Problems with The Quad Cortex? 

Happy Monday! What's everyone playing this week?

Informative, insightful, and fun Leon! Always pick up something I didn't know. On a late lunch break in NJ USA. 🎸

The "killer app" of the QC for me is actually the UI. The touch screen + tactile knobs has been an unbelievability obvious solution to all of this for *literally a decade* I hope that things like the QC and Hotone Ampero make it undeniable and force Line6 etc to go there.

I really like the quad cortex despite the issues. I'm looking forward the desktop editor, but it's really not that necessary because the onboard editing is really easy.

I have the QC. I also have a Helix Floor, Stomp and Axe-Fx III. They all have their pluses and minuses. In regards to the QC I didn't buy it to install plugins or captures so I really don't care about that. I bought it because of the sounds and the form factor. The onboard UI is the best out there and you can dial in what you need in minutes. What I like about the QC is that you can put it on a small stand next to you and use a midi controller to control most of the switching and a lot of the parameters with your feet. That said, if it's on a pedalboard having to bend down to adjust parameters makes it equal to using a standard pedalboard except that you're only dealing with one device rather than multiples. I've had both my hips replaced so bending over to do this is very painful. For those that have it on a pedalboard, a desktop editor would be great. There still needs to be a lot of feature upgrades. One thing I hate is how you have to go from Stomp, Scene, or Preset mode. Even with the Hybrid mode it's quite limiting although it's better than it was. Another thing I've noticed is the problem with how the expression pedal works as a volume controller for doing pedal steel licks. It's way too short. It needs to be adjustable. You can do it with the Helix, Stomp and Axe-Fx III. All in all it's a great unit but the software needs work.

As a long-time Fender amp user, with the Boss GT 1000 Core I raced straight to and stuck with their Fender models but recently have started to explore their X- amps with the Boss dynamic processing. It's a whole new, impressive experience. Nice review. Thanks.

I completely agree with you my friend on the future of guitar modeling you said it best right here.

Great video! Question for next week/maybe for the podcast (which i love btw): what are some guitar/gear misconceptions you had when you were an intermediate player? I remember reading on some forum that PRS didnt make ebony fingerboards so I swore off PRS guitars before realizing this was bogus. I also remember not liking the delay and distortion on my spyder 3 so of course I thought delay and distortion was terrible. Cheers!

I have had two fractal units. A Kemper profiler. I have had boss stuff and I recently tried a helix for the first time. The helix form factor was by far the best out there. But it doesn’t even come close to the sound I get from my quad cortex. Out of all the units that I have enjoyed, I personally think the Quad Cortex feels and sounds the most amp like. Yes, it needs some updates and some programability. The expression pedal needs to be programmable per scene. The desktop editor needs to get here. But overall, it has been my favorite and still is. And having the ability to capture is fantastic. And unlike tone X, capturing is very easily done. My friend came over this last weekend and he has a GX 100 boss and the bluescube Artist Roland amp and had one particular preset that was just killer. I captured it and it sounded better on the quad after a few tweaks than it did on his system. And the quad got rid of a lot of the background noise. I don’t know, I am waiting around to see what the next updates are going to be. The open three dimensionality that I get with the quad in my opinion, is a cut above, even with its downfalls. It’s not perfect, but so far it’s still my favorite and it is very easy to program. I am running a midi captain, right under it, which has the same alignment of buttons, and opens up a lot of program ability for live use.

Love the QC. They’re sounds are of high quality, and just as good as the competitors. I own Fractal and Line 6 units, as well. To be fair I can say each have their pros and cons and theres no Utopia. The security thing was resolved, the editor is in beta, and only see them moving forward. I don’t see a need for Tonex at least for my needs. The QC editing is incredibly easy and out of the four modelers I own, it has to be the quickest to get things rocking. I guess we will have our preferences but honestly I don’t think the QC is a dud in any manner.

I agree: There is so much cool stuff out there to make music with. And I like your look into the future. I am pretty sure, that the NAM will be a base for some hardware units soon that mimic the Tone X, but at a much lower price point. Let's say a clone of the Tone X from NUX or Mooer but with NAM technology. I would be surprised if there isn't a company already testing feasibility. Or they integrate it in already existing multi fx units. The future of tone is bright (or dark, depends on your eq settings)

Love your direct honesty. Doesn’t sound like your coming from a sponsored viewpoint. Big props from the US

Thank you for answering the question brother. I did that on purpose because I couldn't answer it either. 😛 I asked it because I had listened to some blue murder and then watched a video that was from a UK music store doing a gear thing with Doug and he was amazing and explained his Marshalls and pedals, etc.. Man, he can play.. I also want John to put out more music.. I heard one of the band members from Blue Murder say he won't release anymore music, which would be sad.. I think it was the bass player.. Sky's the limit is killer sir, but it didn't sound like you guys as much to me, not that it was bad at all, just different for you guys.. I loved all of it, and it almost reminded me of prog rock in some way.. Yeah, Dr Sin is great stuff, and I think it was me a hundred years ago that told you about them and you checked it out on a live stream I believe and said yeah you liked it which I knew you would.. 😛 Oh, the DGT seems to be your number one and that's so normal as it is awesome and I agree it's the best new all around guitar out there! We need a stump the leon question every monday where we ask an impossible question for you to answer.. 😛 Thank you brother for making my monday awesome! You always deliever the best value for my time and do so out of love of the craft and it's so appreciated brother! I mean that man! You're a great guy! Thanks man. Be safe and well brother! I'm off to get more coffee.. Second cup coming up! Dark roast and strong! 😛

Ramones were my local band growing up in New York in the 70's. They wrote about the brain a lot. it was all about fun. Alot of people didn't get their style of music. They were way ahead of their time. Marshall amps blasting with power chords. What a tone for a teenager in the 70's.

Those old G12-75's sound killer! I don't know if the speaker changed over the years, or they just are properly broken in, but the one's from the 80's sound way better to me than the newer ones. I had a 1966a 2x12 diagonal for a while with those and it ripped. Shouldn't have sold it.

I don't know about you, but for me, personally, the QC is the benchmark right now. It made me sell my Axe FX III to a friend because I just didn't need it anymore, the captures sound MUCH better than a Kemper (which I also owned and gigged for a while) and the included models, albeit fewer in numbers, kill whatever Axe FX III was offering, at least for me. Comes as close to an amp as I always wanted it to be. I know some people desperately need a desktop editor, but - again, personal opinion - what I really like about it is how well it just works on its own. And the stomp encoders do their job, I can finally "dial in" a tone. Now when it comes to comparing it to the ToneX pedal. which I use on my small pedalboard, well, it's a different thing. No advanced routing, no FX, just a box with an in and two outs (and some MIDI) and a neverending ecosystem purchase story for people that don't already run a studio with the additional gear to make it work. Ahead of the ToneX I have the usual and behind it a UAFX Del Verb and a Lehle Split box to get a balanced out for the FOH. The password thing is a different story, but how many compromised websites did I encounter in the last years. In regards to something that is undoubtedly an inexcusable security problem, they reacted as fast as they could. That's my two cents on that story. Cheers!

Hey Leon, hope all is well! No question, just a thanks for all the great content.

I’ve been using the Neural plug-ins and getting some killer recordings! Using an axe fx as well, but the plugins for DI tracks make life easy

I am a music fan and for a long time I was looking for something simple to use and that is really good. The QC is easy to transport, it is not heavy and it has everything and very good modelers, effects. Since I'm not a professional musician, I'm not looking for musical finesse, just to have a modeler to have fun for a long time and get all kinds of sounds.

I will second the Boss GT Core love, the effects in there are great. Currently using it as a midi Switcher and effects with Synergy Modules. Soon (in the mail) trying out the ToneX with the Boss as a combo for giggles.

Honestly I’m happy I moved from fractal to qc. I’m not some fanboy dedicated to one in particular as most modelers are amazing. The qc is just so easy to edit and add. The captures are incredibly accurate where I can’t even tell the difference. It blows me away

The best part of the QC for me is I can take the unit to a friends house and do a capture without needing a computer, which is the same with a Kemper. I own a Tonex but prefer not to capture via computer. Just personal preference.

Nice to see MOD Audio and AIDA-X getting a shout out. Highly underrated gear.

Let's not forget that Doug Aldrich also played in Hurricane on their Slave To The Thrill album. Much respect!! 🤘✌️

Playing an hx stomp that I got a month or so ago after finally giving in to the relentless John Cordy videos. Worth it!

Hey man, technique question for next week's Q&A. I'm finding that I have a disproportionate speed/accuracy when play a scale or exercise descending compared with ascending (ascending is noticeably quicker and tighter). Other than metronome practice, are there any tips you have for getting the best of what might be a subconscious mental block? I think this is a problem I've had for a good amount of time and nothing to do with my recent finger injury, but something I'm noticing more now I'm really putting in some time to getting back up to speed. Thanks!

Hey Leon! Every time I watch one of these videos, I hear you talk about gear and go "I have something similar, that is so cool!", like your JCM 800 1960A and B (I have a JCM 900 1960A that I love to bits.), and talking about the HSS pickups made me think about my Jackson Adrian Smith. However, my question is thus. You've reviewed/tested the old school JCM 2000 DSL amp, have you tried out the new Marshall DSL 100 head yet? Would love to get your opinion on that amp sometime, and would love to see Ragdoll play all the way up in Mackay, QLD, sometime too! Thanks dude!

I'm glad I'm not a hardcore Quad Cortex user, because I haven't been disappointed with the unit. Now, maybe when I get more efficient with the unit, the features will be there lol

LT I'm here in the USA looking at Maton acoustic guitars. Do you have any experience with them - specifically- in a live setting? How do you like the on board preamp The AP5 PRO? How is the live tone? I really appreciate your input! Thanks!!

There is one main reason why I wont be leaving my separate pedals over any of these current digital units. With my pedals i can look down and see all the settings of each pedal immediately. I also can change any setting within seconds. No need to bend down and go through menus. The second reason is each pedal I choose has its own personality of distortion, chorus, delay, or reverb. So if you love a Boss Waza Chorus, Strymon reverb or MXR flanger, character, its going to sound better than the digital everything box, especially if you like analog circuitry character

My studio 22 and DC-5 👍🏼 There dust collection vessels these days but I pull them out every now and then just to test myself.... can I make it sound better than I used to🤔

A friend of mine introduced me to Dr. Sin like 15 years ago. I don't know how many times I've listened to the "Shadows of light" album, which is a variation of the Dr. Sin II record. It has Mike Vescera on vocals who is phenomenal. Definitely check that out if you haven't. There's two things for me about the QC. From the units I've tested (Line6 Helix, Kemper Profiler, ToneX and the Fractal FM3) this looks like the most fragile. It's the one I would least like to take on the road for the time fear of it being so expensive and then being exposed to water or heat or such and breaking (even though that is admittedly just superficial fear from me). And putting it in a rack, with a midi controller doesn't give me many options, like fractal for example would. So I would LOVE to use the FM3. BUT Of all the digital units the QC is the first one that I was able to get to a point where it could hold its own agains a tube amp in the same room. I've spend SO many hours on other devices and got to point where I was kinda sorta happy and then plugged into my tube rig and immediately disliked the thing I worked on. And the QC is the first unit where that didn't happen to me. Especially combining it with a Seymour Duncan Power amp and a regular guitar speaker. Which I bought for the FM3, that I owned first. I was so excited for the FM3 and tried and tried and tried and for me it never got there. And with the Quad Cortex I need almost no additional EQ to get to where I want to be. Just select an amp and start playing. So bottom line. The grid, the editor, the sturdiness, the way you can make 3 foot switches do SO MUCH on the FM3, the routing, the effect etc etc. It has it all. But in the end I stayed with the QC because it delivered for me on the most important part, the tone. Maybe the forth generation of the Axe FX will be different.

@Leon Todd What do you think of classic humbucking pickups like the DiMarzio Super Distortion?

One to many beers Leon? Ha ha... Keep on Rockin' man! :) One of these days I will make it down under and check you guys out!

I think if I were playing gigs I’d get a quad cortex. But given I just jam and occasionally record, the Line6 HX stomp is plenty good enough for me. Good desktop editor, small footprint and serviceable tones for the limited space I operate in.

You could try the Seymour Duncan Hot Rail for the bridge. Minimal electrical modification and hot sound.

Do you have any suggestions for a pedal that can get a TC 1210 sound? Thanks for a great video as always.

In the next few months I will be looking to acquire a digital modeller for live and to make RU-vid videos with. Hard to know the best way to go right now. Many options (which is great) but also each has their own limitations making it a hard choice! Also difficult to get some in the UK, like FM9.

Reliability is a key issue. Mine lunched itself. Neural is great at replacing and processing warranty claims but that usually involves sending out the unit and waiting.

Small amps... so much fun at home, totally fall apart at band volumes. I have a modded Epi Valve Jr, Suhr Hombre (I consider it small LOL!) and a couple small Fender builds, but I'll focus on high-gain stuff for here. I've had a Friedman PT and a Bogner Atma. Both are fantastic little amps, not enough headroom for band volumes. They start to squish way too much when you get them going. EL84. Coincidence? The Bogner Helios Eclipse is like a big-iron version of the Atma, to me and is perfect.

I bought a Tonex and I returned the unit, I bought a Ruby, and Im fall in love. I got great tones from the Ruby, even Im playing with a Katana 50 sounds much better than the Tonex but by far.

I've had my QC for about a year and tbh don't even use the neural captures much because the modelling sounds great, fair criticism I think it still lacks special effects or synth-like noises that the unit can totally handle and the other stuff is coming I guess but I think they'll always be playing catchup to axefx/line 6 that have had 20 years of building up a library of sounds and iterating on that.

I sent my core DGT back for a refund because I could not gel with it and the neck is too chunky, however… the DGT SE is fantastic at a third of the price. Slightly thinner neck and feels and sounds great with a fantastic trem. Thanks for your work Leon.

It’s under-rated, in my opinion. But like anything, it will be proven over time. Neural knows what they need to do to make this a successful product, and all the griping people have are over exaggerated; as if all other products on the market magically were mature overnight? It’ll take time. But I love the bare bones of the QC and what it offers to players.

The Quad Cortex is the best piece of guitar gear I have ever experienced

Still using my Digitech GSP 2101...been playing live for almost 35 years and i am yet to come across a unit that can give clean tones like the GSP...unless you have an actual Eventide...i think it was the 3000 or something...the Dirt tones contrary to popular belief, are not out dated if you know how to use eq's well....and have a modern cab sim in the loop and don't shy away from sitting down and tweaking a tone.i have other setups including a line 6 m13, a Headrush unit(absolute shite), a really old A/DA MP1(great unit...now retired) and shitload of pedals i keep rotating on my board.....in case i need a backup or feel like i need a different tone or a different kind of wham for a particular venue....i tried the fractal ...great piece of gear...and all you need actually....i really dont care for tone capture or touch screens....i want to be able to touch and feel the hardware ....and no crowd on this planet, let me repeat that for dramatic effect - NO CROWD.. is going to be able to tell you the difference if you have an actual JCM or Vox or Peavy or a tone captured amp going FOH...i did try the QC, it does have that 'big sound' quality to it i must admit....i hear that the Megadeth guys are uisng QC...must be good if Dave has approved it....

im getting this ground noise on my cortex and my strat have noiseless pickups , i bought cioks dc7 adaptor but i havent tried yet ,

I have had AxFx and Helix. I will take the Quad Cortex any day?

I actually find the IRs being so short does something i cant really put words to when i record using QC, its nice to have it for portability but i still only use my axe fx

I have had my QC for about 6 months. I have ended up putting it on a PedalTrain board. I added the CIOKS power supply with the CRUX for the QC. I play at church and love the sounds I get from my Keeley Halo, Strymon Cloudburst, AT Super overdrive, and the first thing in my chain is a Keeley Compressor Plus. So for me I have the best of both worlds. I am using the Morgan50 that is modeled in the QC.

I swayed from the Neural unit when it came out due to it trying to do everything well. I went and got a Boss GT1000 for a good floor unit instead. The neural I felt wasnt going to live up to its hype and it did not. Its very expensive also. More than a good tube head. I also own the Amplitube 5 max but I dont play out so getting a tonex pedal doesnt matter to me. The software is the way to go at home.

The DGT is absolute beast. Love mine!!

The Ramones are brilliant. One of my absolute favorites.

There is no “problem” with the Quad Cortex (except from the password stuff 😂). It is the most powerful unit on the market, and it sounds very good. I had a Helix rack which I sold to replace it with the Quad Cortex. So far, there is nothing that the Helix does that the Quad Cortex can’t do. It sounds at least as good. The “problem” of the PC editor is greatly mitigated by the great UI and the touch screen. This is what I was the most sceptical about, and I have to say that I was as fast to create a patch on the Quad Cortex as in the PC editor of the Helix. Not talking about creating a patch directly using the Helix’ knobs which is a pain in the back 😅 The fact that they advertised the Quad Cortex with features that it does not have yet is another thing, that is bad marketing. But the hardware is powerful enough to do all this, they are just slow on the development side…

Leon, what other genres are you listening to when you’re not listening to rock or metal?

i have a kem?per stage which i like but i want something new fm3 or dsp coertex?

I swore I would never have a digital modeler for using with my guitar; and especially no digital for gigging. Tried Helix, Headrush, and fractal. I heard the Quad when it first came out on You Tube. I thought it can’t possibly sound that good in person. I bought a return at Sweetwater within a couple months of the release, fully expecting to return it. I have not used another piece of equipment for Live or Recording since. Best musical item I’ve ever bought, and in 50 years I’ve owned a lot.

The DGT has a Growl on the low E and A string that none of my other guitars, PRS’s, Fenders or Gibsons have. 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

What camera and microphone you use for videos Leon ?

Kemper took long to release a desktop editor, that's true. However, they never really promised they would make one, and certainly not at release. So there is a big difference IMO

On the segment on the quad cortex. I find the unit to be a little harsh. And it's technically not as ground breaking as the stuff we have out today. My ik unit genuinely sounds so close to my real amps minus all the fx for the price it really just seems like a amazing looming weight. Plus the qc doesn't have the best fx section compared to my axe fx 3. I would like to add that it is a fantastic sounding unit but it's hardware so if it can't work the way it was promised from launch its already getting out of date compared to software out today or hardware units that have so many options

When James Hetfield cites Johnny Ramone as an inspiration for his heavy, fast down picking style..........you know the Ramones were legit! I think “Blitzkrieg Bop” has been in the setlist for every band I’ve played in since high school.

People suggested Dr. Sin albums "Brutal" or "Down in the Trenches"? They're awesome

After doing a lot of research for my first really nice amp, I pulled the trigger on the Bluguitar Amp1 Iridium edition. Sure, it has a lot less features, but it's bulletproof withll analog circuitry and sounds fantastic. Has all the basics and then some. For effects, I can build an old-school pedal board, or get a digital modeler like a Line 6. I'm quite happy with it!

Modeling is the way I have a Positive Grid Go and Mini , coupled with a Headrush 12 and a JBL Partybox 310 and it sounds amazing

As far as modeling. I hope Fractal keeps up the component based modeling. There must be a certain amount of work the player needs to put in to call it “real” and “original”. Otherwise everything is going to sound the same and reduced to lowest common denominator. Love your rapid fire guitar stance in the clip of you. Sounded awesome!👏👏👏

_I'm gonna do some stuff,,,_ Leon Todd 2023

What's do you think about pedalboard suitable amps like the Blackstar Amped 3? :D In my opinion it's a pretty cool piece of gear to travel with instead of taking out a big a$$ amp head than can be a pain in the butt.

With all the latest updates & the biggest update on its way… hope you will revisit the QC

wish axe fx 4 coming out whit modern interface and more amp at once

Hey Leon. Just looking forward to new music however and whenever it comes out. Have you seen the new PRS Myles Kennedy model? Does it appeal to you at all or is just another T style guitar?

What a world we live in. Okay, I'm gonna be the cranky old guy for a sec... I owned a Rockman. Took me a full 4 or 5 years before I outgrew that tone. I know, I know - REALLY? Well yes - because it was small, pretty powerful, and most importantly I just liked it. It did like ONE freaking thing. Now we all complain that 30 (let's face it pretty amazing sounding) amps model/profiles is TOO FEW. Now imagine the exquisite choice paralysis we could all enjoy if we could ask our iPhone to conjure up guitar tones from 50 years ago. eh, I'm good

Silly question… what’s McCarty wiring?

How about the HeadRush Prime. Just a killer and real competition with the Quad Core.

*Well yeah timepoint **7:14** But the EFFECTS in the QUAD CORTEX completely eclipse all the other units don't you think? I mean the Effects sound like RACK modules etc.*

What really shocked me from an engineering stand point about the Quad Cortex is that latency increases with the number of blocks you add whereas in the Boss modelers latency is not only low but also constant, regardless of the number of blocks you run. Don't get me wrong, they are both totally gigable, but it shows that there is something in the software engineering Neural hasn't figured out yet (or doesn't care about).

Anderson guitars!! Wizard MC II and Friedman Smallbox and to rehearse an FM9

The utopian future of amp modeling would be for Fractal to adopt capturing and to also have full featured plugin that mirrors everything the Axe Fx does. This comprehensive ecosystem would be the absolute end game, and the rest of the players would be back to struggling to compete. I have the QC and am not satisfied, BUT I'm also content with it enough that I use it over my Axe Fx III or Tonex w/n Amplitube.

The Ramones? I love that song!

Helix lt+tonex seems like the move to me

I first heard the Ramones when National Lampoons Vacation came out.

If Fractual had the ease of building presets and midi like the Line 6 Helix it would be close to perfect. I had both, if the Helix had the processor power of the Helix with dual amps and the effects of the Axe 3 it would be close to perfect. I will probably go back to Fractal AFX3 turbo and FC12. I’m running Synergy pre/ syn 50/50 in stereo with an $8k pedal board 🤦🏼‍♂️ now I just have to learn to play 😂😂😂

To the man who inquired of the single coils.... throw him from the ramparts.

The whole ideal of the Quad was great BUT without updating what's the point The main reason FAS is so good over such a long time is the consent striving for perfection.

That’s where it starts Leon. Ask the machine to match a tone and before you know we are all slaves to our machine overlords. Have we learnt nothing from Terminator 2

It would be nice to have a studio tour one day Please? I thought I had some obscure racks ( I only have old weird Japanese stuff😊).....I might be wrong but think I can spy some Sony 7 (M,R,D,?F) series behind you😅

would love to see Ragdoll live but we live in Texas, come on over ya'll

+1 for a LT Signature SC with DGT Wiring

I don’t know about this machine learning stuff. I get more excited about the exploration and discovery of tones than saying “hey, make me a rig that sounds like racer x street lethal”. What’s next? Walk in your kitchen and just shout out make me a sandwich? I get in trouble when I do that now! Anyhow, my question is where do you store all your cases for your guitar collection?

Dr Sin’s Edu Ardanuy 👏

NEMBRINI AUDIO better then the QC?

Fun fact: bassist Douglas Colvin of the Ramones (Dee Dee) was the cousin of bassist Monty Colvin of the Galactic Cowboys, one-time stablemates of King's X.

Doug Aldrich era Dio is very underrated IMO

i like your tine you get

the future of modelling: play a gig with it and realize how nice you back/knees feel the next day.

Sold mine a long long time ago

It was never “meant” to launch with a desktop controller

QC also got hacked recently & had a whole bunch of customer info stolen. One of many downsides with digital gear.

The worst aspect for me is the MIDI implementation that lacks parameter assignment to control changes. The QC is effectively no more controllable than the POD HD, being better only in that it has snapshots/scenes. And the irony is that NDSP's plug-ins have the best MIDI implementation out there.

It is not going to be long before there are basic floor units to store enough NAM for 90% of the average players needs for gigs. There is enough free DAW and plug in software for the commercial market for the needs for supplying music that only acts as selling product to the average consumer. It does not need pricey gear. The high end market is nano, not even 5%. There are only so many Star Wars budgets out there.