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Neural DSP Quad Cortex User Manual

Neural DSP Quad Cortex
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Quad Cortex User Manual 1.4
CorOS version 1.4.0

Table of Contents

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Neural DSP Quad Cortex Specifications

General IconGeneral
DSP Cores4
BluetoothNo
ProcessorQuad-core SHARC+
Inputs2 x XLR (mic)
Outputs2 x XLR
MIDI I/OIn, Out/Thru
USB1 x USB Type B
EffectsOverdrive, Fuzz, Distortion, Compression, EQ, Delay, Reverb, Modulation, Filter, Wah
Dimensions11.4 inches x 7.5 inches x 1.9 inches
Weight4.2 lbs
Display7" Touchscreen LCD
Expression Pedal Inputs2 x 1/4"
TypeGuitar Amp Modeler and Multi-FX Processor
Amp ModelsOver 50
I/OComprehensive (see Inputs and Outputs)

Summary

Welcome to Quad Cortex

What is Quad Cortex?

Details the Quad Cortex's capabilities, display, and build quality.

Contact Info

Provides contact details for technical support and service centers.

Overview

Top View

Details the components and dimensions of the Quad Cortex top view.

Rear View

Details the components and dimensions of the Quad Cortex rear view.

Bottom View (Inside)

Details the internal components and dimensions of the Quad Cortex bottom view.

Setting up your Quad Cortex

Quick Start

Provides a step-by-step guide to powering on, connecting, and basic operation.

The Grid

Introduction to The Grid, the main interface for building signal chains.

Gestures and Commands

Explanation of touch gestures and commands for operating the Quad Cortex.

Power Functions

Details the functions accessible via the power button: Lock, Shut Down, Reboot, Standby.

Recovery Mode

Instructions for entering Recovery Mode and performing resets.

Settings Menu

Neural DSP account

Guide to logging into and creating a Neural DSP account for syncing and sharing.

I/O Settings

How to visualize and control input and output settings.

Inputs

Details for IN1/IN2, RET1/RET2, and EXP1/EXP2 input connectors and parameters.

Outputs

Details for OUT1/OUT2 output connectors and parameters.

OUT3/OUT4

Details for OUT3/OUT4 output connectors and parameters.

SEND1/SEND2

Details for SEND1/SEND2 output connectors and parameters.

HEADPHONES OUT

Details for the headphone output connector and parameters.

Others

Details for USB, MIDI IN, MIDI OUT, and MIDI THRU.

CPU Monitor

Presets

Working on The Grid

Guide to building signal chains using device blocks on The Grid interface.

Clipping Alert

Explains how clipping is indicated and how to resolve it.

The Directory

How to open and use the Directory to manage Presets.

Setlists

Details on how Setlists help categorize Presets and their structure.

Saving Presets

Instructions on how to save changes to a Preset or save as a new Preset.

Setlists

Detailed guide on creating, activating, and deleting Setlists.

Delete, Edit, Cut, Copy

How to manage Presets within the Directory: delete, edit, cut, and copy.

Assigning Expression Pedals

Guide on assigning expression pedals to control device parameters.

Expression Bypass

How to use Expression Bypass for automatically engaging/bypassing device blocks.

Splitters and Mixers

Splitter types

Explanation of Balance, A/B, and Crossover splitter types and their parameters.

Mixer settings

Explanation of parameters for controlling signal levels in mixer configurations.

Dual-row workflow

Example of using two Splitter/Mixer paths in a single Preset for complex routing.

4-Row workflow

Example of creating Splitter/Mixer paths across all four rows for a large chain.

Using External IR files

Looper X

Params Mode

Accessing Looper X settings via Params Mode and its three pages of controls.

How do I find the Looper X?

Instructions on locating the Looper X block within The Grid.

How much looping time does the Looper X have?

Information on the maximum recording time for the Looper X.

Does the Looper X stop when switching presets?

Information on loop persistence across Preset changes.

Routing Modes

Device Blocks Parameters

Amp Parameters

Details the parameters for Amp device blocks, including Gain, Volume, EQ, and Presence.

Cab Parameters

Details the parameters for Cab device blocks, including Navigation, Impulse Selector, Position, and Distance.

EQ Parameters

Details the parameters for EQ device blocks, including Gain, Frequency, Q, and Band Types.

Common FX Parameters

Details common parameters for FX device blocks, including Gain, Drive, Tone, and Rate.

Modes

Switching Modes

How to switch between Stomp, Scene, and Preset Modes.

Preset Mode

Explanation of Preset Mode's functionality and navigating Presets.

Scene Mode

Explanation of Scene Mode for controlling block settings and assigning parameters to Scenes.

Copy & Paste Scenes

How to copy and paste Scenes between footswitches.

Swap Scenes

How to swap Scenes via the main menu.

Stomp Mode

Explanation of Stomp Mode for assigning blocks to footswitches.

Gig View

Setup Examples

Basic Routing

Guides on basic signal routing using Input 1 and Multi-Output.

FRFR/Direct

Setup for live applications using FRFR systems or audio interfaces.

FRFR Monitor + FRFR to Front-of-House

Method for sending a stereo signal copy to a mixing console or monitoring system.

Combo Amplifier

Method for using the Quad Cortex with a real cabinet, bypassing the Cab block.

Power Amp & Cab + FRFR/Direct

Method for sending a parallel signal to a cabinet and a flat response system.

Four Cable Method (4cm)

Explanation of the four cable method for using effects pre and post amplifier.

Seven Cable Method (7cm)

Method for using effects with two external amplifiers via two separate rows.

As FX Loop Only

Using Quad Cortex post effects independently through an external amplifier's FX loop.

As FX Processor (pre only)

Using Quad Cortex purely for pre effects, with rows containing only pre effects blocks.

Using external gear (FX loop)

How to insert external effects into a signal chain using the Effects Loop device block.

Stereo cab setup

How to use two cabinets with separate outputs and match volume using a balance splitter.

Guitar and vocals

Example of processing guitars and vocals separately using different rows.

Two guitars and bass

Example of processing multiple instruments, using Returns as instrument inputs.

Neural Capture

Creating a new Neural Capture

Step-by-step guide to creating a new Neural Capture, including connection diagrams and warnings.

Capture process

Details on modifying levels and parameters during the capture process.

Testing a Neural Capture

How to test and compare your captured sound against the original.

Saving a Neural Capture

Instructions on naming and tagging a Neural Capture before saving.

Using a Neural Capture

How to load and use a Neural Capture as a device block in The Grid.

Computer Integration

USB Audio

Details on Quad Cortex's USB audio capabilities for Windows and macOS.

macOS setup

Steps for setting up Quad Cortex as an audio device on macOS.

Windows setup

Steps for installing the driver and setting up Quad Cortex on Windows.

Hardware & DAW Monitoring

Guidance on monitoring audio through Quad Cortex and DAWs, including latency and phase issues.

I/O Schematic

Diagram showing USB channel mapping to Quad Cortex audio connectors.

Recording a Dry D.I. Track

Technique for recording both dry DI and processed signals simultaneously.

Connecting Quad Cortex to an iPhone® or iPad®

How to connect Quad Cortex to iOS devices for audio interface use.

MIDI

MIDI Settings Menu

Details on MIDI channel, Thru, and USB MIDI settings.

Preset MIDI Out Settings

How to configure MIDI messages sent when loading Presets.

PC TYPE

Details on PC (Program Change) message parameters for MIDI control.

Incoming MIDI

Information on receiving CC and PC messages via MIDI DIN or USB.

Receiving MIDI Program Change messages (PC)

How PC messages change Presets and Setlists, including CC#0 and CC#32 usage.

Receiving MIDI Continuous Controller messages (CC)

List of CC messages and their purposes for controlling various functions.

Incoming MIDI Reserved CC List

Looper X MIDI Reserved CC List

Cortex Cloud

Cloud Backups

How to securely backup settings and data to the cloud via your Neural DSP account.

Link your account

Steps to link your Quad Cortex with your Neural DSP account.

Adding friends

How to find and add friends in the Cortex ecosystem to share files.

Downloading items from other users

How to find and download public Presets and Neural Captures.

Uploading Impulse Responses

Instructions on how to upload Impulse Response files to Cortex Cloud.

Importing Impulse Responses

How to download IRs from Cortex Cloud to your Quad Cortex.

Uploading a Preset or a Neural Capture to Cortex Cloud

How to upload Presets or Neural Captures to Cortex Cloud for sharing.

Sharing Presets or Neural Captures with a friend

Steps for sharing Presets or Neural Captures with friends using the Cortex Mobile App.

Making Presets or Neural Captures available to the public

How to make your Presets or Neural Captures public for others to find and download.

Virtual Device List

Guitar Amps

A comprehensive list of virtual guitar amplifier models available.

Bass Amps

A comprehensive list of virtual bass amplifier models available.

Neural Capture

List of available Neural Capture models.

IRs by Adam “Nolly” Getgood

List of Impulse Response files curated by Adam 'Nolly' Getgood.

Cabs

List of available cabinet Impulse Response models.

Guitar Overdrive

List of virtual guitar overdrive models.

Bass Overdrive

List of virtual bass overdrive models.

Delay

List of available delay effects models.

Reverb

List of available reverb effects models.

Compressor

List of available compressor effects models.

Pitch

List of available pitch shifting effects models.

Modulation

List of available modulation effects models.

EQ

List of available EQ effects models.

Wah

List of available wah effects models.

Filter

List of available filter effects models.

Morph

List of available morph effects models.

Looper

List of available looper effects models.

Utility

List of available utility effects models.

F.A.Q.

Can I load Neural DSP plugins on my Quad Cortex unit?

Information on accessing purchased Neural DSP plugins via the Quad Cortex account.

How do I update the firmware on my Quad Cortex?

Instructions for updating the Quad Cortex firmware via Wi-Fi and rebooting.

What is FRFR and why do you recommend it?

Explanation of FRFR systems and their benefits for Quad Cortex use.

Can I connect the Quad Cortex to an amplifier?

Discussion on connecting the Quad Cortex to amplifiers and the recommendation for FRFR devices.

Do the inputs support a variety of powered instruments?

Information on input impedance and gain adjustability for various instruments.

How can I take advantage of the ground-cancelling outputs (Send 1-2)?

Explanation of using ground-cancelling outputs with modified instrument cables.

Is there gapless switching between Scenes & Presets?

Information on gapless switching using Scene and Stomp modes with delay trails.

Can I load third party or my own custom Impulse Responses?

Information on uploading and downloading custom Impulse Responses via Cortex Cloud.

What do MSB and LSB mean?

Explanation of Most Significant Byte (MSB) and Least Significant Byte (LSB) in MIDI messages.

I’m hearing audio crackle noise and pops...

Troubleshooting steps for audio crackling, including checking cables, I/O, and CPU usage.

My Preset produces no sound at all…

Troubleshooting steps for no sound issues, checking connections, volume, and configuration.

Specifications

Mic/Inst Inputs 1-2

Connectors, impedance, and max input gain for Mic/Inst Inputs.

Return Inputs 1-2

Connectors, impedance, and max input gain for Return Inputs.

Analog Outputs 1-2

Connectors, impedance, and max output level for Analog Outputs 1-2.

Analog Outputs 3-4

Connectors, impedance, and max output level for Analog Outputs 3-4.

Send Outputs 1-2

Connectors, impedance, and maximum output level for Send Outputs.

Headphone Output

Connectors and maximum output power for the Headphone Output.

Expression Pedal Inputs

Connectors for Expression Pedal Inputs.

MIDI Ports

Connectors for MIDI Input and Output.

USB Audio

Details on USB Audio format, channels, and clock.

General

General specifications including finish, controls, display, dimensions, weight, and power.

Environmental

Environmental specifications including operating temperature, storage temperature, and humidity.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY