NDSP Quad Cortex

[MirrorProfiles]

Everything I have read or heard directly from Ben and DI and others from L6 is that if they Model Amp X or EFX Y .. and they think its their "best" .... its going into the Full Helix, LT, XL and Stomp ...... and Native.

I don't think the people at L6 have any desire to make people pay for their "best models" or "unique extra models" ... ... you buy a Helix variant and you get all of their-best .. for free ... if they get their hands on Jesus's Serial 0001 Dumble and model it, you're going to get it for free.

In terms of plugin suites, Native gives you a virtual full Helix with all the exact same algorithms and quality ... and for big chunks of the year they run big specials on it to ..... everything in Metallurgy etc.... is already in Native.

Ben

Yeah, this isn't really understanding my gripe with Metallurgy. Check my other posts about it as I've bored everyone to death over it a few times. They sound great but the presentation of the products can be improved. Just because the same sounds are available in HX Native and Metallurgy, it doesn't mean that each product doesn't have its own uses. I own HX Native and all the Metallurgy suites, they are not intended to be the same thing dressed in different ways.

 

[Jarick]

Just thought I'd compare again:
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BE is in the "mid gain" structure position, C45 off, vintage voicing. Just sort of eyeballed settings and that alone was pretty damn close.

Played around a bit this morning and I can kind of get them closer, although Plini still has a bit more mid push and a lot less gain.

Are you comparing the real amp to Plini or a model/plugin?

 

[MirrorProfiles]

Played around a bit this morning and I can kind of get them closer, although Plini still has a bit more mid push and a lot less gain.

Are you comparing the real amp to Plini or a model/plugin?

Real amp, its the one (and settings) in the photo. I've compared the amp and Plini numerous times, and also against other plugins and its always matched very closely with no trouble at all. The bright switch is the only notable difference IME. I don't know how NDSP have implemented input gain levels for PCOM sims in the QC but could that be a factor?

There is a switch on the amp that affects the overall gain level. To the right is the highest gain, to the left is a medium setting, and in the middle is lowest gain. Plini matches closest to the left position that is "medium" gain. Most models usually use the highest gain mode and then you can use the input control to get the other tones (its close enough). Does the QC model have a switch for gain structure? if no, then youll need to lower the level going into the model to match Plini.

I haven't used the QC model for more than a few seconds, but if there is a difference, itll either be down to the switches available (I'm not sure which ones they included, but for instance Helix Native and Fractal only have some of them) or down to the load used. BE100 seems to be one of those amps that takes kindly to modelling - Plini, Fractal and Helix have always served me well for that sound.

I did these videos a while ago showing Plini vs BE100 and placater:

 

[MirrorProfiles]

I haven't checked exactly, but I'm pretty certain ALL of the Gojira and Plini cabs have been in the QC since day one. Easiest way for NDSP to load up the QC inventory is to use the stuff they already have, so theres a lot of cross pollination with the plugins.

If there is a difference between the Fender Twin's, EVH 5150 EL34 100W and BE100 models I can't imagine its huge. Guessing they were the first PCOM plugins as the bulk of the work was either done or easy to do. I really think its a bit of waste of time going for Gojira or Plini if you are trying to "expand" the QC. If you want the plugin version of those amps to run on your computer, then I'd say there is value.

 

[GTR37]

I haven't checked exactly, but I'm pretty certain ALL of the Gojira and Plini cabs have been in the QC since day one. Easiest way for NDSP to load up the QC inventory is to use the stuff they already have, so theres a lot of cross pollination with the plugins.

If there is a difference between the Fender Twin's, EVH 5150 EL34 100W and BE100 models I can't imagine its huge. Guessing they were the first PCOM plugins as the bulk of the work was either done or easy to do. I really think its a bit of waste of time going for Gojira or Plini if you are trying to "expand" the QC. If you want the plugin version of those amps to run on your computer, then I'd say there is value.

They are definitely pulling from the QC inventory
I would not be surprised if that circular delay is somewhere maybe in the Petrucci just a watered down version

Now that many of the plug-in have room mics I suspect there will be an update to the cab block to facilitate that

 

[deadpool_25]

Messed with the QC a bit yesterday through the FR-12/Archangel. It sounds really good and is quite easy to use. I like being able to bring up presets from the plugins. I like how easy it is to find presets via the app, download them, and have them show up on the unit.

I'm a bit spoiled by the all the models in the Fractalverse. I particularly noticed this when adding a drive block. I think maybe you can capture drive pedals though? If so, maybe I'll see if I can capture my Precision Drive--that's one I'd like to have in the QC.

So far so good. I need to dive into the effects and routing a bit more today as those are the things where I could feel limited coming from the FM9.

 

[GTR37]

Messed with the QC a bit yesterday through the FR-12/Archangel. It sounds really good and is quite easy to use. I like being able to bring up presets from the plugins. I like how easy it is to find presets via the app, download them, and have them show up on the unit.

I'm a bit spoiled by the all the models in the Fractalverse. I particularly noticed this when adding a drive block. I think maybe you can capture drive pedals though? If so, maybe I'll see if I can capture my Precision Drive--that's one I'd like to have in the QC.

So far so good. I need to dive into the effects and routing a bit more today as those are the things where I could feel limited coming from the FM9.

it's surprising they have not added the Horizon Drive , I feel like that's right in line with their user base

 

[Jarick]

@MirrorProfiles - really great work, thanks for the detail! You nailed the tone difference with the real amp.

 

[Mongillo19]

I think maybe you can capture drive pedals though?

You can! I think one of the horizon pedals has a gate so I'd probably make sure that's off if it's that version?

 

[mikah912]

it's surprising they have not added the Horizon Drive , I feel like that's right in line with their user base

Have they added any significant free guitar drive pedals? I think CorOS 1.2 was the last update on that front?! They're fine keeping all of those add-ons paywalled since they can always say "But, but, but.... there's captures out there!".

 

[LCW]

I think maybe you can capture drive pedals though?

Yes drive pedals can be captured. But not modulation pedals. Not sure about fuzz. But drive and distortion pedals for sure.

I've downloaded drive captures from Cortex Cloud that other people had captured.

EDIT: just went on Cortex Cloud app and a quick search shows one user by the name of Chunko has a Precision Drive capture called "PD Misha's Fave". I have not tried it.

 

[Mongillo19]

To me the next update for the QC will be very telling. Is it it going to be only plugin updates until they are caught up or will they (TINA ) help them to push new models and plugin portability

 

[mikah912]

To me the next update for the QC will be very telling. Is it it going to be only plugin updates until they are caught up or will they (TINA ) help them to push new models and plugin portability

In what is unfortunately typical for NDSP communication, I think I remember a screenshot of an official comment from them on their Discord where they said they intend to pick back up on new QC-only models after 3.0.0.

 

[Mongillo19]

In what is unfortunately typical for NDSP communication, I think I remember a screenshot of an official comment from them on their Discord where they said they intend to pick back up on new QC-only models after 3.0.0.

Well if true that's good news! Hoping they can strike a good balance.

 

[MirrorProfiles]

Well if true that's good news! Hoping they can strike a good balance.

I can’t see them releasing plugins unless they are officially licenced, or Archetypes. I’m sure it’ll work in both directions where maybe an amp will get added to QC, then put in an Archetype, and then QC users will buy the plugin version despite having most of it already

 

[Mongillo19]

I can’t see them releasing plugins unless they are officially licenced, or Archetypes

Have they ever done anything outside official license or archetype?

 

[2dor]

Have they ever done anything outside official license or archetype?

No.

 

[MirrorProfiles]

Have they ever done anything outside official license or archetype?

as a plugin? Parallax is the only one that comes to mind. I think given their approach to marketing etc, the branding of a company or artist is essential.

Maybe Cortex Native will come at some point, as that wouldn’t really need the brand or artist associations

 

[Jarick]

Parallax is another plugin on my radar, although I've had zero time to play or record or do anything the last few months.

Anyone compared the Gojira amps to the 5150?

 

[Mongillo19]

Parallax is another plugin on my radar, although I've had zero time to play or record or do anything the last few months.

Anyone compared the Gojira amps to the 5150?

Honestly if you are trying to nail Gojira, just use the 5150 stealth in the QC as that's what they use.

However, having Gojira, it is nice to have the presets, especially for the pitch effects they use