowledge. And fails entirely to do any of that.

[@JessicaLynnCountry]

@@marksh24 👏👏👏

[@bergsofcanada2757]

This band is saddening and pathetic.

[@JessicaLynnCountry]

Your behavior is. You might want to leave your basement once in a while.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Watch out for anonymous tough guy on the internet! Get out from the cave once in awhile and try enjoying your life instead of being a prick

[@JessicaLynnCountry]

@@SteveSterlacci lol 😆

[@petercalamera6356]

Don't waste your time guys...Sounds like just another failed musician fighting that old "envy" thing as he plays with himself in his parents basement dreaming of the life you are living. This sad clown can amuse and entertain only with his stupidity...enjoy it and laugh at him as does the rest of the world...and you...you keep living the dream!

[@JessicaLynnCountry]

@@petercalamera6356 I tried to go easy on the guy...but ...yes..preach 😅😅😅

[@SteveSterlacci]

You can follow me on the cortex app neuraldsp.com/cloud/u/stalach

[@ericajohnson7535]

what in-ears do you use?

[@SteveSterlacci]

64 audio

[@ericajohnson7535]

@@SteveSterlacci Sorry, I meant what system: transmitter/receiver? Thanks!!