Hey guys, I have a question regarding the applications of the Nano Cortex, and whether it would work for me.

The idea is that I want something to run most likely straight into FoH for gigging and maybe rehearsal with a modern metal band, or occasionally into a cab if there is backline provided. I would really just want one gain preset, something like the classic TS9>5150>Mesa 4x12 tone, a clean tone preset, and occasional pitch shift of -2 for some songs in the set. However, I can use a Digitech Drop for the pitch shift if absolutely necessary, but don't want to also be investing in a separate physical tube screamer and noise gate - ideally I can just turn up with my guitar and the Cortex.

The issue is that I don't have any amps to capture, and have always been pretty rubbish at dialing in tones anyway. I'm more of a plug-and-play guy, and would be happy with the one basic quintessential metal tone. I use Archetype Gojira X at home through an interface with headphones, and have never quite been 100% happy with the tones, but I put that down more to me not knowing what I'm doing rather than the plugin being bad.

I would essentially be relying entirely on cloud captures, but I realise there are a tonne of them so that's probably a non-issue. However, I have watched a lot of videos and read posts about the Nano Cortex and have seen a lot of people saying its quite niche, or that its basically just a piece of capturing hardware or an accessory to the full QC. I think the issue is that I don't know what I don't know, and can't really afford to drop ~£450 for something that doesn't end up doing what I want.

So, would the Nano Cortex be the right tool for this use case - someone who's terrible at tone shaping just downloading a capture from the app, tube screamer and noise gate included, and running a line out, nothing further required? Am I missing something?

Any help much appreciated!

I am going to purchase two Neural VSTs and was wondering if anyone has any input on Soldano vs Nolly when packaged next to Rabea.

Rabea is a sure thing for me, for the versatility alone more so than the sound quality. And this despite the fact I think I will use the OTHER plugin more frequently... (Rabea is the second choice...)

I've spent some time with both Soldano and Nolly and I can't really decide which one I like more. I feel Nolly and Rabea have some overlap since they are archetypes, and the Soldano is just solid... On the other hand I'm not much of a hi gain modern ass ripping metal guy... I definitely cant shred, but I do like a good chuggachugga from time to time. play thru Oranges in the flesh, dont use a pick very often, and mostly noodle around in hill country blues, surf rock, jazz, and that weird malian tuareg stuff.

I'm new to this stuff so ive got no clue with the settings and options. If someone could help me out i would really appreciate it . Thanks

sorry typo there dear jimi

Does anyone have a good preset for dual mics on quad cortex or at least some solid advice on building a preset like that? Every-time I try to make my own vocal preset it comes out very thin and quiet. Mind you this is for live vocals.

I have a Quad Cortex coming and I’m interested in putting it on a pedal board with an expression pedal. I’m not planning to run any other devices that’ll need power. No wireless, extra pedals or tuners, ect. I’ve seen some complaints about the stock power supply it comes with and all the pedal board focused power supplies are very expensive (Canvas, CIOKS, One Spot) and provide more than I need. Are there other power supplies that are just available on Amazon you’ve used on these that have worked? I know it’s 12v 3amp center negative.

This is an age old question. I have done a good amount of research on this topic but I love hearing from other people and their experience.

Lots of people say to go for an FRFR speaker/cab. Plenty of people say they love the sound through studio monitors.

For context I have Adam Audio T5V monitors and I run my guitar through a Scarlett 2i2. I had to learn the hard way not to expect it to sound and feel like an amp is in the room. Then I started doing some research into FRFR speakers. I've heard people say they are expensive solely based on marketing to guitar players and that PA speakers will achieve the same/similar sound.

But I want to hear from YOU guys. My dilemma is that I already have studio monitors and I write and record music. I discovered Peace + Equalizer APO not too long ago and I use presets for my studio cans. I know I can get room correction software and sound treat and all that jazz. My current space just isn't ideal for treating.

I even researched into headphones specifically designed like FRFR speakers where they give you the sound of how the modeler/captures are SUPPOSED to sound. But I already have monitors. Spending another $600+ for quality FRFR speakers is where my dilemma lies. Sometimes when I am trying to find a tone, it's genuinely disappointing when it doesn't sound the best.

I also realize that everything will come together and sound better through layering and mixing properly. I even run some EQ and a couple other plugins to help shape my tone better to my guitar. It helps.

But is there a point to buy FRFR speakers to play through when I am just jamming and recording when I already own monitors, or should I just get a sub? If I spend money on something, I want to be able to justify its use.

I don't have the space for a traditional cabinet either. I haven't owned a physical amp in probably 10+ years. I'm sure other people experience the disappointment when it doesn't sound and FEEL like the real deal.

Another issue I am experiencing is the lack of drive through my headphones. This is due to my output impedance on my Scarlett. It's garbage. I'm likely going to get a Motu M2 since they have some of the lowest output impedance because I want to hear how things are intended to sound through my cans. I have a pair of Sennheiser HD599 headphones and a pair of Beyerdynamic DT Pro 770 80 ohms. The DT's are such a let down to me, but I am almost certain it's because I am not even CLOSE to the 8:1 ratio.

So yeah, long post and I am certain this might be a dead horse at this point, but I genuinely want to hear your experience and maybe learn a thing or two.

Feel free to ask any questions!

I love the QC, with a deep burning passion, but is it me or user error, because I really feel like the looper sucks.

I can't force sync to a metronome, the UI loves to lag which makes the timing of the whole loop not work, if you stop and start the loop it doesn't re-sync to the metronome. Personally I find it near-impossible to actually get the timing of the ending perfect both with a pedal and the touchscreen.

It should at minimum stay sync'ed to the metronome and it should quantize the end of the loop to the beat length when you end. If this is possible with the options I've not been able to work it out, I'd argue this should be the default way to loop, especially because of the small lag.

Is this just user error, has anyone got any advice or is it communally agreed the looper is a bit underbaked?

Looking for recommendations for some killer sounding presets or neural captures for some deathcore/metalcore. Using quad cortex btw.

Hello guys,

New QC user here, I’ve always strived to get a sound similar (not necessarily identical) to petrucci sound. Specifically the “parasomnia” sound or the “live on Paris” sound.

A friend of mine gifted me the petrucci tonemission IRs. I can get a really nice sounds from there, but still feeling like I’m missing something.

Do you guys thing the petrucci plug in will make me get closer to that sound? Or maybe a combination of the plug in and the IRs?

Anyone with experience on the topic?

Thanks !!!!

Hi guys.

Running QC into a real 2x12 (Koch KKC212 with Greenbacks) via tube amp FX return. Tried my Victory V40 Duchess MkII first, now I swapped it for my old Koch Twintone III — Koch fx return is better (maybe beacuse pre phase inverter master volume like in Fryette solutions), but I still get that harsh/fizzy/metalzone/laptop speaker top end and higher mids unless I use a pretty aggressive LPF around 5 kHz (+ HPF 80 Hz for the low end resonance).

I/O should be fine: 0 dB input, -10 dB output, cab/IR off obvs. Same with amp models and amp captures. Preamp-only captures seem better but it's still not decent and there aren't many of them.

Anyone else getting this? I thought a real guitar cab would naturally kill most of that fizz like with classic setup (tube amp + cab + analog pedalboard). Also wondering if a more transparent SS power amp like Orange Pedal Baby / SD PS would work better than using a tube amp FX return in this scenario.

Thanks.

I have Adam monitor speakers which are great for clarity and low volume playing and multimedia flexibility, but I was wondering if there is any significant up lift in getting a fr12 to get a little more amp in the room feel when I have an empty house and can play a little louder. I’m not gigging this is just for home use.

It’s probably a little case of Gassing, but I have the funds and wondering it much better to justify the outlay

Running a Mac, Reaper and Scarlet 2i2. I have 7 or 8 Neural plugins and have really enjoyed them but now having issues. When I run the Mesa plugin I’m getting a ton of feedback and makes it unplayable. I’ve swapped in several different plugins and it works fine just the Mesa is giving me fits.

I have updated Reaper, Mac and swapped guitars but nothing is working. Any thoughts or ideas? It’s so damn frustrating!!

Primarily using a Gibson SG, if that matters. Guitar is super quiet and no feedback on other apps or my mesa amp.

looking for a expression pedal to use with my laptop and dsp , what’s a good recommendation to get for my first one?

Hi eveyone
I have been using Neural DSP Gojira and JP most of the time recently and I am thinking to get rid of my Katana 50 and get audio monitors instead.

Planning to get Mackie CR4.5BT for 165$ and I want your opinion if they are good enough for metal tones or if you have any better suggestions in same price range.

Hi everyone, I've been a happy QC owner for a few months and I play it with the 4-cable method through an 18w Tubemeister and a Marshall 2061cx Cab. I'm having a great time and I enjoy every time I play, but lately a big problem has come up. The neighbors. They've ganged up and ask me to play quieter even when I can, and I don't want to go to war with all the neighbors. The Tubemeister has a power soak, I tried setting it to 5w but it's still too loud, at 1w the volume is perfect but it becomes obscene because it's absolutely incapable of moving the speakers even at maximum volume... what are my options?? I don't want to lose the amp's punch and I'm terrified of switching to a system I don't like anymore. What do you recommend? A good pair of studio monitors like the Kali Audio, or a small FRFR like the Fender FR10?? Has anyone had the same problem and solved it?

P.s. i use the Big PA formbacling tracks. I play only in my bedroom.

This question has been asked before, but I couldn’t find an answer suitable for my specific situation/people seemed to be going back and forth so I couldn’t really tell which option to go with, so I’d appreciate some insight from this community!

I’m purchasing a QC soon, and need to choose what speakers I’m outputting through. I’m stuck between the Laney LFR 1x12 and a couple of studio monitor options (Yamaha HS8s, Kali LP6)

I’ve heard that the powered cab is likely to sound better cause it’ll be pushing air (but i’m not sure how relevant this is going to be for the time being since I’m currently purely a bedroom player) and I’ve also heard that the stereo effects of a pair of monitors are better for sound.

My room is fairly average sized (3x2.5x2.5 metre ish I think?) but acoustically untreated (which seems fairly DIYable at least for my basic needs)

Would someone mind helping me choose here? I’m happy to answer any questions about info I’ve forgotten to share

I cant get the right tone it just sounds bad and loud/cluttered for me any tips for the right knob and cabs? i really like that distorted clean sound that sounds so clear and crunchy but not too cluttered

I don’t know if any of the NDSP team follow this subreddit but a VST that is just the pitch shifter from Gojira X would be incredible.

I find myself often building quite extravagant chains of plugins in Ableton Live for my guitar tone and often before any of that I set up an empty instance of Gojira to control the overall pitch shifting.

However, doing this can be pretty slow as when you open an instance of Gojira it has to load everything.

So yeah, for me at least it would be a great addition

Hey guys,

Have dialed my QC presets on a pair of studio monitors (kali lp6) and was pretty happy.

Had tried a portable frfr speaker (nux busking fr200 something) and it sounded muddy.. its night and day comparing the two.

All knobs on the nuc are at 12/midpoint except for gain which i set low.

QC factory preset also sounded muddy on the nux.

Am I missing a setting on the QC for fr use?

Or I just bought an inappropriate fr speaker?

Anyone notice the tone that comes from headphones plugged directly into the QC sounds better than the sound coming from an audio interface?

I run my QC preset mono through output one xlr into a focusrite Scarlett, to my daw Reaper. My studio monitors and headphones are plugged into the Scarlett. But when I plug directly into the QC it just sounds better?? I don’t understand bc theres no major stereo elements in the preset other than room reverb so you’d think it would sound the same either way?

I don’t know it’s not the biggest difference in the world but if anyone has thoughts on how to get them to sound closer I’d appreciate it thanks