Why I'm Selling My Quad Cortex (And What I'm Getting Instead...)
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- Опубліковано 26 лют 2023
- Thanks for watching my video on why I decided to sell my Neural DSP NDSP Quad Cortex. In this video I talk about some positives and negatives regarding the unit and I also talk about what I'm getting instead. Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Cheers!
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#neuraldsp #quadcortex #gettingridofit
What do you guys think about my decision?
What I think about your decision to get a Diezel? SMORT AF
If you're happy it was the right decision. Looking forward to hearing your Diezel.
Really sad that the Quad Cortex community can't enjoy new great profiles from you. Again, your Archon PRS capture is one of my favorite profiles on the cloud right now. I think many would even be willing to buy your profiles (maybe a way to make it worthwhile?)
What were some of its best captures ?
Curious because I’ve heard some jcm 800 captures that sounded really good….
@@neildeakin4454 that is why i never trust gear reviews,you need to try for yourselft,
Honestly, as a new owner of Quad Cortex I love this video. Especially the fact that ToneX kinda made you sell it. Because I really hope that these kinds of responses are gonna lit a fire under Neural DSPs butt so they will hurry up with delivering on all the stuff they promised. Thanx for the video man! And how lucky are we in a modern guitar community to have access to all these incredible tools that keep pushing each other!
I have had my QC for about a month. I am not a power user and only play at church and it does way more than I will ever need. BUT I can see why people that bought the unit 6 months to TWO years ago are getting irritated. In the forums it is often stated that "You bought and they are upgrading it for free, you should be happy" type comments.
I disagree. Neural made some pretty specific promises which they have not delivered on. Especially the Desktop Editor and the capacity to use the Neural Plugins that people had previously bought. I can see that ToneX is going to put a dent in the QC. Are they concerned? I don't know. It does seem like they are a bit in over their heads with trying to deliver what they promised.
As for myself, I do look forward to the Desktop Editor and hopefully a few more effects (that I may never use ;). I also think they should be quicker on the incremental updates between the major ones, but again that is just my take on it. I do like my QC very much and it will only become a better unit as time goes by. What I personally need to become is a BETTER player! Neural has made a very easy to engage with device, and it is up to me to interact with it as much as possible!
Thank you! Enjoy your QC! I would echo what you said, I hope the criticism makes NDSP extra motivated to add new features and improve!
Dream on, they will go the Atomic (Amplifire) route. Atomic started as well by doing nice plugins / standalone software stuff but they lack real capacity to support like the big hardware companies. Don't think that selling some tens of thousands or whatever they sold so far makes them enough money to bring all the stuff promised and keep up with other advancements. That said I still like Amplifire for what it is. And I also have a Line6 POD 2.0 that was, is and will be pure genius.
I guess I’m the only person who doesn’t need the plugins in my QC they both serve different purposes to me
Desktop Builder , called " Cortex Control" beta is now ready for viewing at this year's 2023 Namm! I got an invite from Neural DSP and will be stopping by their booth ! I will make a video on it , stay tuned !
Appreciate this video. Lots of very well laid out thoughts. Thank you for your video man.
Very relevant and useful video as always. I have looked into ToneX thanks to your passionate videos, Jon. So you absolutely sold me 😂🤘
Thanks!
Great video as always Jon! For a long time I was always a bit jealous of everyone who had the Kemper and quad cortex since it was way of out my price range, but since Tonex came along with a very affordable capture option, I’m actually glad I waited it out. And the fact that you were able to get a new Diezel after selling it, that’s awesome! Of course I have to sound like a broken-record hoping there will be an SDS Tonex capture of the new amp 😁😁
Can't wait for the Diezel! I'm so stoked!
Nice man! 🤘
I got a VH4 two years ago and haven’t looked back since. I was a massive Marshall guy until I got the VH4. Still a massive Marshall guy, but Diezel has taken the top spot, so much so that I’m currently recording 90% of my first album with it. There’s something special about the clarity of each note and the way it sits in the mix. I have yet to come across an amp that sounds so clear and fills its own space as nicely as the VH4 does.
Thanks for the quad cortex honesty, you got a new subscriber
I love the Quad Cortex but I did sell my original one only to buy another recently. I have an FM3 and a Helix and the Quad Cortex is the simplest to use and it sounds better through a real amp than the others. The Wi-Fi connection is appalling though. John mentioned it and he is 100% correct. It is ridiculous how Neural DSP approved such hardware as they are a brilliant company.
Love the honesty mate 👍
Thanks for your honest review! It thought I was alone… I had the QC for a few weeks and just was not digging the amp models or the downloaded captures from my favourite artists. Seemed like a great built unit and so easy to use… really wanted to like it.
I wonder what’ll you get next 🤔 got a Badlander 25 recently and love the Amp !!! Love the gear and your videos … Cheers 🍻
I'm not asking for a figure in euros, but roughly how much did the QC depreciate in that time? Percentage-wise? I toyed with the idea of selling my Kemper and adding some money to get a QC, but even in the used market the prices here in Canada are absurd.
Finally an honest review of Quad Cortex. Thanks for share with us your ideas and point of view. I never tried the QC but honestly i m not really convinced by the marketing. See you soon
really excited what you are saying about the VH2. My Herbert always was my go to amp for years. But atm I am leanig more towards those "standard" amps. Am I weird?
I was very close to ordering a QC, but after the 3.50 update for Line 6 Helix, released, I found myself dropping the QC after the QOL updates and cab updates came to the Helix. Now I'm considering the Tone-X as I've people easily connecting it to the helix which really intruiges me.
i live in germany and i had so many versions of the vh4 over the last 3 decades. i had a prototype version in an old jcm 800 headshell up to a new vh-4 stereo and i can say that the sound of the vh4s has changed very much over the years because peter just likes to do some tweakings all the time..i also tried the synergy vh4 module and didn`t like it at all, just too muffled and boomy..you can also send your amp to him and he will tweak it to your needs like he did for james hetfield, peter is a genius in my experience and i`m really excited to hear what your particular version will sound like, cheers 🎸🎸
Quick question. Can the tonex pedal do the amp capturing like the tonex sound card/interface things? Or is the pedal just more for loading amps from the plug-in and throwing it on your board?
The pedal itself won’t do the capturing but the ToneX Max software that comes with it will allow you to do it using your audio interface. Hope this helps.
@@jvshangout awesome thanks a bunch!
The best thing about your videos is you EXPLAIN your reasoning as to why you decided to sell. You’re allowed to change your opinions ESPECIALLY after owning the unit for some time and using it in context! Not just the “honeymoon” phase of new gear. I used to hate everything line6, but now I couldn’t imagine being without my helix. It’s an amazing unit to ME, the user! Looking forward to the diesel video! 🤘🏽🔥
Thanks! I appreciate that
Imagine if, at some point, there would be a standardized capture file format! You could use ToneX captures on the QC and vice versa. That would unlock so many possibilities.
That would be AWESOME. Alas -- I'm guessing that everyone is using their own neural network architecture, and they're probably not compatible (and are propriety and subject to NDAs and such).
I'm really excited about the prospect of some of the open source modeling software out there, like NAM and Proteus from GuitarML, because people can really dig into it.
I was Tier 1 prebuy on the QC, and backed out just before they started having delays. At that time I was a long time Helix owner, going on 5 years. I was able to get a Fractal FM3, and loved it. Now I also have an FM9 and love that too. The workflow, feature set, and software editor are really great, and suit me. Helix is still a great piece of gear, and the UI was ground breaking, so I'm excited to see what they come out with as a follow on to Helix. The FM9 definitely hits the sweet spot for me, and I've since sold off all of my amps and effects. I have a Friedman FRFR solution, and also a Seymour Duncan PS amp, and Marshall 412 cab for when the gig calls for moving air. No need for tube amps, and pedalboards, patch cables etc. No regrets. Don't get me wrong, I'd still love to own a BE-100 Deluxe, but it would probably never be gigged, and rarely used.
I really want the FM9. Just can't afford it. Still paying off my helix lol and I have 3 kids so yeah. Can't wait to eventually get one.
I went the opposite route - got a Pod GO and loved it. I still have it, and use it as a standalone unit sometimes, but now it is serving as an effects processor for my Dual Rectifier.
@@zunk4435 Dual Rectifiers rules.
@@poorbrokeguitarist They do. Not needed but always a fun thing to record a guitar with a mic versus a plugin in Logic.
If I weren't using the QC for gigging (it's light, powerful, flexible, and lots of switches) I'd have stuck with a Fractal. The combo of a fm3 and fc6 was too large and heavy for the traveling that I do. With the QC I have various presets set up for FOH, FRFR, in ears, an everything in front of an amp, and 4cm with my amps with effects loop. Basically I can cover any gig and it's small and light. All of the cons you talked about are legit and I totally agree. I'll add that it's completely bonkers that the switches don't have dual purpose (tap and hold) and that you can't assign whatever you want to each individual switch. My experience with the capturing is very good, all the captures I've made sound spot on. In the end, if it's a piece of gear you're not using, it'd be silly to keep it, I think you're doing the right thing. Thanks for sharing!
Man I'm on the same boat as you, and same things irritate the hell out of me. Why won't they just update the footswitch assignments? It's appalling. If I followed my heart, I would sell QC right now and get the FM9. I also have Tonex coming in mail soon and I could also just gig with it and combine it with HX stomp or HX FX. I'm just too hooked on the ease of having one small lightweight unit, no extra cables, pedal boards, nothing. It's so easy for me and it hits the absolute sweet spot in size and still has enough footswitches. But I might just have to do the "right thing" anyway and sell it, I really can't stand Neural, the way they have handled the QC in some ways is just too much for me, it's getting personal, I don't even want to support a company like this.
Thank you, Jon. I finally bought a 50 watt EVH amp instead with 30% price lower than QC.
Cool. I have Helix, so happy to hear that. And I like youtubers who are honest, thank you!
You'll love the VH2. The channel 2(VH4 channel 3) is incredible. It may be the "little brother" but it still maintains all the parts that matter. It is stripped down to the necessities and the two channels are the ones that most VH4 owners spend the most time on. The things like the midi and 2nd effects loop are not something too many people would make use of. I'd maybe even argue it is a better choice for the majority of guitar players who like the VH4 sound.
The QC was over hyped and Neural capitalized on it, good for them but they should do right and give the ability to load plug-ins.
Yes I do think they should add that feature soon!
@@SonicDriveStudiowhy do you need the plug in? Every possible combination that an archetype has available on the cloud. I just don’t get it
I think you can do that now
Not sure that you needed another amp (a Diezel is sick though), but I appreciate your honesty on the Quad Cortex. I am a die hard Neural DSP plugin user, so I was intrigued by the QC. I would have had to sell some gear to fund it and it is still missing some important features for the price. After watching your video on the ToneX Pedal, I don't see the point in spending that much money for my needs. The fact that you get the unit, the capture software, and the Amplitude 5 software is a steal. We live in an amazing time for gear.
I love the VH4, I got to play one in a local shop near me last year.
I brought over my v30 loaded carvin 412 and my pedal board and I was absolutely blown away by it. I've played other $3,000 to $4,000 amps in that shop but the VH4 was the only one that was worth that price tag.
Each channel has its own amazing sound, I prefer channel 2 for this mid gain punchy rhythm sound and channel 4 for this tight, compressed high gain sound.
The amp overall sounds like a bridge between a Rockerverb (with a UK midrange) and a Dual Rec (huge American style resonance).
Definitely one of the best amps I've ever played, hands down.
My QC will go up for sale soon, after trying Tonex I'm very impressed. I look forward to hear your new Diezel.
thanks for share your opinion
Thanks for another great video. That's understandable, but you switched over pretty quickly. I have had the quad cortex for about a year, haven't had any problems with it, and has sounded great live. It does what I need it to do, but yes, there is vast room for improvement and hoping that they deliver. Love the touch screen, the signal flow, and the ease-of-use. Spend much more time just playing guitar than I did with the helix. All personal preference, though.
Indeed, it's all personal. It has many positives (which I mentioned) but I need to be honest and also talk about the negatives
@@SonicDriveStudio For sure. Anything you play sounds incredible anyway, LOL. Cheers.
I am selling some of my tube amps because I prefer the ToneX.
So, I understand and share your opinion.
I have Billy Corgan's Machina VH4 (some vids on my channel) and i can vouch 100% that you should love the Diezel. It's bigger and meaner than any other amp i've ever owned besides the Herbert. That thing was just insanely vicious.
I love my QC. Is an all in one solution for me and better sounding than the Helix. Used the Helix (which I still have) for 7 years and hands down with the QC is much easier to get a good sound and the feel is better too. Yes, the first two days with the QC I was a bit lost and already missing the Helix UI and scribble strips but now I’m about to sell the Helix.
Excellent video. I had similar experiences with Fractal2 and Kemper (no Quad Cortex though). Only my Helix is left.
Awesome! Been wondering when we might get a Deizel amp demo. Very entrigued to eventually try one.
Thanks. Your videos are very qualitative and i also like your personal opinion. I'm currently looking for a modeling and I'm still unsure whether it should be a Helix Floor, fm3turbo or a QC. I think the Helix offers the best price-performance ratio for me. Greetings from germany ✌
saw your ad posted as well, the reasons make perfect sense
i've been curious about the QC, but i've found my 'home' i guess in Fractal gear, as strange as it might sound the layout/workflow/tweakability all clicks and sounds /feels great , the updates are meaningful and continued support for the Afx3 range of products (I own an FM3)
QC still has a ways to go, the sheer horsepower still has a lot of potential, but i'm not seeing it making sense just yet based on what it was announced to be, i still don't get why the amps from the plugins/archetypes aren't in there, are they worried that it might affect the plugin business ? i mean imagine having your favourite preset on the Granophyre plugin that you can just drag into your QC ( a bit like the ToneX ;)
Yes pls go for the VH2 I want to see someone like you properly demo it. Great decision!
I feel the same Jon. Got the QC for captures & ability chain several but the accuracy is hit/miss depending on how you have the amp dialed. Add ToneX to the picture and the new open-source / free alternative (Neural Amp Modeler aka NAM), and the Neural Capture as a "flagship feature" doesn't hold up anymore (NAM beats it). The built-in models aren't anything to write home about - I'll still hold on to it for several more months but if no enhancements as far as the Capture tech is concerned, desktop editor and plugins come out I'll most likely do the same thing.
There is also GuitarML (Proteus) also free open source alternative as NAM, slightly easier to use, both uses LSTM neural networks (GuitarML uses one big layer, while NAM inclined to multiple smaller layers). Also can be mentioned that recent Bogren plugins use GuitarML-type neural networks (GuitarML json format, but different hidden size and trained at 88/96 kHz).
@@LucifdeLuther NAM uses wavenet and, while a bit more of CPU intensive than Proteus, it is more capable of modelling hi-gain stuff
@@TudorAdrian NAM can use both WaveNet and LSTM, I`m tried training with later approach. In that case it`s similar to GuitarML. Maybe I should revisit NAM.
@@LucifdeLuther True, you can opt for CATLSTM, CONVNET, LSTM and WAVENET but the "standard" architecture for profiling in the latest release is wavenet which works pretty darn good
Good choice:) I also really like my HX Stomp XL, but Its just not the same as a tube amp with a good cab/speaker in the room
great honest report. I wish there was more of this on YT and less of the paid adverts. Looking forward to hearing the VH2.
100% understand you and also am thinking about doing the same! Might even do a video about the multiple reasons why....
Can two separate captures be used together in the Tonex Pedal? for example, an overdrive capture with an amp capture together. Thanks!
Only if you make a capture of both in the same setup
Sounds like you made the right decision, I dont think you will miss the QC. I have both the Kemper and Helix, didnt care for the Tonex much, I rather have a unit with effects. I agree with what you said about the Helix...still a great unit. I prefer the Helix over the Kemper as I think it sounds better and easier to dial in.
I have an Helix for 4 years, I bought the tonex pedal because it's cheap & can be easily intergated with helix. For me Tonex seems to have tighter response fill on higain amp, especialy 5150 III type of sound.
:) Each of us has a favorite among the effects. Only not every effect plays well live.
Great choice! I also always wanted a Diezel. I have an Orange Jim Root, a Rockerverb and a Mesa Dual Rectifier and a Helix. The Line 6 Helix sounds pretty DAMN close to those amps. Mostly the orange mods though.
I bought one last August and returned it after a week. I was so disappointed by how the digital amps sounded. To me, their plugins sound way better. Especially their high gain ones. The capture feature wasn’t really a selling point for me. I still can’t believe that they haven’t released the desktop editor yet!
I fully support this 🤘
I really like my QC and the ease of dialing in good sounds with effects, etc, but I share your view they have not delivered. For me it’s just the fact that they still do not have a desktop editor. I just don’t get it. I do feel it’s an excellent unit but they for sure need to get on the ball and deliver the things they said they would. I mean marketplace is still not even setup which would take a few days at most to set that up for anyone who has any kind of html / website skills.
Great choice!
Do you consider to get KSR amps one day?
I haven't really looked into them but I'm open to trying anything
I've been using the QC for the past 3 days and I am ready to pack it and send it back to the store. The lack of additional resources is what really threw me off. Also, as you mentioned, the Helix sounds are way more accurate. Thankfully, I also purchased the HELIX FLOOR this weekend, just in case, and I guess this will be the best choice for me.
can you post a sample of one amp that is more accurate with Helix? than i try to respond with QC.
Thank you man
@@georgeliniet7875 you can ask that to the original poster if you need proof. I don’t have time to deal with this kind of BS. If you don’t like it, just move forward, nobody needs to prove anything to you bud!
@@dclassicsrock if you don't like my comments.. move forward
@@georgeliniet7875 oh dear, you’re funny tho! I’m responding to you because you are directing your initial comment to me. My initial post wasn’t directed to you but I don’t think you can even read and comprehend the difference, that’s a little too much for you genius!
Well, I ordered a ToneX pedal after watching your videos about it (and a bunch of other guys'), so your decision makes my decision sound relevant, while waiting for the pedal to arrive 😅
By the way, listening to many other of your videos after that, I wondered if it wouldn't be possible to model a dual amp (say engl + peavey -5db 🙂) as a single IR. Does any body do that?
Yeah it's called owning a Quad Cortex . You can have two block chains then add your IRS and record two tracks in stereo , your ENGL Savage on the left and Peavy on the right 👍▶️
@@maximumguitarage ha ha, that is not exactly my point 😊
@@fr33z00 I know , just being cheeky my friend :) Happy gear hunting and hope you find what works for you!
Do somebody still recomend to buy a fractal ax8 on 2023? Is it worth?
Thanks
I remember when the Quad Cortex was announced...I was really looking to get one especially for the Neural DSP plugins and that would've been my entry in the modelers world for live practicing/gigging...then time passed and nothing happened on that front. I was watching more and more reviews and after the honey moon phase, people started to sell them because it wasn't that much better than a Helix for example. I'm old school (still using tube amps + a separate multi effects board) and at this point, I think I'll wait for the Bluguitar Amp X to come out. I already have the Iridium and it sounds inside so I cannot wait for the Amp X personally. Headrush just release (today I think) the Headrush Prim which has a capture feature. Eager to see if it's great!
Respect for your honesty, that may actually prevent you from success selling this device.
I doubt it will matter much. In the end honesty is important
The Tonex is great, but when I buy a digital unit I want an all in one solution with all of the effects and everything else I need, not just a capture unit that does next to nothing else.
I used to be the same way many years ago with the digital guitar stuff but lately my approach has changed a bit.
These days I have a MIDI controller footswitch, a 3 switch multi FX unit (like Boss, Helix Stomp, Ampero etc) and a separate expression pedal for volume or wah. With the MIDI foot controller it can control all of them at the same time. What I like about this is that each part of the floorboard on it's own isn't that expensive, so if years from now one part fails, the other parts still have value and it's a lot easier to replace (or upgrade) one part of the chain rather than the whole thing. For example, the other parts can be sold off or used for other things like putting in the loop of a tube amp. And the MIDI foot controller can be used to pause, play or forward YT music videos (with your feet), or to record/stop the DAW when recording etc.
With a big all in one floor unit, there are a few downsides depending on which unit you use. If an expression pedal fails, or if something internally fails.. the whole thing basically becomes useless. They can also be vary large, heavy, take up a lot of floorspace etc. The big reputation ones are really expensive. I still don't mind them.. I'm just not all in on them compared to years ago. For example, an all in one Fractal setup is still very tempting but in my country it's super expensive.
The ToneX can capture/replace an individual OD or dirt pedal, or it can be a pedal and amp combo, or just an amp by itself. It can even be used solely as an IR loader or recording interface. I don't own one currently, but it's tempting. Using MIDI it can be switched into those different modes on the fly. One patch it can be an OD pedal, and a different patch can be full amp and IR replacement. This can help free up DSP if the other FX unit is a patch with a lot of stuff going on.. using complex reverbs or dual amps for example. Or even just switching to that specific amp for a certain tone because the tone is superior, you don't have to use it, but the option is there.
The thing I like is that there's a lot of options without taking up much floor space but the chain can also be changed or modified over time. For the ToneX, putting it in the loop of a Helix Stomp or Ampero II gives a lot of options on a per patch basis, depending on what the priority is (freeing up DSP, dual amps, superior tone etc).
That’s cool about the new amp. Also, a Badlander would be awesome as well.
Would be cool if that happened one day
Well I'm glad I bought another Helix after selling my other last year. I am happy with it. I love it. But I am curious about the Tonex.
I was close to buy QC and I'm happy I didn't bough it. I just stay with hx stomp lx. I would love to see Revv generator mk3 in your video!
IMO...you still cant beat the Line6 products.
@@hierrogm I never played the QC.
@@hierrogm well, I use a lot of effects and QC lack of it. Not to mention I have helix native, desktop editor and hx stomp is a lot cheaper. I can connect tone x to it if I want profiles.
I remember my first time trying a helix unit at guitar center. I just knew the modeling route fit me like a glove. I haven’t felt the need to look into new modeling tech. I’m relieved that the Helix still holds its own and I’m prob not missing anything. Guitars on the other hand 😅
The kemper and helix truly feel nothing like an amp. The quad’s great in sound and feel. I love the people that are waiting for plug-ins when the actual modeler sounds and feels better than a plug-in which they want because it’s cheaper and they want to be tied down to a computer when you don’t even need any of that with the quad cortex because the ui is that great
I hope you are happy with that VH2, we had a VH4 in our rehearsal room for a while. Sounded awesome but it was broken most of the time and had to be fixed way too many times by Diezel.
Ok, let's hope mine doesn't break...
@@SonicDriveStudio fingers crossed!
@@rk28984 I've mostly heard great things so I'm not too worried
The call out to Wi-Fi is great. Wifi is pure garbage on the unit. I had to share my mac's wifi to get a stable connection. Working with the customer service with Neural was a waste of time as well. They hardly cared and suggested my wonky wifi sharing solution was a fix and should be happy. I love the unit and use it 90% of the time I'm plugged in and playing, but man is it frustrating at times.
I have had my QC a month or so. The WIFI is atrocious. I think it is a lousy antenna. Apparently because it works for most other people Neural is in a state of denial about it. It is the ONE issue that bugs me the most about it. Otherwise I am reasonably happy with mine. I think they are making a lot of people upset by not getting the Marketplace, Desktop Editor, and Plug in transfers done like they promised. I plan to keep mine, but I am mildly annoyed with the company.
Are there any plans on trying out Bad Cat amps? like the Lynx Or Hot Cat?
No plans but I'd love to
The postive of the QC: Whenever I bring issues to the management of Neurale they respond and inform me of path they are using to try and correct an issue or concern! Next, the QC is similar to a knife with minimal amount of butter trying to cover a large peiece of bread!! Neurale keeps adding more butter to make the QC work!! With Artifical Intelligence coming to the forefront of technology the QC can develop cutting end technologies!! TINA passing today OUCH!!
In my experience, shipments from Germany can take 3-8 weeks, mostly due to customs. But it’s worth it because they’re usually half the cost you’d normally pay.
Have you ever tried to capture a QC preset with ToneX?
I have not. Should work fine though
I have noticed lately on the online sales websites here where I live, there are a lot Q cortex for sale. I haven’t tried one yet and still uses my Kemper. I am very curious to try one but so many being sold used already does not look like a good sign.
Try one for yourself to see if it's the right device for you! That counts for any modeler of course
ToneX did their homework almost perfectly. With an fx loop it would be 10/10. Headrush wasted the chance to take leadership because they have a fantastic user interface on the unit, but they didn't implement a computer app and their midi support is minimal. Neural is following the same path, not listening to their customers. Manufacturers must realize that it's not comfortable to tweak tones bending down. It does not matter how user friendly the interface is, you want your pedalboard on the ground and your back straight.
IMO, the best unit for rich people is the axe fx-iii. Powerful, lots of good fx, capture. Maybe the quad cortex have a better hardware, but they're failing to deliver the software to use it.
I have a headrush gigboard now since it came out. I’d thought Id like a bigger unit and there’s always tons of used kempers being sold off very cheap now on eBay, but headrush keep doing good updates and the old gigboard still sounds pretty incredible. If I get something it’d be Helix cos it’s got everything. Still think helixes are the best and love how l6 has stood by it
If you dont need the all in one aspect, then just using tonex is a good call for capturing and agree with you on most points!
The only thing i would disagree with is helix models being better than the cortex models, some are, some are not, but i guess it also depends what you are used to. I have a qc and helix native and i have barely got any decent tones out of helix, but I know you and others do, but i easily get awesome tones out the qc
Great video, as always
It's definitely a personal thing. It's just almost everytime I compared my amps to the Helix, it sounded very close. That hasn't happened with the QC stock amp models.
@@SonicDriveStudio why would you compare your amps to stock models and not your own amp captures?
@@JGorg8 because not everybody has amps to capture for themselves and they would be interested in knowing how accurate the stock amps are
@Sonic Drive Studio depends on which amps, i guess
The dual rec in there, for the most part, is terrible, and im still using your really low master volume trick just to get a decent tone out of it haha so thats 1 point for the helix as ive heard you get it really close.
I think the 5150s sound better in the qc than the helix panama, but maybe the panama is closer to the actual amp? Which would then be personal taste again. Vh4/bogner is better in helix, but i prefer the friedman in the qc. It's all swings and roundabouts at the end of the day, though.
I'd love to try an fm9 as well just to complete the set of the big 3 modellers, but they are pricey and hard to come by in the UK.
I wish Neural DSP (or someone else) would put some effort into creating a portable plugin-loader. It would be amazing to have Neural DSP’s amp plugins on the go without having to rely on a laptop/PC/Mac etc.
Looking forward to the bluguitar ampx
I.still love my quad. Small, simple, and great for live gigs.
I know it’s an expensive amp but did you ever check the Diezel VHX?
It’s amazing for people that don’t need too many fx and simple programming all in one box..
All the Diezel voicings (analog) on tap and combinable.
After owning D-Moll, Einstein, Vh4 (and alot if other brands flagships) i can tell you this is my favorite amp of all time!
It seems to be amazing but too expensive for me right now
Same here, VHX is definitly king.
For me it's:
Ease of use: QC > Helix > Kemper > Fractal.
Tone: QC > Kemper > Fractal > Helix
Value: Helix LT > FM3 > Kemper > QC
Flexibility: FM3 > Helix > QC > Kemper
I have a QC right now. I bounce between Kemper, QC and Helix. I gave up on Fractal - it sounds great but just too much editing for me and the on board management without a computer absolutely sucks to me.
I sold mine, after being on the wait list for 6 months, after only 4 months. I thought my Fractal FM3 sounded so much better, I wasn't really into the capture feature on my QC anyway. The guy I sold it to, swears by it, and sold everything else he was using?! Everybody has different tastes, and that's what makes this so much fun, now we feed off each other's new discoveries, but on different gear.
Got my FM9 Turbo just over a week ago and to quote Scotty P, I have "NO RAGRETS!" Cheers!
Enjoy!
I always thought that Kemper still provides the best eco-system for profilers...having the Kermper kone/kabinet able to do both FRFR (IR) and "amp in the room". It has some great effects, also.
Oh..and there is liquid profiling now!
I use the ToneX app in my studio…..mind blowing tone
Are you in the US? I have VH2s and VHXs in stock right now if you didn’t get the one you went for.
Got a VH2, Thanks!
I did not hear a lot of good about the Q.C. but a lot of Negatives in this video, while it is just your opinion , Noting that top acts around the world are tour and playing sold out shows with No Problems,"Megadeth" That is a very big positive, and while you cant get the sounds you want many can and do. and the product will grow from here. That being said I think the Tonex captures may be better. But with a little tweaking it`s all good.. I dont use captures,I think modeling is better right now and the capture thing will get better.But I dont use modeling either unless im at home sometimes in front of my computer,The amps still rule in my opinion, Two people capture the same amp and both captures sound different because of settings ? IDK . But I know what does work , has worked and will work and thats what I use Two Marshall Heads and two 4x12 cabs, Mic it with a 57 and 421 blend to taste, This subject is beat to Death, everytime a new one comes out, IS It Better. Different maybe, Better No. These days I dont think to many people care that listen as long as it sounds good, Im like to move air and feel the response, Play with feedback etc,... and Play Loud as I can. If Your not movin air your not moving the people. Jus me,
I've tried a dozen modellers & all but one just didn't feel right. They all do clean & high gain well, but they really struggle with edge of breakup, which is an amps sweet spot IMO and where I live most of the time.
Only one affordable modeller does edge of breakup well and that's the Ampero 2. It's the only sub-$500 modeller I've tried that feels like I'm playing an analog amp. Haven't personally tried one, but apparently AXE FX excels at this too, but is 3x the price for the FM3.
Cool! If I may, I suggest you check out Dynamo amps out of Dallas TX. I know the guy who makes them and he uses ONLY top tier components.
The VH2 doesn't seem too hard to obtain here in the states, curious as to what they sell for in Germany. Here in the US they go for $2999.
Got mine for 1800 ish
Great, honest video. I played with one for about 20 mins and while clearly as a modeler, it sounds great, all the other issues that knee cap this thing make it not very fun to operate at all. The lack of an app is unacceptable on my opinion and convoluted and clunky file management is quite frankly, trash.
Great video Jon
Im pretty new to guitar playing but, isn’t Quad Cortex just a PC with Integrated Audio Interface and Neural DSP Software installed on it? 🤨
It's not a PC
In exact terms it’s embedded computing. More on the Electrical engineering side rather than Computers
what about WIZARD amps? why nobody tries and compares them?
They are expensive and rare?
duuude, VH2 for the win!! It will be epic! one amp, one song and tonex capture comparison from VH2! cheers
Should be fun, all of that!
So odd they still haven't included their own plugins. Price is to high as well. The (super) kraken apparently is difficult to profile. Rabea has a video where he talks about profiling it with the Kemper.
I haven't seen a video of the ToneX capturing a Diezel amp. It will be so cool if you make one!
It can't handle high gain, so paid channels won't show that anytime soon...
Nonsense, I've done plenty of videos on Tonex with high gain and it sounds great
i think QC was the it thing and many creators saw it as a video subject. A number of channels announced they got a QC, do a few videos and move it on in the back ground for the next it thing and thats fair enough, however a little concerning that the QC is not good enough in the face of other options to be a keeper.... Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Do you own one Allan Butler ?
@@maximumguitarage I do, and I'm very happy with it. Have it about 1.5yrs now and its replaced my physical set up. I happily play live and record with a few guitars, my QC and a laney FRFR cab i use as a monitor. Love the tones the options the work flow specially when recording. But other than rebea i haven't seen many youtubers that did initial videos stick with it?? Just my observation is all.
@@blue_mountains28 great glad you are getting tons of use from it on the road and in the studio . Yeah I have had mine also since they launched about a year and a half ago . I couldn't be happier , I find it extremely useful to capture my amps and take it to gigs. So easy to plug into the front or the house with an XLR cable then I too have a cabinet FRFR I went with the mission Gemini 2 to push pant leg air and be in the mix with a drummer . Really works great for gigs and in the mix when it comes time to record in the studio . I understand influencers may not be using it since initial review , what ever with so much gear to use these days everyone has a preference, for me it's the QC.
damn this is a shame, your Archon capture is my absolute favorite. Was looking forward to more
If NDSP send me another QC I'll do more captures ;)
@@SonicDriveStudio reading my comment again it sounds kinda guilt trippy and that's not what I was going for at all haha I just appreciate your content and I look forward to more!
@@blackmetalbreadstick haha no it was totally fine! I meant what I said, I would happily do more if NDSP sends me another QC :)
Well i own a tone x and axe fx 3, they sound great. I was kind of massively disappointed in the quald cortex, it feels like people are keeping it alive due to a sense of loyalty or buyers remorse. Tone x kinda knocked it out of the park
I’m thinking of selling my QC too. I have a really good set of Marshall heads ( jvm410h,silver jubilee and AFD100) I use with captor x to record with. At this point QC sometimes acts a switcher for midi on my jvm and bluguitar amp 1 with occasional effects. But I’m finding I prefer analog pedals and amps more really. I was really hyped for QC but as a lot have already said they are taking way too long to deliver promises on the unit. Shame really.
Hi! I see you have JVM410h too! I planned to sell my JVM410H In favor of buying quad cortex. Can Quad Cortex Sound comparable? Or i will make a mistake trying to replace my tube amp? Thankgs
@@user-qf6kj8gs7e don’t sell the jvm. I’m probably selling the QC and going back to pedals and amps. I find you will find your own tone this way.
I just saw Whitechapel live yesterday playing with Meshuggah and In Flames. All three Whitechapel guitars were using Quad Cortexs. It was mush. Impossible to make up what was going on w the guitars regretfully.
It's still insane that there is no software editor for the quad cortex.
I'm laughing a little at the money comment and not being able to justify keeping it while sitting in front of a wall of top of the line tube amp heads. Still a valid video and I appreciate the honest thoughts. QC and neural DSP are massive hype trains. I'm sure the products are amazing, don't get me wrong, but it's nice to hear someone's opinions that other products are still competitive in the market space too.
It's not about how much money you have, it's about the purchase being worth the money. If you buy something not to use it, it's probably not worth it.
@@SonicDriveStudio totally agree, :) excellent video as usual.
What about a JPTR FX Titan 250? 🔥🤘
I don't know what that is tbh
Please, please, PLEASE sell your TONEX amp captures! You should make a mint to fund your GAS for exotic tube amps and other stuff well into the future.
The QC was hyped too much and didn't deliver the expectations that were promised. I am happy I stuck to the Helix as it never disappointed me and still sounds great. Now, for the capture part, the QC is also a rival to Kemper (superceeding?) and the biggest advantage is having modeler and profiler in one, but with the ToneX and it's price, QC has lost even more ground to all other players in the market. Helix or Fractel + ToneX is a killer combination!
QC is awesome and to be honest i dont neeed that they port the Neural plugins to the QC,play with make you happy
@@hierrogm Helix is a great unit for sure
@@hierrogm I get great results from Helix and it is MY preferred system, but hey, the market is full of goodies for anybody. If QC, Fractal or Kemper is your way I am happy for ya! 🙏🤘
@@davidforbes72especially after the latest update.
Might you have access to a Henricksen jazz amp, that you can capture with the Tone X…
I think QC is not a mature platform, but in a few years when QC supports Neural's plugins, with updates in its algorithms and capture capacities, i.e., when it "grows up", I would consider buying it then.