Neural DSP Quad Cortex - Amp Modeler *BRAND NEW From Neural DSP Dealer!

Yes, We Are an Authorized Neural DSP Dealer!

We have Quad Cortex units in stock with FREE shipping —no inflated prices on used models here! Rest assured, you'll receive a brand-new, factory-sealed unit, not our shop display model (which you see in the photo). All remaining units are shrink-wrapped and untouched. We mention this because we understand it's a valid concern for many customers! Buy with confidence.

Vulgar Display of Power

Quad Cortex is the most powerful floorboard amp modeler on the planet. With a total of 6 cores, this ludicrous amount of processing capacity provides limitless sound design possibilities.

Want to run four amplifier models, stereo reverbs, and a plethora of other effects simultaneously? Quad Cortex won't even break a sweat.

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.

An ever-expanding collection of guitar and bass algorithms

• 90+
  Amps
• 100+
  Effects
• 1000+
  IRs

Cab block

With over 1000 perfectly captured impulse responses, Quad Cortex ships with one of the most extensive IR collections on the planet - and it is the only of its kind equipped with virtual microphones that can be positioned around the speaker like in a real studio. Third-party IRs are extremely easy to load.

Powerful parametric EQ

Absolute control at your fingertips. Taking full advantage of the 7" multi-touch display, our parametric EQ is intuitive and fun to use.

Stomp Mode

Assign and activate any block in a rig to a footswitch like you would with an analog pedalboard.

Scene Mode

Select any footswitch to instantly activate and control the settings of any number of blocks within a rig.

Preset Mode

Instant access to 8 virtual rigs.

Components

• Quad Cortex comes in a gorgeous anodized aluminum unibody, with laser engraved graphics that never fade. Our multi-touch display is armored with a 1.8mm chemically strengthened Corning® protective glass.
• 7" display with multi-touch sensors
• An ever-growing collection of hyper-realistic virtual devices
• Neural Capture ™
• Proprietary stainless steel stomp+rotary actuators
• 4x SHARC+ and 2x ARM cores running at 500MHz each
• WiFi module for wireless preset sharing, cloud backups, over-the-air firmware updates, and more!
• Anodized aluminum unibody
• Use Quad Cortex as a high-fidelity interface, with Cirrus Logic codecs and an ultra-low-latency USB audio transmission.

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

Inputs & Outputs

1. Dual Combo Inputs : TS, TRS, and XLR, with variable impedance and level controls, built-in microphone preamps, and phantom power supplies.
2. Dual Effects Loops : Ideal for embedding external mono or stereo effects into your signal chain, includes additional input/output jacks.
3. 1/4" Output Jacks : Two mono, balanced (TRS) outputs for pristine sound quality and optimal noise performance.
4. XLR Output Jacks : Two mono, balanced XLR output jacks.
5. Headphone Output : Ideal for quiet practicing.
6. MIDI In, Out/Thru : Receive and send MIDI messages for automating switching and control of every parameter, as well as controlling other units.
7. Dual Expression Inputs : Connect up to two expression pedals; can be assigned to control wahs, volume, or pitch-shifting algorithms.
8. USB : Ultra-low latency audio transmission, firmware updates, MIDI, and more.
9. 11 Stainless Steel Stomp+Rotary Actuators : Allows for switching and rotational control (like traditional footswitches and knobs, but unbreakable).
10. Neural Capture Output : All audio connectors are Neutrik®.

Plugin Compatibility

Open a new world of possibilities by loading Neural DSP plugins on your Quad Cortex

Cortex Cloud

Discover Users, Presets, and Neural Captures via the Cortex Mobile app for iOS and Android devices. Linking your Neural DSP account to your Quad Cortex allows you to create backups, share content, and download items from other users. It also unlocks the Impulse Response Library, where you can transfer IRs to your Quad Cortex and manage the IRs stored on your account.

Cortex Control™

Manage every feature and setting of your Quad Cortex effortlessly in a sleek and intuitive desktop interface.

Quad Cortex FAQs

1. How many devices does Quad Cortex ship with?

As of now, Quad Cortex ships with 90+ amps, 100+ effects, and 1,000+ IRs. This amount will continue to grow with future CorOS updates.

2. How do the sound and performance compare to what we already know from the Neural DSP Plugins?

We have used the same modeling methods that have made our plugins successful. Quad Cortex will simply pack a vast and ever-increasing collection of them in a tour-ready format.

3. 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 hear your rig the same way you do, providing the most comprehensive and detailed detection system. The resulting digitized rigs are the most accurate and powerful on the market.

4. If I have bought Neural DSP plugins, can I get them on QC?

With the release of CorOS 3.0.0, the much awaited Plugin Compatibility (PCOM) feature is now available on the Quad Cortex. PCOM opens up a new realm of possibilities for tone exploration by integrating devices from our acclaimed plugins with the already impressive library of devices in the Quad Cortex.

Plugins currently compatible with the Quad Cortex are marked with a 'COMPATIBLE' badge on their product cards and pages. Other plugins will become Quad Cortex-compatible as their supporting CorOS versions are released.

Visit our PCOM page for more information.

5. Can I load my Neural DSP plugin presets on QC?

Not yet, but in a future update Cortex Control (the Quad Cortex desktop controller) will be the bridge between "X" plugins and Quad Cortex. Cortex Control will allow you to scan your plugin presets folders, parse your presets for your Quad Cortex-compatible plugins, and import those Presets to your Quad Cortex.

6. Can I run other plugins on Quad Cortex?

No.

7. Is there a desktop controller?

Yes. Cortex Control lets you manage every feature and setting of your Quad Cortex effortlessly in a sleek and intuitive desktop interface.

8. Can I use the desktop controller without Quad Cortex?

No.

9. Do you need to use the mobile app to use Quad Cortex?

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.

10. Does QC come with a gigbag?

No.

11. Can you load your own IRs onto QC?

Absolutely! You can load third-party IRs.

12. Can you use QC as a USB audio interface?

Yes. Quad Cortex features Cirrus Logic codecs and an ultra-low-latency USB audio transmission. Read our article on using Quad Cortex as an audio interface for more information.

13. How is Quad Cortex 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; 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.

14. 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.

15. 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 just a knob you can stomp on, think of it as the most durable footswitch ever, which you can also turn to adjust controls.

16. Is it possible that stomping on the knobs could adjust a parameter?

No. The software prevents accidental parameter tweaking when a switch is pressed.

17. How many virtual rigs can I run at once?

Anywhere between two and four, depending on the complexity of the chain. 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.

18. How many instruments can I connect to a Quad Cortex?

The physical connectors allow for a maximum of four instruments by repurposing the FX Loops Send and Return as additional I/Os.

19. Can I use it for vocals and synths?

Absolutely. The Quad Cortex combo Inputs 1 and 2 come with high-grade microphone preamps, phantom power supply, and variable impedance controls.

20. What are your plans to incorporate more amplifier models, IRs, and effects?

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 minutes you have the latest and greatest.

21. Can I use Quad Cortex in combination with other physical gear?

Absolutely! It comes with two mono FX loops and expression inputs so you can connect your favorite effects and expression pedals to it.

22. Can I use Quad Cortex in combination with plugins?

Absolutely. Most studio users will probably combine it with third-party plugins in a DAW.

23. 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 five decades of hardware development experience. We know the hardware realm extremely well.

24. How many presets/banks are available?

Quad Cortex offers 10 setlists of 32 banks with 8 presets each, totaling 2560 presets. The factory presets do not consume the user preset allocation.

25. Is there gapless switching between scenes & presets?

Preset changes will incur the inevitable, familiar gap. You can use Scene and Stomp modes to change sounds while maintaining delay trails without any crossfade/gaps.

26. Do delay & reverb trails continue through scene & preset changes?

Trails continue whenever you switch these effects on or off in Scene or Stomp mode.

27. Is there a preset exchange website?

Presets can be shared and downloaded using the Cortex Cloud app.

28. Can you run a DI through for re-amping?

Yes.

29. Can I use a computer or an external MIDI controller to control the Quad Cortex?

Yes. Quad Cortex has MIDI In and MIDI Thru/Out ports and supports MIDI over USB.

30. Is there an undo function?

Yes!

31. How do I use Quad Cortex live?

Send the main outputs to a solid-state power amp, FRFR cab, and/or a mixing console.

32. 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.

33. Do the inputs support a variety of powered instruments?

Yes. Input impedance and gain are adjustable for Inputs 1 and 2.

23. 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 â€" 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.

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. Do delay & reverb trails continue through scene & preset changes?

Trails continue whenever you switch these effects on and off in Scene or Stomp mode.

27. Is there a preset exchange website?

Yes, and a mobile App!

28. Can you run a DI through for re-amping?

Yes.

29. 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.

30. Is there an undo function?

Yes!

31. How do I use Quad Cortex live?

Send the main outputs to a solid-state power amp, FRFR cab, and/or mixing console.

32. 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.

33. Do the inputs support a variety of powered instruments?

Yes. Input impedance and gain are adjustable for Inputs 1 and 2.