One key detail missing from this video: Neural have said FROM THE VERY BEGINNING that plug-ins on the QC would only be available for licenses you already own. Yes, this assumes you have paid for the license(s). No, they are not just suddenly springing this on us all.
Really good video! I wanted to buy a new QC this year and I have been thinking the same lately about the updates after the release of this CoreOS 3.0 version. So I think that I'm going to wait a bit more with my current HR pedalboard and see what happens with the QC from now on and what Line6 and IK also does this year for competing with the QC king of modellers.
The FM9 is definitely just as awesome, better in some ways, but if you're considering the QC, it would be for the more convenient touch screen and much smaller size, or you have an amp collection you want to capture. Cheers!
For me, I’m using neural plugins on my pc for recording stuff and a POD GO (which has the same sounds as the helix, with reduced DSP) for live use. Best of both worlds on a budget imo
Lol, so Neural have to give everythign away for free, but ALSO, provide a marketplace for users to sell their captures? Seems like youtubers are just pissed that they can't earn more money themselves, but Neural can actually do some legitimate work and get paid. I 100% welcome free updates with new modules though.
They've always been greedy, they keep releasing amp models that mostly overlap each other, for that reason I prefer Line 6 Helix family and maybe I'll get the new ToneX One
I think it's somewhat unfair toward NDSP. They KEEP stating in their groups that there will be no reduction in the free updates. We have no reason to think it will happen yet (because we still get free updates, including the upcoming update, which will include new blocks). Just yesterday, Dan from NDSP stated that every update will include new free content. If NDSP were to take this path, it would be horrible, but this is just speculating without reason.
@TheGooseChaseMusic This is correct, but there have been other free content updates since then. Cortex Control and MIDI capabilities, for example. I can understand why the updates were slow while they are working on plugin integration; it probably takes up most of the developers' time (and yet we'll still get new blocks in the coming update like circular delay and doubler). Of course, you may be right, and Neural may invest all of their time publishing new content as new plugins, but we have no reason to think it'll happen, so accusing them has no basis.
So how many new amps are included in 3.0.0? Zero! Let's face it, it's to the detriment of Quad Cortex owners that Nueral even have another cash cow (Plugins). For PCOM to be used, or any plugin development for that matter, as an excuse for no new amps on the QC, is poor. The skit at the beginning of this video nails it. Horrible PR. And the Apple comparison is spot on, especially considering the aesthetic of the hardware and how the whole QC system is essentially a walled garden. Very tempted to jump to Fractal before this hits the fan.
@eoinodonnell So you only care about amps and nothing else? If you were getting new amps, you were crying about new effects or functionality. CorOS 3 will have new effects(probably very cool effects, actually), plugins integration(long awaited feature request), and more. The previous big update was new amps. Dan fron NDSP just announced in the official discord group that more amps are coming. Someone collected the actual data proving that per year, Neural actually released more amps than any other company. But keep crying 🤷🏻♂️
@@EricSabag12 There's some data here that is incorrect, and I don't like incomplete information on my comments section. Comparing like-for-like component modeled amp models, both Neural and Fractal have released 29 amp models since their launch, but Neural's first update with amps was in Sept 2021, Fractal FM9's was in April 2022. Technically, that's less time with the same amount of models, which means Fractal has had more component modeled amp models per year. This is largely splitting hairs, but the claim is false regardless. As of 2024, Fractal has 300 total models over 100 unique Amps, Quad cortex has 81 models from just about 30 unique amps, not counting captures. And I'm not counting captures because that's a different process than full component models. For folks that use captures primarily, the Quad cortex's captures are not the most accurate, but is still well worth it. But a lot of people prefer the tweakability of component modeled amps, and the FM9 is just ahead by a long shot there.
I don’t really consider the Soldano X an update to the SLO model inside the QC as both of those originally came out in 2021. The QC SLO model was actually updated in 2023. Of course their pricing is pretty aggressive, but the only directly competing product the FM9 (II Turbo whatever) is 2.400€. That‘s a QC + all their plugins and I still prefere the smaller form factor and better UI of the QC. (Although I‘d love to have the number of amp models and effects of the Fractal)
These should absolutely be available as free additions to quad cortex owners. If you want it as a plugin on your computer, that’s when you should be paying for it. Neural DSP still has a lot of good faith to restore with the Quad Cortex and when their competitors keep bringing out updates that only enhance existing features it just makes them look super scummy.
You're paying for development time, marketing and licensing if they're using the original amplifier's name somewhere. These costs don't go away because you bought the hardware unit.
@@spoonerluv great point! It also applies to artist licensed products. The gojira, Tim Henson, petrucci, etc all give royalties to the artist. You can’t just give it for free without their permission or paying them.
I have that same Bloodywood Shirt! And the same issue with the QC- I don't want to buy DLC for my $1700 modeler, and I don't think anyone will put up with that in the long term. I mostly use the capture process on the QC so I'm not concerned about not having amps (I use my own). However- If NDSP is arrogant enough to think that they can continue to charge me to "update" my modeler, I will happily go back to Kemper or Line 6. Presonus tried to do this with the StudioLive mixers and UA is already giving up on that with the Apollo series of interfaces. I'm all for artists selling presets or people making IRs for sale, but I was sold the QC under the context of "we're going to keep updating and making it better" not that I would have to keep paying them to do it after they already have my money. Don't even bother trying to bring this up with the NDSP fanboiis because they are drunk on DLC coolaid 😅
When i spend a lot of money on a modeller, I'm not just doing it because of what it features it has at time of purchase. I'm buying it with the knowledge of future updates too including amps/cabs. I don't have a QC as i already have a Kemper/Axe fx and Helix which is already more than i need. The thought of having to pay for these plugins to be put on the QC would put me off buying one if i was in the market for another modeller. I know it costs them money but that's why you pay way more than the hardware costs to make in the 1st place. Another business model that we haven't seen yet but may be viable would be like the console business model, pay for the modeller at cost to make and ship price with just a handful of models included then the companies make their money through the software add-ons, amp packs/FX pack etc
If they start doing it I hope to god they do good ones. Plugins are great value but it'd suck if QC owners (that use QC predominately + aren't at desktop) felt pressured to buy a new plugin to get one thing. If they do the tactic I hope they make great value plugins that work well for QC. Like a 5150III with all three models as a suite (idek if they're in QC), or even pushing the boundaries with nearly dual recs made (C D E F G triple roadster multi-watt etc). And make them really damn accurate and sound good. I doubt they'd do stuff like this as it's easier to get archetypes going or work with the amp company (2C+, Morgan). I struggle to see where they could go without running out of steam unless they push bounds.
NDSP clarified that the plugins and the QC are based off different architecture. They’re pleasing people who own both because they were a vocal consumer group. It’s obvious they planned to keep the two product lines separate. Your analogy of DLC is off to me because they’re different “games/consoles”. We’re getting the X updates for free. I would be more sympathetic to your view if they charged for that but since they didn’t I don’t agree with your POV
I would agree that they were two separate product lines if they didn't heavily market plugin compatibility 2 years ago as one of the main selling points of the QC. But as I said in the video, it's not about wanting the entire plugin for free; again, I hope Neural considers plugin discounts for QC owners, the same way that Line 6 does it. That's much more consumer friendly.
Thanks for the thoughtful response. If you want a discount don’t you think it’s more consumer friendly that existing customers and new to brand customers all get a 50% discount off plugins the same time of year every year at NDSP? That seems more consumer friendly than forcing someone to buy hundreds of dollars of hardware for a software discount. They also give 20% off returning customers. NDSP seems to be extremely consumer friendly.
@@7Dusted87 When you say "forcing someone to buy hundreds of dollars of hardware for a software discount", I think we're talking Helix Native, which is an entire multi-amp / effects suite. Helix Native also goes on sale routinely regardless of hardware (I was able to find a Line 6 spring sale ad including Native for every year since it's release in 2017). So Line 6 meets the same criteria you mentioned for sales, but also has the software discount for hardware adopters. No reason Neural couldn't do that.
The spring sale for line 6 was a 33% discount on native but if you buy their hardware they give you a 75% discount. They don’t treat all customers the same. NDSP splits the difference and offers 50% off to all customers. They also give a 20% to returning customers. I have line 6 hx fx and I love their customer support. I think you’re neglecting the math that shows both brands are consumer friendly but have different customer acquisition strategies. All the best to you.
@@7Dusted87 we're splitting hairs here. If you're happy as a Neural customer, more power to you. I can't argue against you being happy. Just know that, it's not just me feeling a little neglected as a QC owner. You are welcome to disagree; everyone's experience will differ.
It's pretty crappy the way they're doing this. Still haven't fixed the noise issues many users have and asking users to pay more for models and effects. The effects irks me the most as far behind the quality is compared to Fractal and Helix on that front, IMO.
Dont have a QC but i do use NDSP plug-ins for bass and scratch/layering tones but i feel the frustrations here. The QC has been out long enough for a full transparent compatibility update. Hopefully S O O N.
QC and whole device departament need more care for sure. Sometimes I whine about bass staff, that totally forgotten by NDSP (almost no new models and updates since 1.0.0). And sure thing duplicated plugins should be included inside it. At least duplicates like Soldano.
Ireached out to neural today about these pluggin amps and thjere be 2 seperate amps available and plugin amps and effects will be listed as plini x amp, and same with the effects and presets as well but looking at fiscal q2 for amps,presets and effects wilol be added latter just to speed up the amp plugin compatibility,watched your video last night and i had to ask.I can see. You’ll have your typical factory amps and most pro artist that have the archtype plugins are modded in most cases like the super lead 100🎉vs the Mars super lead 100,and the archtype Petrucci and the jp2c amp plugin Loved your “is the Quad cortex still top. Modeler 2024 comparing to the axefx fm9,was probably the best. Non biased review comparing the 2 units to there extreme capabilities and equally showing each units strengths and weaknesses.That was the first video i seen on your channel and is becoming one my favoorites to keep up on daily.You definitely know the right amount of info to showcase any manufactures products without dead spots where to much info>keep up the good work,Your definitely going in right direction and easy to get burned out doing this week in week out but looking forward to seeing more vids from your chanel and keerp up the awesome work!
I love what the quad cortex as promised to be but unfortunately the reality is different, I own it and really like it, but I feel that their end game with it should be to have a unit that sounds incredible in all areas.. I feel the captures don’t capture the sag and natural compression of vintage amps, it gets the tonality but not the full picture.. The quality of the effects are somewhat similar to some VST effects From 2008.. if the delays, compressors, modulations came close to the helix for the sake of comparison it would be incredible.. But I do like it, I just feel they haven’t nailed and now charging for the next development in a piece of technology that isn’t finished or delivered as it was promised ain’t a great idea.. I am waiting to see what the competition does and if line6 brings out something soon I’ll probably end up over there and sell the promise
@@89MarkWright I did some digging, looks like those amp packs were made free for folks who registered the product (maybe new?) Unsure if that was a change later on, but interesting to note regardless!
@TheGooseChaseMusic im not sure if thats something they did later down the line but theres a video where taylor danley mentions having to buy the packs to get a 5150
Hot take, you already have all of the plug-in tones in the QC, it’s just a matter of dialing them in. If you buy the plug-ins to get additional amps, you’re really only getting the additional names and aesthetics from the plug-ins.
For the most part I agree, but it would be hard to get a Fortin Nameless or Cali tone imho without capturing. Those amps sound pretty unique from anything on the QC.
My old Line6 PodHDPro had model packs you had to pay for. With full amps. Admittedly that was a decade ago. And the Helix model threw that practice out the window.
Good Video, I do believe Neural DPS is definitely trying to lure Quad Cortex owners into buying their plug-ins. any company would want to sell more of their products to an existing customer. Just dont know how good the Neural DSP plugins will sound on the Quad Cortex. I own several Neural DSP plug ins and ive own the Quad Cortex in 2021 and again earlier last month for guitar use on stage and for recording. The Plugins sound great, the Quad Cortex not so good to keep em. We are talking about Guitar Amp, cab and especially the limited effects the quad cortex offers are so so on a decent level. They are not really good to me keeping one around, even for gigging ( a 400.00 used LIne 6 Item will do the same compared to a $1800 QC). I audition the 2024 Quad Cortex and the Amps, cabs and effects improved from 2021 but not drastically. I purchased a new 2024 Quad Cortex because of the announcement of Compatibilty to their plug-ins, but my Neural DSP plug-ins are nowhere near the horizon of compatibilty with the Quad "Dirty Cortez" (no mention that they even will be compatible). I'll just enjoy my Plugins for now. But for the stage, other companies have more cost effective items to use. hey some of them have 3 different stereo outputs and Auto Engage Wah from the get go! On a positive note, I will say the QC really have some great Bass amp tones better than the others.
It is BS like this that helps me choose another brand. As compute power increases all modelers will have the power to sounds the same. They are just a computer with i/o in a fancy box with an interface. Way to kill your brand.
4:50 What? IDK what the logic is behind that, but if I were a consumer, I would've expected to get effects as an update as well because the competition does it! People from Fractal are not milking me for money with each update. IMO at this point QC is still pretty much barebones for the price and now they are starting to milk people for more while Tonex becomes bigger and bigger each month.
Neural busted their own balls by claiming 3-4 years ago that it would be plug in compatible. ive purchased the Quad Cortex at the beginning and another one less than a month ago. No real big change in amp tones. cabs and the limited effects. doubt it will sound like the quality of the Neural Plug ins. which i do own and have compared between them to the quad cortex.
Neural DSP is a business, and in most cases, capitalism, to make money right (pay wages, cover cost, etc...)? However, I like your idea that perhaps giving QC owners discounts, is only fair considering the, as you mentioned, QC is about 1700 smackers!!!
There is so much about the quad cortex I like, in theory. I've been using the Tone King Imperial plugin for the longest time and it produces some of my favourite tones, it just sucks that Neural has overpromised so much on the Quad Cortex and they still aren't there yet fully. The effects suite on the quad cortex to be honest, kinda lacks the maturity and years of develop that the Helix family has. I understand the business model of releasing a half-finished quad cortex and funding continuous development with increasingly same-y plugins, but that really creates a lot of cynicism and distrust for consumers. I guess I'll buy a Quad Cortex, eventually, maybe in 2026 when the Quad Cortex is hopefully, finally, ready.
Helix Native >>>>> Line 6 is doing it right. Native and the entire hardware product line share the same modeling, free firmware updates on the regular, original amps/effects that you can't get anywhere else, continued product development and support almost a decade after release, availability in stores... You just can't beat that.
The intro sums it up. :D I didn't bite on their sale, I'm (perhaps) getting Slo100 x when it drops, maybe in a year or so lol. But Ilok. Let's discuss the elephant in the room. It's time guys. Switcheroo to something less cumbersome. great vid man. edit: SLO X exists? Ok then. Well there's still the other pluggies like Cali and Grano I wanna see updated before they do another sale.
Eh. I'll wait for the actual pcom to release before I even consider buying their plugins. I love Neural DSP, but this is getting ridiculous. Besides, the sounds in the QC is good enough for my needs so I personally don't think having plugins on my QC would improve it that much. If you want better feature support and updates, get a fractal
to me its wrong for a company to charge more for a modler close to 2000 dollars then charge a person for a plugin to put in it that way have a updated verison of amp that there modler doesnt have
Ive been kinda saying this DLC thing the whole time. I dont wanna have to BUY amp model and get very little amp models with free updates. im no engineer but if anyone can explain the difference of just importing a new model into QC like they did with the Kraken vs Re coding everything.
