Quad Cortex Mini

[deadpool_25]

But wait, there’s more.

So I setup to check 4CM and there was almost No noise. This was my cabling:

1. Guitar to input 1
2. Input 1 sent to output 1 on the grid
3. Output 1 to amp in via XLR to TS
4. Amp send to input 2 via instrument cable
5. Input 2 sent to output 2 on the grid
6. Output 2 to amp return via XLR to TS

The lack of noise surprised me a little. I disconnected the cable between the amp’s send and the QC input 2 and the noise is still low. Disconnecting either end of the cable from the QC output 2 to the amp’s return causes the noise to return. As long as the cable is connected between the return and output two the noise is fine, even if I delete that path on the grid.

So it seems if you want to use the QC straight into the front of the amp, you can do it without introducing too much noise but connecting a cable from output 2 to the amp’s send causes return. I also checked using an instrument cable between output 3 and the amp’s return and this was also a low-noise setup. Just connect a cable from QC to the return (even if you’re not actually using it for anything and it seems to fix the issue. At least on this amp.

 

[Desertdweller]

On the topic of noise, I have a different question than the norm

I have run both my FM9 and my Nano Cortex through the same power amp, using similar models. In my Nano, I have captures I’ve made of my high gain amps, and no matter which model, when I play loud in the room through the power amp, I get a distinct digital shitty squeal for a split second after I finish playing a line. If I keep playing, it’s fine, but if I’m ending a section and stop playing, squeal. It’s awful sounding but the gate quickly closes on it.

I don’t have this problem with the FM9. Whether I run a gate after the amp block or not, I don’t get the same digital squawk after a line. IDK if it’s a grounding issue as the FM9 has a grounding plug and the NC does not, but it’s absolutely 100% annoying.

My question is, do the larger QCs, including the new one, have this issue as well, or is it just the NC?

 

[Elric]

I dunno dude, maybe every single online poster user sighing in unison when they saw the MSRP?

This is a typical forum “I don’t like it, so everyone hates this” kind of reaction. Utter nonsense. The QC has been well received at well over that. This is just as powerful, yet *cheaper* so there are going to be a at least some folks who are like “perfect”.

 

[deadpool_25]

@deadpool_25 if you could record the basic noise floor of each unit into a DAW and measure the levels in RMS and dBFS, that'd be interesting too.

Sorry brother. With all due respect, although I understand that would be valuable, I’ve put about as much effort into this is as I care to.

I gotta start enjoying this gear now.

 

[Orvillain]

Sorry brother. With all due respect, although I understand that would be valuable, I’ve put about as much effort into this is as I care to.

I gotta start enjoying this gear now.

WELL DON'T COME CRYING TO ME WHEN YOUR EARS FALL OFF!!!


<harummmpppphhhh>

 

[Elric]

Yeah, it's the super annoying part about the re-anti-hype machine that has surrounded the QC. I have no idea if the "noise issues" were power supply related or inherent to the device, at this point no idea if they were real or imagined, blah blah blah blah.

IME, the QC is like any other processor that does not have proper built-in IEC type power supply and uses some kind of brick with only two contacts. That’s the reason it is noisy if the only connections are HP and guitar and there is no output connected to ground it is going to be prone to noise problems. HX Stomp has the exact same problem, for example; but nobody throws a fit about it. For most applications it is perfectly usable, IME. 4CM all day long no problem on mine... A proper PSU is better for sure and will be more bullet proof. But it absolutely would have blown up the form factor which is perfection, so I am guessing that is why they made the trade off.

 

[Boudoir Guitar]

IME, the QC is like any other processor that does not have proper built-in IEC type power supply and uses some kind of brick with worth only two contacts. That’s the reason it is noisy if the only connections are HP and guitar and there is no output connected to ground it. HX Stomp has the exact same problem, for example; but nobody throws a fit about it. For most applications it is perfectly usable, IME. 4CM all day long no problem on mine... A proper PSU is better for sure and will be more bullet proof. But it absolutely would have blown up the form factor which is perfection.

Thanks, that's helpful and tracks with my headphone experience with AM4.

 

[mbenigni]

My experience as well (among other instances of noise with QC compared to multiple modelers).


This is good news for sure. Good to hear

Definitely makes the QCM more attractive, but if this is true and becomes common knowledge, it’s going to put NDSP in a very weird spot regarding the original, which is selling for $400 more and is arguably the lesser product.

But perhaps there is still some explanation, e.g. regarding I/O and send/return levels?

 

[deadpool_25]

Definitely makes the QCM more attractive, but if this is true and becomes common knowledge, it’s going to put NDSP in a very weird spot regarding the original, which is selling for $400 and is arguably the lesser product.

But perhaps there is still explanation, e.g. regarding I/O and send/return levels?

There very well may be an explanation because that test certainly could have had flaws. Also, hooking up the cable from another output to the amp return brought the noise down to a much more acceptable level.

Anyway, NGL, I’m now considering selling my QC, getting another Mini, and controlling it with one of my midi controllers.

 

[deadpool_25]

Oh. Another thing. On editing. I'm finding editing on the Mini is absolutely faster than on the QC even using just one hand. To get a feel for how quick it is, make the rock sign with one hand, then tap your index finger and then act like you’re twisting your pinky. Do that a few times back and forth imagining you’re tapping different parameters each time. It’s crazy fast. I find the QC slower because I have to spend 1-3 seconds figuring out which knob controls what.

I think they could consider giving the QC an optional Focus Edit mode where you can tap a parameter to focus it, then use the D or (down arrow) encoder to edit the focused parameter. Or better yet, if you choose that mode you can select which encoder edits the parameter.

 

[Orvillain]

Oh. Another thing. On editing. I'm finding editing on the Mini is absolutely faster than on the QC even using just one hand. To get a feel for how quick it is, make the rock sign with one hand, then tap your index finger and then act like you’re twisting your pinky. Do that a few times back and forth imagining you’re tapping different parameters each time. It’s crazy fast. I find the QC slower because I have to spend 1-3 seconds figuring out which knob controls what.

I think they could consider giving the QC an optional Focus Edit mode where you can tap a parameter to focus it, then use the D or (down arrow) encoder to edit the focused parameter. Or better yet, if you choose that mode you can select which encoder edits the parameter.

Rotten sod. You're making me want one now.

 

[JiveTurkey]

Aren't the overall output levels quiter than other modelers? I seem to recall that being the case?

 

[mbenigni]

I think they could consider giving the QC an optional Focus Edit mode where you can tap a parameter to focus it, then use the D or (down arrow) encoder to edit the focused parameter. Or better yet, if you choose that mode you can select which encoder edits the parameter.

This has a serious "come around full circle" vibe. It would render the hybrid encoders almost useless vs. just a single plain encoder working in tandem with the touchscreen. I'm not saying it wouldn't be a good solution, I'm just sayin'.

I always thought some kind of color coding - even if it were just two colors alternating - to call out the correlation between on-screen params and LEDs/encoders might be a good idea. But in actual practice, I don't typically have any trouble with it as is.

 

[Frodebro]

In that Beato video, there was an AI team of at least six people. Looking at what NDSP produced in the past couple of years, I wonder what all those people do?

They spend most of their time creating alts on gear forums to shill their shit and go after anybody who doesn’t love their products enough.

 

[Mongillo19]

They spend most of their time creating alts on gear forums to shill their shit and go after anybody who doesn’t love their products enough.

 

[deadpool_25]

Rotten sod. You're making me want one now.

 

[dean701]

Definitely makes the QCM more attractive, but if this is true and becomes common knowledge, it’s going to put NDSP in a very weird spot regarding the original, which is selling for $400 and is arguably the lesser product.

But perhaps there is still explanation, e.g. regarding I/O and send/return levels?

This might be a job for Leo Gibson and his tenacity.
I have no details on his comparison test within this video but I did post a question in his yt comments about how at about 5:20, although the QC sounds great, it is definitely noisier/has more hiss than his amp. Not a show stopper by any means, just interesting.
Some post that the QC has some inherent compression which would bring up the noise. Regardless I think this sounds great.

 

[Orvillain]

This might be a job for Leo Gibson and his tenacity.

I don't trust him for any of this stuff. He's managed to build a reasonable enough Youtube channel off the back of pretending he's a scientist. But no. He isn't.

 

[dean701]

I don't trust him for any of this stuff. He's managed to build a reasonable enough Youtube channel off the back of pretending he's a scientist. But no. He isn't.

I think he just has OCD, a similar affliction as myself, and he gets carried away with Latency. I've been known to get too into the numbers myself. I think his testing adds value to the community, albeit, the latency and null testing is a little over the top. The bare sound comparisons are helpful

 

[Chocol8]

Leo's testing is done poorly enough to be misleading.