NDSP Quad Cortex

[Jarick]

Axe FXIII and former Kemper user here.

I’m quite curious about the Quad Cortex. I didn’t jump on the pre-order bandwagon, and from what I’ve seen online, it seems like the company has a long way to go to keep its promises.

That said, I’ve been noticing a lot of pros musicians using the device of late, the shortcomings be damned.

My interest has also been piqued by the coming (soon haha!) plugin capabilities. I’ve never tried the Neural plugins, but what I’ve heard online and the good reviews online tell me that whenever they finally port the plugins, the tones on the unit will be vastly improved.

Just might take the plunge. I could use a tiny unit that I can easily carry around, perhaps just for jams if it isn’t as good as I hope it will be.

Would also make a nifty backup for the Axe FX.

I don't find the plugins to be a tonal improvement over the amp models. Maybe I've got bad ears, but they sound good to me.

I've got an Axe 3 as well, and had Kemper previously. I prefer the QC to Kemper overall because it's way easier to use and it's a lot more flexible with having multiple captures instead of one profile. I will say that some of the Kemper effects like their newer delays and reverbs have a lot more flexibility and may have a more "organic" sound.

Axe 3 definitely has more amp models but it's hard to say if they are superior or not. Sometimes I prefer Axe others the QC. I do prefer the cabs in the QC to the Axe though. For effects, Axe has a lot more options, and there's definitely some things missing in the QC. But I do think a lot of core effects are there, so if you're the type of person who would have a more basic pedalboard it should be plenty. If you're more into specific rack gear and more obscure stuff, you might miss that.

Captures are very cool if you have specific gear you like. You can run multiple captures too which is really cool, and it actually uses less DSP than full models.

Overall the QC is really powerful, easy to use, and sounds very good. I'd say there are two limitations:

One is the power supply which is super cheap and flimsy. Also the QC needs a ton of current so a lot of pedalboard power supplies won't be able to power it. This is more of a struggle if you are integrating with a pedalboard. If you are just using it my itself, I'd just get an extra power supply for your bag and find a way to secure the cable so it doesn't accidentally unplug.

The other is slow development. There's been a couple bigger updates, but they haven't been able to catch up to Fractal or Helix in terms of amp/effect models nearly as quickly. Obviously the plugin compatibility is way behind, but there's not many new models. Not as big a deal for amps and drive pedals as you can get captures, but for things like reverbs, delays, etc those need to be modeled. Maybe that's a revenue thing, if they can get plugin compatibility people buy more plugins where more models are free.

Anyways I like it quite a bit and if you can try it, you may like it too. I think it makes sense for what you describe, a grab and go solution. Especially compared to something like Axe 3 + FC.

 

[MirrorProfiles]

can anyone demonstrate the built in amp models being a miss? Like a 5150 or SLO or Rectifier or Uber or whatever? I always read it but I want to hear what they actually sound like compared to something that gets it right

 

[mbenigni]

Like I said…it’s typical usb noise…not something thats typical for the QC.
After some further testing…when I keep reamping in the digital domain….it doesn’t make the recording…so it seems to only affect the analog outputs….but it’s annoying cause that’s what I monitor

I really don’t want to use EQs to get rid of noise as a default…bad starting point.

Search your vendor of choice (e.g. Amazon) for "usb noise isolator". Look for reviews that indicate purchasers have solved similar problems to your own. (I've never bought one myself.)

 

[Jarick]

can anyone demonstrate the built in amp models being a miss? Like a 5150 or SLO or Rectifier or Uber or whatever? I always read it but I want to hear what they actually sound like compared to something that gets it right

Honestly when I heard the shootout of amp models by Leon Todd, that was a big driver for me to get the QC. I thought it compared really well. I haven't felt them lacking at all, although I may prefer other modelers for specific amps (like the Deluxe Reverb).

 

[MirrorProfiles]

Honestly when I heard the shootout of amp models by Leon Todd, that was a big driver for me to get the QC. I thought it compared really well. I haven't felt them lacking at all, although I may prefer other modelers for specific amps (like the Deluxe Reverb).

I've only used my friends one for like 20 minutes at a time max, but whenever we compared to my amps they were all about as close as the plugins seemed to be (which I'm way more familiar with). I struggled a little with the Herbert (from memory) but most of the time matching them to my amps was either a settings or load box thing. I always read about the amp models lacking a bit and I'm curious what that sound actually is so I can pay attention to it in future

 

[laxu]

When I had it 3 years ago, I found I had to use very weird settings to get some of the models to sound close to the Fractal ones. Like the JTM45 for example.

 

[Los-D]

can anyone demonstrate the built in amp models being a miss? Like a 5150 or SLO or Rectifier or Uber or whatever? I always read it but I want to hear what they actually sound like compared to something that gets it right

Check out the model (4:35) vs capture (9:25). I find that same discrepancy with other models. And that JTM45 sounds horrible to me @laxu

 

[MirrorProfiles]

Check out the model vs capture. I find that same discrepancy with other models. And that JTM45 sounds horrible to me @laxu

Hmm, I'd say some experimentation with different loads on the amp, and adjusting the settings more could get things closer. The capture doesn't sound quite like the amp either (I actually prefer the capture, it has less of the bloated mids that Soldanos sometimes have).

 

[Los-D]

Hmm, I'd say some experimentation with different loads on the amp, and adjusting the settings more could get things closer. The capture doesn't sound quite like the amp either (I actually prefer the capture, it has less of the bloated mids that Soldanos sometimes have).

model (4:35) vs capture (9:25)

Added timestamps. The capture sounds great to me

 

[Mongillo19]

Check out the model (4:35) vs capture (9:25). I find that same discrepancy with other models. And that JTM45 sounds horrible to me @laxu

I wonder if the JTM is just hard to model? People complain/complained about it on the fractal units as well for a long time

 

[deadpool_25]

Pro musicians using it is most likely due to these factors:

• They can use captures to make a digital facsimile of their favorite tube amp rig.
• It's relatively compact so perfect for small gigs, clinics, as a fly rig etc.
• It's easy to use.
• NeuralDSP has been sending them to various people.

Yup. Talked to the Erra guys for example and they said they're using captures of the plugin (Atrium iirc) they used on their album. Let that one sink in a bit. :)

The plugin support will not make it sound better in any way. It's just more models, fx and whatnot in the unit.

Yeah I think it'll just add various options that are in the plugins. I don't see why they'd sound any better objectively. Although I have a shitload of NDSP plugins and think theyre all great, the QC does already sound excellent imo. With that said...

Your Axe-Fx 3 is already better sounding especially for effects.

This. IMO/IME.

As much as I like the usability and form factor of the QC, it's just missing the mark in other areas.

The usability and form factor are what has had me considering a QC lately. I even reached out to my SW rep but haven't pulled the trigger yet. I'm just certain that as soon as I get a QC Fractal will announce Gen 4 which I'm guessing will be an insta-buy for me.

 

[dean701]

I will add just this. Sometimes the lack of advancement is a good thing. One of my biggest irks about Fractal is the ever changing landscape. Not just small adds but when the underlying algorithms are being altered having to redo presets over and over or finding new bugs is a complete time killer. On one end of spectrum you have Kemper (small advancements and Liquid profiles aside) and on the other end Fractal with the quest for perfection (which I think NAM still wins). In fw 23 (late 2023) they announced the new plates and reverbs, IMO I was happy with fw22. I liked the plates better before fw23. Since then, it's been a steamroller of new codes, and re-designed algorithms. Fractal gives option paralysis as it is but having to re-tool everything all the time gives little enjoyment. I'm passing on fw26 and maybe all future updates. This will probably be my last Fractal device because I simply want to play.
I know this is a hotbed for Fractal fans and I think I've been diplomatic with my diction. It's not bad by any means but does it give the most satisfaction? Not sure about that.
I'm waiting to see what evolves from the TMP and of course QC v3

 

[GTR37]

I will add just this. Sometimes the lack of advancement is a good thing. One of my biggest irks about Fractal is the ever changing landscape. Not just small adds but when the underlying algorithms are being altered having to redo presets over and over or finding new bugs is a complete time killer. On one end of spectrum you have Kemper (small advancements and Liquid profiles aside) and on the other end Fractal with the quest for perfection (which I think NAM still wins). In fw 23 (late 2023) they announced the new plates and reverbs, IMO I was happy with fw22. I liked the plates better before fw23. Since then, it's been a steamroller of new codes, and re-designed algorithms. Fractal gives option paralysis as it is but having to re-tool everything all the time gives little enjoyment. I'm passing on fw26 and maybe all future updates. This will probably be my last Fractal device because I simply want to play.
I know this is a hotbed for Fractal fans and I think I've been diplomatic with my diction. It's not bad by any means but does it give the most satisfaction? Not sure about that.
I'm waiting to see what evolves from the TMP and of course QC v3

I don’t think your being derogatory at all and frankly I can see your point , I totally understand where some will love the constant pace of improvements but I can also see the other side where it’s just too much and you can start to experience firmware burnout , especially where as you mentioned you don’t like the new version or elements of it , and it forcing you to constantly tweak to get back to a point you are happy with only to have it happen again a week later

I do think there is a happy medium Fractal maybe is a bit too aggressive with the development for some

Where as Line6 sits on the other end of the scale with 1 or 2 max a year

QC has kind of been the same thanks to the plug-in fiasco so who really knows where they would be if they had been able to release and update a quarter or 3 or 4 a year as they were initially forecasting

I suspect if they had been able to deliver , likely the gaps in effects would have been filled by now

 

[GTR37]

Doctor…I think I suffer from option paralysis and firmware burnout.

Doc: let me prescribe you a deluxe and a Boss pedal

Funny as that sounds your not wrong
You won’t have option paralysis with a Marshall and tubecreamer and you want have to change your settings weekly

 

[Thrifty]

Option paralysis with the Axe FXIII isn't as bad as it sounds. While there's a whole tonne of stuff you can do under an amp model's hood, if you'd just like to have a simple chain such as input>drive>amp>cab>output, it's very easy to create.

And the amp models really sound good. Just load up one with the default settings and get going. I did that for a few months before I started to get comfortable with delving into the belly of the beast.

 

[laxu]

I will add just this. Sometimes the lack of advancement is a good thing. One of my biggest irks about Fractal is the ever changing landscape. Not just small adds but when the underlying algorithms are being altered having to redo presets over and over or finding new bugs is a complete time killer. On one end of spectrum you have Kemper (small advancements and Liquid profiles aside) and on the other end Fractal with the quest for perfection (which I think NAM still wins). In fw 23 (late 2023) they announced the new plates and reverbs, IMO I was happy with fw22. I liked the plates better before fw23. Since then, it's been a steamroller of new codes, and re-designed algorithms. Fractal gives option paralysis as it is but having to re-tool everything all the time gives little enjoyment. I'm passing on fw26 and maybe all future updates. This will probably be my last Fractal device because I simply want to play.
I know this is a hotbed for Fractal fans and I think I've been diplomatic with my diction. It's not bad by any means but does it give the most satisfaction? Not sure about that.
I'm waiting to see what evolves from the TMP and of course QC v3

That's a totally acceptable viewpoint. Having been without a modeler for some months now, it's been weirdly liberating that I'm not waiting for the next big update, or having to rework my settings, or constantly trying things, instead just working with what I've got.

Fractal's constant updates are of course very welcome, but when it's constantly evolving it can mean having to rework stuff now and then. IMO most of their updates work fine as is but there are some that make me want to adjust stuff. The more presets you use, the bigger a problem this can become.

You can always just choose to stick to an older firmware version and update when you feel like it, when an update brings a feature you like etc. The FM9 and FM3 getting bigger, less frequent updates is on one hand convenient because you avoid the iterative releases, but on the other hand means you need to wait for improvements you know are already on the Axe-Fx 3.

But it can also be frustrating when the right updates never come.

 

[Orvillain]

@MirrorProfiles When I had the QC side-by-side against the Axe FX III back in 2020, both myself and the old TNBD 2nd guitarist thought that the Axe FX III sounded more detailed and punchier and more "real" than the QC; this was when comparing like-for-like models; Recto versus Recto, 5150III versus 5150III.

The QC amp captures definitely sound killer though. Much better than the Kemper.

Part of me would like to pick up a QC again, just for shits and giggles. <ducks>

 

[SeeD]

Was reading reviews, I've never tried the unit. From what I read, the common complaint was that the in-built models are underwhelming. In contrast, I've read far better things about Neural's plugins.

So totally conjecture, but if they do it right, it should be a step up from the existing tones.



I think there are also places where you can purchase good captures, for example the Omega Ampworks folks have released their own captures of their amps. Sounds like a good starting point. I also have no idea, but I'm hoping some of the free captures that have been shared are also a good starting point.

I also have a few amps of my own, so I might try capturing some of those as well.

I won't be selling the bike shop, the Axe FX is a very useful unit to me. I even sold my Kemper after spending some time with it, I vastly preferred the ability to create my own tones, rather than having to be locked into what someone else perceived as a good tone. Great unit, but I struggled with it. I was one of the earlier adopters too, got mine in 2013 and had it for some 8-9 years before I switched.

Portability is one of the main factors that is motivating me to get one of these units. I've busted my back hauling around tonnes of gear and guitars from one jam to another (you could count the number of gigs I've played at on one hand), and I think it would be great to just have a small unit that I could cart around without struggling too much.

The amp models on the QC is good sounding, and the unit come with a buch of Capture of a lot of amps on the unit.
I would say, you dont need to buy a capture pack at all ( or if it`s a amp you `need` to have ) Making a capture is easy, and fun, it`s easy to use

 

[MirrorProfiles]

@MirrorProfiles When I had the QC side-by-side against the Axe FX III back in 2020, both myself and the old TNBD 2nd guitarist thought that the Axe FX III sounded more detailed and punchier and more "real" than the QC; this was when comparing like-for-like models; Recto versus Recto, 5150III versus 5150III.

The QC amp captures definitely sound killer though. Much better than the Kemper.

Part of me would like to pick up a QC again, just for shits and giggles. <ducks>

You see, whenever I’ve used it I thought the captures were “fine” but a bit pointless with the modelled stuff in there. I’d probably need to spend more time with it to notice it sounding worse or different in some way, most A/B’s I’ve done it was at least on par with the real amps/Helix/Fractal/their plugins

 

[SeeD]

When I had it 3 years ago, I found I had to use very weird settings to get some of the models to sound close to the Fractal ones. Like the JTM45 for example.

To be fair, the Fractal models have changed a lot in 3 years. Tweek this, and twiddle this.
I used to have a Axe Fx II and it sounded good, but when i sold it and got a QC it also sounded good. A lot may change in 3 years