Description
Quad Cortex!
The most powerful floor modeler on the planet
Vulgar Display of Power
Quad Cortex is the most powerful floor modeler on the planet. With a total of 6 cores (4x SHARC+ and 2x ARM Cortex-A5 running at 500MHz each), this ludicrous amount of processing capacity provides limitless sound design possibilities.
Neural Capture
Capture, share and download your favorite rigs’ sounds. Equipped with our unique biomimetic AI technology, Quad Cortex can learn and replicate the sonic characteristics of any physical amplifier, overdrive, and cabinet with unprecedented accuracy.
Unlike any other, our sophisticated neural network algorithm perceives sound akin to human perception, making it the most natural-sounding capture solution on the planet.
We are collaborating with some of the best producers and sound designers to provide an ever-growing collection of free rig captures in addition to our full-circuit models.
We figured out a better way to do modelers
With its massive 7” multi-touch display, Quad Cortex is unbelievably easy to use. Effortlessly create even the most complex signal paths.
Inputs & Outputs
Dual Combo Inputs: TS, TRS, and XLR, variable impedance and level controls, built-in microphone preamps, and phantom power supplies.
Dual effects-loops: ideal for embedding external mono, or stereo effects into your signal chain, as well as additional input/output jacks.
1/4” Output jacks: two mono, balanced (TRS) outputs provide pristine sound quality and optimal noise performance.
XLR Output jacks: two mono, balanced XLR output jacks.
Headphone Output: ideal for quiet practicing.
MIDI In, Out/Thru: receive and send MIDI messages to automate switching and control of every parameter in Quad Cortex, as well as controlling other units.
Dual Expression Inputs: connect up to two expression pedals. They can be assigned to control wahs, volume, as well as pitch-shifting algorithms.
USB: Ultra-low latency audio transmission, firmware updates, MIDI, and more.
11 stainless steel stomp+rotary actuators allow for switching and rotational control (just like the footswitches and knobs you are used to, but unbreakable). All audio connectors are Neutrik®
Unbelievably Compact
Using advanced mechanical design and manufacturing techniques, we managed to not only build the most powerful floor modeler/multi-effects processor on the planet, we also managed to pack it all in an extremely compact format.
Dimensions
29 x 19.5 x 6.9cm / 11.4″ x 7.7″ x 2.7″
Weight
1.95kg / 4.2lbs
Some good questions and answers 😉 !
What is Neural Capture? Other companies already digitally capture the sound of an analog rig, some very cleverly for the time they were introduced. But with the advances in machine learning technology and in embedded processing power, we thought we could greatly contribute to this field.Our biomimetic approach relies on a unique combination of advanced machine learning techniques and neuroscience; we invented a way to train an AI to perceive sound in the same way the human ear does.Quad Cortex’s neural networks are hearing your rig in the same way that you do, giving it the most comprehensive and detailed detection system, and the resulting digitized rigs are the most accurate and powerful on the market.
Can I run other plugins on Quad Cortex? No.
If I have bought Neural DSP plugins, can I get them on QC? Not currently – we are working on it. When it’s possible we will send a free plugin update in a Cortex compatible format to everyone who owns our plugins so the modules in them can be loaded onto the device.
Can I load my Neural DSP plugin presets on QC? We are working on it!
Is there a desktop controller? There will be. It will launch shortly after the global launch of Quad Cortex.
Can I use the desktop controller without Quad Cortex? No.
Do you need to use the mobile app to use QC? You do not need to use the mobile app. One of our main goals was to create a device that is so easy to use that no external devices are needed to comfortably control or configure it. The app will allow you to explore and share users’ presets, so although not necessary, it will definitely help you explore new sounds and connect with fellow Cortex users.
Does QC come with a gigbag? No, but we will look into add-ons and accessories.
Can you load your own IRs onto QC? Absolutely! You can load third-party IRs.
Can you use QC as a USB audio interface? Yes. Quad Cortex features Cirrus Logic codecs and an ultra-low-latency USB audio transmission.
How is QC more than just a piece of hardware to trigger plugins? Why would somebody use this if they already have the plugins? It does so much more than that. It has more processing power than most commercial computers, so you can run more models simultaneously. It is also a very high-grade interface, meaning that you will get extremely good and consistent conversion noise/headroom performance. Unlike desktop setups, the unit is self-contained: anything and everything you need to operate it is built-in. Of course, there are other ground-breaking features such as Neural Capture that you simply cannot get in any plugin.
What is the warranty period? 2 years limited.
The unit looks very compact. How can I make sure it’s road-ready? The unit comes in a sturdy anodized aluminum unibody and the rotary actuators are our own design and custom made out of stainless steel (they are arguably the most reliable footswitch ever made). This unit is made to last.
The glass screen is right by the footswitches, isn’t that a risk? Although the same is true for any foot-controlled device with a screen, we’ve gone the extra mile to minimize the likelihood of accidental damage.
How afraid should I be of damaging the stomp-knobs? Not at all. The metal casing is made of stainless steel, making them borderline indestructible, and the inner mechanism is made of extremely durable ABS. More than seeing it as a knob you can stomp on, think of it as the most durable footswitch ever that you can also turn to adjust controls.
Is it possible that stomping on the knobs could adjust a parameter? No. The software prevents accidental parameter tweaking when a switch is pressed.
How many virtual rigs can I run at once? Anywhere between 2 and 4 depending on the complexity of the chain. Although rigs based on Neural Capture amplifiers require less CPU, so the figure will be higher and will vary greatly on your setup. Think of Quad Cortex as a very powerful blank canvas, with which you can explore and push its limits, just like you would with an amazing computer.
How many instruments can I connect to a Quad Cortex? The physical connectors allow for a maximum of 4 by repurposing the FX Loops Send and Return as additional I/Os.
Can I use it for vocals and synths? Absolutely. Quad Cortex combo Inputs 1 and 2 come with high-grade microphone preamps, phantom power supply, and variable impedance controls. We plan on adding a plethora of vocal effects in the near future.
What are your plans to incorporate more amplifier models, IRs and effects? Very aggressive plans. Our pledge is that the collection of sounds will continue to grow, permanently. The cool thing is that our wireless capabilities will make it a breeze to update the firmware. Connect to WiFi, search for updates, and in less than 10 minutes you have the latest and greatest. Plus, you can continue to use the device while the update happens in the background.
Can I use Quad Cortex in combination with other physical gear? Absolutely! It comes with 2 mono FX loops and expression inputs so you can connect your favorite effects and expression pedals to it.
Can I use Quad Cortex in combination with plugins? Absolutely. Most studio users will probably combine it with third-party plugins in a DAW.
You are a software company, how can you also be good at hardware? We actually started the company to do hardware in parallel to software – this project just took a lot longer to develop than our first plugins. Many of us have extensive experience making hardware; our CEO Doug Castro is the founder and former CEO of Darkglass Electronics, so he has over a decade of experience designing and mass-manufacturing extremely reliable hardware. The hardware engineering team also boasts of nearly 5 decades of hardware development experience. We know the hardware realm extremely well. Quad Cortex is made for war.
How many presets/banks are available? 32 banks of 8 presets. 256 presets in total. The factory presets do not consume the user preset allocation.
Is there gapless switching between scenes & presets? Preset changing will incur in the inevitable, familiar gap. You can use Scene and Stomp modes to change the sounds while maintaining delay trails without any crossfade/gaps.
Do delay & reverb trails continue through scene & preset changes? Trails continue whenever you switch these effects on and off in Scene or Stomp mode.
Is there a preset exchange website? Yes, and a mobile App!
Can you run a DI through for re-amping? Yes.
Can I use a computer or external MIDI controller to operate Quad Cortex? Yes, through MIDI Ports or Computer linked through USB to the other device.
Is there an undo function? Yes!
How do I use Quad Cortex live? Send the main outputs to a solid-state power amp, FRFR cab, and/or mixing console.
Can I run a separate mix to FOH or in-ear monitors? Yes, by configuring a second output on Quad Cortex and specifying what you’d like to send through it.
Do the inputs support a variety of powered instruments? Yes. Input impedance and gain are adjustable for Inputs 1 and 2.