NMD: NDSP Quad Cortex

[DrewJD82]

Out of interest, who hasn't owned a QC around here??

I have not. Almost bought one 2 weeks ago to demo but couldn’t bring myself to do it for stupid and practical reasons.

 

[Whizzinby]

I’m convinced JT would love the fucking thing.

With his penchant for all chugs no cleans, and elaborate routing adventures, I actually think he’d dig it.

 

[mbenigni]

I’m convinced JT would love the fucking thing.

With his penchant for all chugs no cleans, and elaborate routing adventures, I actually think he’d dig it.

I've told him the same. For the routing and a few other reasons (form factor mainly) besides. (I don't personally think there's anything wrong with QC cleans.) But JT is deeply entrenched in reflex, and reasonably so.

I have not. Almost bought one 2 weeks ago to demo but couldn’t bring myself to do it for stupid and practical reasons.

I'm amazed to hear you even considered it for a moment. But sometimes you have to "know your enemy" if only to better inform your opinion. I've sat through to the end of plenty of terrible films, video games, etc. just so I could know I was completely justified in trashing them later. Question is: what if you had loved it?

 

[DrewJD82]

I've told him the same. For the routing and a few other reasons (form factor mainly) besides. (I don't personally think there's anything wrong with QC cleans.) But JT is deeply entrenched in reflex, and reasonably so.


I'm amazed to hear you even considered it for a moment. But sometimes you have to "know your enemy" if only to better inform your opinion. I've sat through to the end of plenty of terrible films, video games, etc. just so I could know I was completely justified in trashing them later. Question is: what if you had loved it?

I put some actual thought into it, the two ends of my ‘stupid’ and ‘practical reasons’ were-

Stupid- I don’t even want to entertain this device.

Practical- What if this thing fails while I have it purchased from GC? What happens if I try returning it broken? I just didn’t want to deal with any of that over that amount of money. That was equal to my “I’d only be buying it to pick it apart, knowing it’s shortcomings, which I don’t think is totally fair and would be welcoming negativity into the situation as a result”

I know I’d go right for the delays and reverbs with a paddle in my hands.

 

[mbenigni]

I put some actual thought into it, the two ends of my ‘stupid’ and ‘practical reasons’ were-

Stupid- I don’t even want to entertain this device.

Practical- What if this thing fails while I have it purchased from GC? What happens if I try returning it broken? I just didn’t want to deal with any of that over that amount of money. That was equal to my “I’d only be buying it to pick it apart, knowing it’s shortcomings, which I don’t think is totally fair and would be welcoming negativity into the situation as a result”

I know I’d go right for the delays and reverbs with a paddle in my hands.

I remember your mentioning this now. Yeah, that all makes sense. Except for the worries about returning it broken. I'd just establish the return policy in no uncertain terms before buying. If h/w fails inside that window, it has to be GC's problem, or no sale.

 

[DrewJD82]

I remember your mentioning this now. Yeah, that all makes sense. Except for the worries about returning it broken. I'd just establish the return policy in no uncertain terms before buying. If h/w fails inside that window, it has to be GC's problem, or no sale.

I was worried my negative vibes would play a role in all that.

 

[JiveTurkey]

I’m convinced JT would love the fucking thing.

With his penchant for all chugs no cleans, and elaborate routing adventures, I actually think he’d dig it.

I've told him the same. For the routing and a few other reasons (form factor mainly) besides. (I don't personally think there's anything wrong with QC cleans.) But JT is deeply entrenched in reflex, and reasonably so.


I'm amazed to hear you even considered it for a moment. But sometimes you have to "know your enemy" if only to better inform your opinion. I've sat through to the end of plenty of terrible films, video games, etc. just so I could know I was completely justified in trashing them later. Question is: what if you had loved it?

Seriously the only piece of gear there's ever been that was "made for me" but instantly in "just can't do it" category. Very out of character but it is what it is. Maybe someday if they sell the company

 

[TubeStack]

Here’s the QC + Stomp board. Loving this setup!

QC is controlling the Stomp via midi - so I don’t need to access the Stomp switches - and also changing Electra Dyne channels via the Suhr Micro midi.

Both QC and Stomp are powered by an Eventide Powermax (re-labelled Cioks DC7), along with the Suhr.

It makes me super happy to get the Stomp on there! I have a lot of affection for it (and the whole HX series).

 

[holoholo]

Here’s the QC + Stomp board. Loving this setup!

View attachment 17306

QC is controlling the Stomp via midi - so I don’t need to access the Stomp switches - and also changing Electra Dyne channels via the Suhr Micro midi.

Both QC and Stomp are powered by an Eventide Powermax (re-labelled Cioks DC7), along with the Suhr.

It makes me super happy to get the Stomp on there! I have a lot of affection for it (and the whole HX series).

 

[TubeStack]

 

[la szum]

 

[TubeStack]

So... the QC + Stomp setup was super cool, but short-lived (insert sad, descending trombone).

I moved the Stomp back to my main board, as I've gone back to pedals + Stomp In The Loop™ for use with my amp. Really does sound and feel the best with a tube amp (or at least with mine), although the QC did do very well and I may still use it that way, sometimes.

Going to go with a super-minimal setup for the QC, with just it and the Dunlop expression pedal on a Metro 16 with hard case. I played around with the delays today and was able to get closer to what I like.

I may buckle and move up to a Metro 20 at some point, and add the HX One for extra effect duty, but for now I'd like to try this super simple and small setup. Will post a pic when I get it together!

 

[la szum]

Who knew poetry would describe the tonal journey so accurately, and
before "gear" was ever really a thing??

Sometimes I feel like I spent 40 years chasing stuff I thought I would love
only to end up loving the things I always loved.

Not that I am giving anything up.

 

[TubeStack]

A few updates:

- ordered the Metro 16 + hard case for a super small and light QC setup; none were in stock so it's going to be a wait

- spent some time comparing the Stomp amp models with the QC models and captures:
> I love the Stomp and in many ways it trounces QC/NDSP (general effects quality + variety, company support + lack of douchiness, even overall build quality seems sturdier)
> but I can't deny that I much prefer the QC amp models and especially the captures (greater realism, details and feel)

- also spent some time with the QC in 4cm vs the Stomp last night, and the QC sounds and feels 1000x times better (more high end, better touch response, no "blanket on speaker" sensation)
> I'm wondering if this has to do with being able to set the input gain on the QC? It was actually sounding quite underwhelming and weird at first with my LP, which has BK Black Dogs set pretty low from the strings and registers lower in output than the 58/15LTs in my 594, however when I bumped up the input gain it made a BIG difference and I'm back to thinking I may use the QC in 4cm more than I thought, now

- I was also able to get the QC Tape Delay even closer to L6's Transistor Tape, pretty happy about that, so other than the Uni-Vibe, I'm not really missing anything, effects-wise

- I should add, as much as I love the captures on the QC, especially the ones I've made of my Dyne, I am finding the capture/profile world kind of annoying, in that now I feel I have to make new captures for my LP with the amp set best for it (vs the ones I've made for my 594), along with new captures for each of my cabs, and new captures at gig volumes vs home volumes, etc, etc
> an added small pain to this, is that I'm making the captures with the DI-out on the Dyne, so there is still sound coming out of the speakers, which is loud AF and I don't feel like I can just make captures at any given time, ie. with family working on homework, neighbours, etc

- so, if I ever do find an amp model I love as much as my Electra Dyne captures (FAS Cornford MK50 with 6L6s has come the closest), I will possibly jump the QC/capture ship in order to have the quick control that modelling provides (I'm one foot in the Fractal camp at all times, anyway, and am even on the current FM9 waitlist, although I may just grab someone's used Mk 1 when the Mk 2's are available, as I actually prefer the smaller scribble strips, based on that recent NAMM pic)

- however, all of that considered, I am still LOVING the sounds I'm getting from the QC and looking forward to a small, sleek and light setup with the Metro 16 + hard case that I can use for both 4cm and as an all-in-one modeler/capture/effects unit

TL/DR: QC is better than Stomp for amp models and 4cm, captures can be annoying with limited adjustment factor and need to make several captures, still may return to the FM9, but also still loving QC sounds and form factor)

 

[JiveTurkey]

A few updates:

- ordered the Metro 16 + hard case for a super small and light QC setup; none were in stock so it's going to be a wait

- spent some time comparing the Stomp amp models with the QC models and captures:
> I love the Stomp and in many ways it trounces QC/NDSP (general effects quality + variety, company support + lack of douchiness, even overall build quality seems sturdier)
> but I can't deny that I much prefer the QC amp models and especially the captures (greater realism, details and feel)

- also spent some time with the QC in 4cm vs the Stomp last night, and the QC sounds and feels 1000x times better (more high end, better touch response, no "blanket on speaker" sensation)
> I'm wondering if this has to do with being able to set the input gain on the QC? It was actually sounding quite underwhelming and weird at first with my LP, which has BK Black Dogs set pretty low from the strings and registers lower in output than the 58/15LTs in my 594, however when I bumped up the input gain it made a BIG difference and I'm back to thinking I may use the QC in 4cm more than I thought, now

- I was also able to get the QC Tape Delay even closer L6's Transistor Tape, pretty happy about that, so other than the Uni-Vibe, I'm not really missing anything, effects-wise

- I should add, as much as I love the captures on the QC, especially the ones I've made of my Dyne, I am finding the capture/profile world kind of annoying, in that now I feel I have to make new captures for my LP with the amp set best for it (vs the ones I've made for my 594), along with new captures for each of my cabs, and new captures at gig volumes vs home volumes, etc, etc
> an added small pain to this, is that I'm making the captures with the DI-out on the Dyne, so there is still sound coming out of the speakers, which is loud AF and I don't feel like I can just make captures at any given time, ie. with family working on homework, neighbours, etc

- so, if I ever do find an amp model I love as much as my Electra Dyne (FAS Cornford MK50 with 6L6s has come the closest), I will possibly jump the QC/capture ship in order to have the quick control that modelling provides (I'm one foot in the Fractal camp at all times, anyway, and am even on the current FM9 waitlist, although I may just grab someone's used Mk 1 when the Mk 2's are available, as I actually prefer the smaller scribble strips, based on that recent NAMM pic)

- however, all of that considered, I am still LOVING the sounds I'm getting from the QC and looking forward to a small, sleek and light setup with the Metro 16 + hard case that I can use for both 4cm and as an all-in-one modeler/capture/effects unit

TL/DR: QC is better than Stomp for amp models and 4cm, captures can be annoying with limited adjustment factor and need to make several captures, still may return to the FM9, but also still loving QC sounds and form factor)

This all makes a ton of sense. All of it. If something is inspiring and works for you in whatever certain way; stick with it.

 

[FuzzyAce]

This all makes a ton of sense. All of it. If something is inspiring and works for you in whatever certain way; stick with it.

Hmmmm... Is this @Stone posing as JT?

 

[JiveTurkey]

 

[TubeStack]

This all makes a ton of sense. All of it. If something is inspiring and works for you in whatever certain way; stick with it.

Thanks for reading all that! Man, looking back, that was a wordy one….

In some ways these posts are like a public “gear journal”; I do actually look back to see where I was at and what I was using at different times.

(And, to be honest, it can be a nice, calming thing to focus on when life or work is hectic/stressful.)

 

[GTR37]

A few updates:

- ordered the Metro 16 + hard case for a super small and light QC setup; none were in stock so it's going to be a wait

- spent some time comparing the Stomp amp models with the QC models and captures:
> I love the Stomp and in many ways it trounces QC/NDSP (general effects quality + variety, company support + lack of douchiness, even overall build quality seems sturdier)
> but I can't deny that I much prefer the QC amp models and especially the captures (greater realism, details and feel)

- also spent some time with the QC in 4cm vs the Stomp last night, and the QC sounds and feels 1000x times better (more high end, better touch response, no "blanket on speaker" sensation)
> I'm wondering if this has to do with being able to set the input gain on the QC? It was actually sounding quite underwhelming and weird at first with my LP, which has BK Black Dogs set pretty low from the strings and registers lower in output than the 58/15LTs in my 594, however when I bumped up the input gain it made a BIG difference and I'm back to thinking I may use the QC in 4cm more than I thought, now

- I was also able to get the QC Tape Delay even closer to L6's Transistor Tape, pretty happy about that, so other than the Uni-Vibe, I'm not really missing anything, effects-wise

- I should add, as much as I love the captures on the QC, especially the ones I've made of my Dyne, I am finding the capture/profile world kind of annoying, in that now I feel I have to make new captures for my LP with the amp set best for it (vs the ones I've made for my 594), along with new captures for each of my cabs, and new captures at gig volumes vs home volumes, etc, etc
> an added small pain to this, is that I'm making the captures with the DI-out on the Dyne, so there is still sound coming out of the speakers, which is loud AF and I don't feel like I can just make captures at any given time, ie. with family working on homework, neighbours, etc

- so, if I ever do find an amp model I love as much as my Electra Dyne captures (FAS Cornford MK50 with 6L6s has come the closest), I will possibly jump the QC/capture ship in order to have the quick control that modelling provides (I'm one foot in the Fractal camp at all times, anyway, and am even on the current FM9 waitlist, although I may just grab someone's used Mk 1 when the Mk 2's are available, as I actually prefer the smaller scribble strips, based on that recent NAMM pic)

- however, all of that considered, I am still LOVING the sounds I'm getting from the QC and looking forward to a small, sleek and light setup with the Metro 16 + hard case that I can use for both 4cm and as an all-in-one modeler/capture/effects unit

TL/DR: QC is better than Stomp for amp models and 4cm, captures can be annoying with limited adjustment factor and need to make several captures, still may return to the FM9, but also still loving QC sounds and form factor)

I agree frankly it gets some good sounds and where it is now , with all these great captures, desktop editor, new amps and effects its come a long way . I still don't love the company and their ridiculous antics like a giant soon sign at Name . but I don't have to like them to like their product .
and frankly I agree with you that a LOT ( not every one ) of the models to me sounded and felt better than what I could get out of Helix

 

[mbenigni]

So... the QC + Stomp setup was super cool, but short-lived (insert sad, descending trombone).

I moved the Stomp back to my main board, as I've gone back to pedals + Stomp In The Loop™ for use with my amp. Really does sound and feel the best with a tube amp (or at least with mine), although the QC did do very well and I may still use it that way, sometimes.

Going to go with a super-minimal setup for the QC, with just it and the Dunlop expression pedal on a Metro 16 with hard case. I played around with the delays today and was able to get closer to what I like.

I may buckle and move up to a Metro 20 at some point, and add the HX One for extra effect duty, but for now I'd like to try this super simple and small setup. Will post a pic when I get it together!

I built a rig very much like this with a little Gator board and an Ampero Press expression pedal, with a battery pack underneath that would run the QC for nearly 20 hours(!) It was a ridiculously perfect layout - as if all the parts were custom made for the set up. Unfortunately, I didn't get the gig I built the rig for, and the QC wound up off the board and back on my desk. Anyway, I'll have to slap it all back together one of these days and post a picture here.