Neural DSP Quad Cortex - Worth It In 2024?

[@johnwaller9399]

Glad you gave the QC a second shot, I waited till this year to get one and I am glad I did because it is a much better product than it was when it launched. Now to grab your captures!

[@truthfactreality6814]

I sold my first quad cortex. I’ve since rebought it. It’s an incredible unit

[@XChristianNoirX]

I sold mine before it arrived. Couldn't afford not to.. People were paying almost 1k premium. :/ That's not why I bought it.. But the rumors that it wasn't ready for prime time made my decision for me. Kids to feed ya know..

[@00Dusty]

What made you sell it? What made you buy it back? I’m debating what unit to buy

[@truthfactreality6814]

@@00DustyI needed the money. As soon as I got money again I bought it back. It’s the best unit there is and I use it for multiple jobs

[@sergejkrynycky728]

Same here!Sold it 1.5 years ago and bought it again few weeks ago. The product got much better.

[@TheGuitarNerdShow]

That Strat though! What an amazing sounding guitar! I just received a Quad Cortex, haven't yet had the chance to check it out but your video made me even more impatient to plug into it LOL!

[@djwmusic]

It sounds incredible!

[@Takis_Playloud]

That Strat is sick

[@bernie_smith]

Great stuff. I commented when you got your A N amp hoping that you would share some captures of the amp on your QC. You kindly replied confirming that unfortunately you no longer had a QC. Can't wait to get hold of your new captures. Thank you and also for your great channel.

[@Brixiomendoza]

amazing sound!!! love that strat!! :D

[@IamMusicNerd]

I used to prefer Fractal, because I just like the tones better. But the UI on the Fractal units is so outdated and complicated, and their pedal units are not as Pedal Board friendly as the QC. The UI on the quad cortex has always been far more user-friendly, but they just didn’t have the tones before. But over the last year or two, the QC has come a long way. It is miles better than it used to be. The effects now are some of the best I’ve heard in these types of devices, and the amps have gotten very realistic, especially the huge library of captures that you can download. It is now my favorite of the multi effect units, due to the combination of small form factor, easy UI, and great tones.

[@JamesFlorio-ti8gc]

Thanks for the demo . I'm with you guys early on I wasn't impressed but now the QC is on my radar massive improvements 💯

[@jamesryder9158]

The power supply and ground hum issues scared me away from the quad cortex, I'm going with the FM 9bturbo

[@rossauce12]

With the quad. Do you have to buy everything extra. Or does it already have a bunch of amps and effects in it you can tweak?

[@GearStuffandThings]

Love the QC. I do wish the black and gold was an option at the time I bought mine.

[@dreamscuba]

Great video. I got a pre-order QC when they first came out. My prior experience with modelers was the ElevenRack, which I loved, but died after 11 years. I may have been disappointed in the early years with the QC, but I didn’t have funds to mess around trying different kit. So, I stuck with it. I love the UI and there are some great amp tones. I have found some fabulous paid captures that have opened this up so much. These have meant that I really dig this as my recording amp. I had been hoping that the archetype amps would get ported to the QC, but, I can live without that. NeuralDSP support has been stellar for me as well. It doesn’t have any good mic preamps. But I have downloaded some captures of some to try. I also found that I prefer editing on the unit rather than the desktop app. That’s just me. The UI is so good and I spend 12 hours a day on a computer for work. I love the QC. Just my journey. Paul - your QC looks a different colour, or is that just the lighting?

[@TheStudioRats]

Hi Scuba, yes it’s a special edition.

[@dreamscuba]

Nice!!@@TheStudioRats

[@VäzPre]

Hello, please explain this: "It doesn’t have any good mic preamps". Thank you.

[@josephprice6617]

What a lovely melodic touch you have

[@fantomas9240]

Happy to see the return of your (not so anymore) black Strat, love this one ! Thought you sold it :(

[@borntoworship777]

Love your captures. By far the best I have used and heard. I use the TSR Amp Nation ODR all the time. Thank you for making it.

[@guitarcissist]

Just bought the packs and they sound phenomenal! Still waiting on the Matchless Independence 😉

[@glennc100]

I usually don't like heavily relic'ed strats but yours is so gnarled up, it kinda works

[@JoaoGasparGuitar]

Fantastic! Beautiful and gorgeous fat creamy tone in the Intro ! Congrats!!

[@JoaoGasparGuitar]

I Just got a QC. Love the tone and your playing ! Do you make the clean tones of the beggining of the video available for download?

[@ZombieDoggs]

I'm blown away by that simple intro. Just goes to show how beautiful 3 chords (that's what I counted) and variations thereof, can sound.

[@sinfirma23]

I bought the QC and a Fractal FM9 at the same time, about 1 year ago. So I was able to do a fairly calm comparison at home and return the one I liked the least. In the end, I stayed with the FM9 for functionality and better stage design (larger LEDs, greater space between buttons, built-in power supply...) while with QC I had to buy a pedalboard and I would still continue with the same space between pushbuttons and the same external source. Also, I can only clone one amp, the only one I have and for that...honestly, I prefer to use my real amp. QC has improved a lot but so has FM9, so I prefer to continue with FM9.

[@VäzPre]

Which device do you like more in terms of sound?

[@burrencrawler]

that guitar plays beautifully in tune , intonations and all, very nice !

[@TheStudioRats]

Thanks for listening

[@AkosKovacs.Author.Musician]

Mine's a first-generation Cortex from years ago. Reliable little thing it is.

[@Ivan_Ku.]

Quad cortex is good. But omg, this Fender is gorgeous and sound sooo good. Cheers!

[@Charvel4ever]

Nice playing. I’m looking at this and the fm9. I’m really not into tweaking sounds forever so want something with great presets that I can change a little if I want too. Thanks

[@stevenlobo2828]

You’ve inspired me to give this a go, great tones and playing. Cheers

[@GearSafari]

Sounds great 👍🏻🎸

[@ablachet]

What a beautiful strat yo got there

[@GRAFHC]

I love my QC, you name the modelling platform and I've owned it... sold everything once I got the QC in, its just that much better (to my ears).

[@MarkCoffin]

I love your channel. I'm glad you did a revisit. I've been revisiting buying a QC because, honestly, I can't stand the ToneX UI. It's so NOT user-friendly. I spend WAY too much time tweaking with that thing.

[@MrHitthespot]

I’ve been a tube amp guy since I started playing rock 50 years ago. Tried Fractal, Helix and Headrush. Decided modeling wasn’t for me because I thought those units didn’t sound anywhere as good or real as a tube amp. Fast forward to a year and a half ago, I watched the reviews and decided to try again and get a Quad Cortex. Within a couple of days I was blown away. Sounds better than my gigging amps AND it has the feel of a real amp. I admittedly am a fan boy now and can’t imagine being without it.

[@carminelombardi9575]

Love to see a comparison between the Neural Quad Cortex vs Axe Fx FM9.

[@jonathankrieger9121]

Hi Paul! Do you still have the capture of your 20W Marshall that you did 2 years ago?

[@3mstudiospalmdesert]

My QC is fundamental to my recording work. I can also confidently use it live but it has some competition for live work with my $300 Katana. Or my $4200 Matchless DC30. Life is good.

[@saltstream]

Cheers Paul. Great vid! I'm shocked the QC doesn't have a Harmonic Tremelo in it's FX library. That's very strange.

[@TheStudioRats]

I know, right?

[@richjamesbutt]

I may be wrong, but I think if you use the "width" knob in the tremolo I definitely hear the warble of harmonic trem

[@gabrielxgtr]

@@richjamesbuttexactly! You can “shape” your tremolo whatever you want by using the parameters

[@alexhall6375]

I was an early QC adopter but I wasn’t wowed from a player’s perspective, and it didn’t represent value for money at that time. I ended up with a Boss GT1000, and latterly an Iridium plus pedals which I felt were more responsive for clean and edge of breakup tones. I still get tempted because I know QC has made improvements but I’d be hesitant to give it another go … as for Mr Rat’s second coming perhaps that’s more to do with marketing opportunities for QC captures.

[@r.llynch4124]

With the 3.0 update it's a winner, finally!!

[@adam872]

It sounds pretty damn good to me. Modern modelling gear really is excellent.

[@DoctorMcFarlandStudios]

Coolest guitar ever :) Nice meeting you at NAMM.

[@TheStudioRats]

Thanks! You too!

[@sgflyingv]

Can anyone suggest a video on how to use the things? I don't have a computer and have never used a DAW or plugins. I Need a super simple introduction to this stuff video. It's presumabled we all know. I have always just used a guitar, pedals and an amp

[@alex_bux]

Great sounds...! what do we exactly hear? the sound through a daw? a miked amp? Do you have any advice on how you'd use this machine live? Hybrid? 4 cable? What amp? thanks a lot for your advices! A😄

[@sunnibird]

If I stop on that no less than 4 switches are getting pressed. I prefer the 'scribble strips' on other units over the screen setup on QC. Updates are better but still not where they should be.

[@SSN70]

Very helpful, very impressed with the tone, looking to get a QC to replace my old Axe-Fx ll 🍻👊🏽🤘🏽

[@aaronwalker5493]

if I don't use capture feature, is QC worth the money over Boss GX-100 ? if the sound quality and feel what matters most to me, is there a huge difference in sound quality?

[@GxBxN]

I nearly purchased a Quad Cortex, but preferred the wet FX on my Line 6 HF FX. I went for ToneX instead, and for me if was the perfect amp replacement solution. I felt the ToneX captures also seem more accurate and dynamic. Great tones nonetheless, and no doubt the QC gets incredible tones too.

[@TheStudioRats]

Thanks for sharing!

[@gaaoliv94]

Hi Paul ! I have a question. I have tried recording my QC with USB as an audio interface, but it seems to me that it loses sound quality. How are you recording you QC? I hope you can read my comment. greetings!

[@jaguarsunburst1570]

Great Job Man 🎸🎶🎸

[@TheStudioRats]

Thanks a lot!

[@Guitarmann-el6iz]

Qc is incredible ota a big learning curve since in such powerful unit dialing in tones and input and out put levels theres actualy a global out put and preset output

[@Utube-s8m]

Kemper is way worse. Once you get this it’s way easier. Fast workflow.

[@anthonybags2626]

That Strat is 🔥

[@ricksguitartv973]

I'm a bit of an amateur when it comes to these things and this might be a silly question but I can't seem to find much information about it.. In a live setting, what do you actually plug these things into to get the best sound? Into the speakers so the vocals and guitar both coming out the same place or with a guitar cabinet? Cheers in advance 😊

[@MrVyrtuoso]

Don't think so, since as far as I can see it still hasn't been updated to allow for all parameters to be assigned to MIDI controllers for remote/automated variable modulation.

[@polyvalentemontignac-lac-m8799]

Please review the Fender Tone Master Pro with that nice Strat Custom Shop :)

[@vitaliistep]

Thank you, Paul. What can you tell about how QC feels in your hands in comparison to Kemper and Axe Fx III? Is it closer or farther from a real tube amp feel than Kemper and Axe Fx III?

[@TheStudioRats]

Nothing really beats Axefx for feel but QC works well and feels good.

[@vitaliistep]

@TheStudioRats thank you.

[@miket2728]

I’ve bought neural plugins over the years with hope they could be on the QC. Now I seldomly use the plugins and have switched to using amps and load boxes.

[@radosawpendziaek7503]

Recent update made possible using plugins on QC.

[@JayTheLane]

Funny I'm on the low end of Amp Modellers. I have a Boss GX100 which is simple and just sounds awesome and is so easy to use.

[@TheStudioRats]

Very nice!

[@brianpark492]

Line 6...Kemper etc. Whatever you are using if you find your tone that's all that matters.🍻

[@giovannibassano9471]

could you please tell me the exact model of this strat? are you selling it by any chance?

[@aguitarhero007]

Fantastic playing as always!

[@thomaswhudson]

I know its a modeller and I own a Tonex but I am looking for something thats all in one with effects. Will this cover all the bases?

[@nothingman7163]

One question I have yet to find answered, can the Quad Cortex capture / emulate Reverb, Delay, and Modulation Pedals?

[@Grants_jams]

you cannot capture time based effects but it comes with a lot of reverb delay and modulation effects that actually sound really good

[@Kaisermb1]

I love strats that survived an apocalyptic world event and were then sent back in time after being lost under the sea for a hundred years.....

[@Utube-s8m]

I was hoping you would do this. And you did.

[@ericbresnick688]

Not sure if you want to edit this, but at 13:30 "Captures" is spelled wrong and it's kind of a key word :) Beautiful clean tones on the video though. . .

[@rossauce12]

Was it me or were those frets like 4x the normal girth

[@bysykler4959]

I have a Boss GX100. It has a touch screen, IR capability, 170 effects (with labels), robust foot pedal AND Bluetooth (so I can jam with music on my iPad). This box at 3x the price???? Nope.

[@andyholmes9485]

Have you uploaded these as yet? Thanks

[@TheStudioRats]

Yes I have

[@timbilichi]

They haven't changed the reverbs/effects etc. as far as I know. I wonder why the unit sounds better to you now ? New monitors? New audio interface?

[@debrincatj]

It is now! Plugins in QC FTW!

[@staalearne]

Good, subscribing again 🤘

[@Emanuelassies]

Is the volume control global (when using a mission or other expression pedal)? Or do we still have to program it every preset?

[@john_sandilau]

Can you demo the wonderland special too? I can't decide which one to buy. Thanks!

[@kenmasters007]

I also had the first batch. Sold it a year or two ago. Still no plugin support.

[@Utube-s8m]

Really? Meanwhile, the quad sounds better. You buy it for what it is not what it may be. You’d rather have latency etc. Synthesizers and other sounds that don’t sound anything like a guitar at that point.

[@kenmasters007]

@@Utube-s8m I don't follow... What sounds better? Buy for what it may be? Lol. Technology is already outdated before it hit store shelves.

[@jayloyrecords]

Is there ANY difference in this limited edition over the original? Or is it simply the outward appearance of black and gold?

[@TheStudioRats]

It’s just a colour option

[@jayloyrecords]

@@TheStudioRats Thanks!

[@christopher.k.guitar]

Paul, where did your Phil X amp go? That is such a magical amplifier… 🙌

[@TheStudioRats]

It’s sold I’m afraid.

[@baldbassclef]

Neural is great.

[@truthfactreality6814]

I recommend the KNK shield for qc

[@davidLPST]

Paul, is the TSR Cornell amp now forgotten? Seems not to be your favourite. Perhaps it’s a price issue as the Amplified Nation amps are twice the price but the TSR isn’t getting much playtime.

[@timmez1989]

Im gonna buy the captures. Can you tell me which can you use?

[@matskihlberg4762]

I just bought one. The best thing with good modellers is in my opinion good, consistent sound with total control of the volume. Tube amps might feel and sound a little better at their sweet spot, but they offer very poor volume control. All alternatives for volume control both sounds worse and gives less control. I have tried master volume, attenuators, power scaling (and other voltage related techniques), load boxes and speaker simulation and tons of distorsion and overdrive pedals. Power scaling is by far the best of them, but they all sound worse than good modellers.

[@JamTagg]

Happy QC owner here so nice job on the video. Awesome sounds and captures! What I really want to know though is all the details about that brilliant sounding Strat! Have you done a video on this guitar? Pickups? (Lollar perhaps?!?!) Wiring style?

[@Utube-s8m]

Ancho Pablano strat.

[@attilabalaton981]

I’d love to know what pickups are you using. They sound so sparkly but without harsness, they almost have kind of a “soft” high end. Are they maybe something with AlNiCo III magnets?

[@TheStudioRats]

They are ancho Pablano pickups

[@attilabalaton981]

@@TheStudioRats Thank you for your response. Just checked them out. Their demo is quite uninspiring on the webpage. But I think I know who could make a much better one for them... :)

[@ちょっちょーす]

Do you Capture other amps? Would love to have Divided By13 You shared a free Capture with us earlier. I'd be happy to see a Capture of Divided By13 for sale.

[@MattiasBok]

If I’m only needing something to replace my pedals and amplifiers - why is the cost difference of QC and the Helix Lite justified? Or is it not, considering my intentions? Thank you

[@TheStudioRats]

Helix does not capture.

[@MattiasBok]

Thanks for the reply. May I enquire, when capturing. The microphone is connected XLR to the QC and the QC is connected via 1/4 Jack straight into the Amplifiers Input? Regards

[@marinepilot5723]

To hell with the QC! Talk to me about that Strat!!! What kind of pickups?

[@stephengoh4270]

Hi Paul, just wondering, how does the Quad cortex feel under the fingers compared to the Boss GTCore? Care to shed some light, would be awesome if you could comment on the feel of the tonex too!

[@TheStudioRats]

It’s feels good, not sure it’s as responsive as how the boss feels but it’s very close. Weird that Boss have managed to perfect that.

[@ralphieralph9176]

listened 5 seconds..AND YES IT`S WORTH IT

[@halstonhilburn]

Still a line 6 helix user but want to try out the QC. Being able to buy worship tutorial pre made packs and know every sunday will have amazing sounds made by people who create packs for a living makes life easier. Had a boss GT1000 first and there just wasnt anything like that available at the time. I feel like the helix offer so much. Software and hardware. Love the built in volume pedal for huge ambient swells. Is the QC a upgrade?

[@HueYing]

I am personally intensely biased towards the QC. I love everything about it. However, from an objective viewpoint, I think line 6 gear is just as good. QC does some stuff better, Line 6 does some stuff better, Fractal does some better too. It all depends on the individual player. No one modeler is objectively an upgrade to another, but if there's something the quad cortex does that you want get it, LoL

[@Martinez_productions]

awesome video man, loved the toxic synth, are u able to share that ? I don't have it on mine thank you :)

[@randomguitarnote8887]

Hello, maybe a stupid question but im a complete noob when it comes to this kind of equipment. Do you plug this into a cab for the sound to come out or any speaker would do? Thanks in advance.

[@TheStudioRats]

No problem at all, It’s designed to go either straight into a recording interface or into a PA for live. There is no powered out to go into a cab.

[@danharding9136]

You can use an orange pedal baby if you want use a cab

[@randomguitarnote8887]

@@TheStudioRats thanks for the reply, I guess I would need a computer with a recording software to go along with it then.

[@randomguitarnote8887]

@@danharding9136 🧐

[@Utube-s8m]

@@randomguitarnote8887I plug mine into the return fx of my amp and go right into a regular guitar cabinet.

[@Turej87]

Thanks for the video! Lot of people have started to compare the Quad Cortex to the new Ampero II Stage, do You think they are at the same level of sound/feel ?

[@TheStudioRats]

I’d have to compare them side by side. When we tested the AMPERO, I wasn’t a fan.

[@anonymous_friend]

Are you gating your mic? You can hear the mic noise cut in and out when you stop speaking. It might sound a little better if you just gate it during the play examples.

[@metricdeep8856]

So you still need a good amp? Or will any amp work?

[@TheStudioRats]

It’s designed to go direct, not into an amp

[@franki68]

As someone who changed their amp at least once a year I can honestly say I bought one when they came out and haven’t looked at another amp or modeller since . Oh and toxic synth arguably the greatest preset on a modeller ?

[@DBroce]

Paul, you’re never going to convince me that you weren’t once a Metalhead.

[@MrTupeloFlash]

Is that the Ltd Edition Gold Sparkle Model ?

[@TheStudioRats]

It is.

[@shaharbar]

Some blurring happening when the camera is on your face Paul, autofocus out-of-whack... QQ, do you see the AxeFX III making it back into your rotation in the future?

[@TheStudioRats]

Yeah deffo, I’m just waiting for the FX4

[@ali-om4uv]

I own one and to be honest live i prefer the fm3 of the other guitarist for many readons. Its just not fit for messy live usecases. The bootup alone suxx. Tones areg4eat tho. If only I would not have had to send it back twice already. For home use I think its probably one of the best packages.

[@huddleshuddles7360]

I have one of the first batches ...its very laggy and switching preset it is slow. Are the new ones different perhaps a bit better than the originals?

[@radosawpendziaek7503]

I understand that software updates didn't help?

[@Utube-s8m]

Update your software. Use scenes. They made that so you can have quick switches of the scene. There’s not a newer version. Back up your unit first.

[@jakubrog7836]

Hey Paul, great review. What do you think about headruah prime there’s will be a test on the channel :)?

[@TheStudioRats]

I haven’t used on I’m afraid, but it’s massive.

[@philippe-oliviertrottier9885]

What kind of speakers are you using?

[@nicolasmasset]

Lovely video! What gauge of strings do you use on your strat?

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers, I use 10’s

[@aaronthomas7790]

Are you going to capture the independence as well? That's my favorite for tonex I've found.

[@TheStudioRats]

Yes possibly. Cheers

[@jamesbondaygee]

Is that going through an amp? Or directly to interface?

[@TheStudioRats]

An interface.

[@stephonwilliams8890]

Any chance you'll be bringing these to kemper soon?

[@TheStudioRats]

I’d have to get yet another Kemper but possibly yes

[@huddleshuddles7360]

I love that strats neck pickup what is it? The tone is full and throaty. Nice vid man!

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers they are Ancho Poblano fender pickups

[@huddleshuddles7360]

Thank you!@@TheStudioRats