Quad Cortex User Manual 1.2.0 CorOS Version 1.2

Setting up your Quad CortexInputsIN1/IN2: Combo inputs that allow you to connect yourinstruments using XLR or TS cables. TRS cables can also be usedfor gear with balanced outputs. IN LEVEL KNOB [dB]: Sets the input gain. IMPEDANCE KNOB [Ω]: Sets the impedance of the Hi-Z inputfrom between 10K to 10M. This option is only available when“TYPE” is set to “Instrument”. TYPE SWITCH: Toggle between “Mic” (XLR) and “Instrument”(TS) inputs. If you are using a guitar or bass select “Instrument”. PHANTOM 48V SWITCH: Enables Phantom Power. This optionis only available when “TYPE” is set to “Mic”. GROUND LIFT SWITCH: Enable to help reduce or eliminatenoise caused by ground loops in audio cables or other sources. IN LEVEL: Input signal meter.RET1/RET2: Line inputs that allow you to connect your pedals orinstruments through TRS cables. RET LEVEL KNOB [dB]: Sets the input gain. GROUND LIFT SWITCH: Enable to help reduce or eliminatenoise caused by ground loops in audio cables or other sources. RET LEVEL: Input signal meter.EXP1/EXP2: Line inputs that allow you to connect your expressionpedals through TRS cables. POSITION: Indicates the minimum and maximum values ofyour connected device. Move the expression pedal up anddown to the minimum and maximum positions to measure it.Tap SAVE to keep your settings or tap RECALIBRATE to tryagain.OutputsThe Volume Wheel controls the output level, and it affects all theoutputs. The I/O Settings output controls allow you to control thelevels of each output independently.OUT1/OUT2: XLR outputs that allow you to connect Quad Cortexto stereo monitors, FRFR cabinets, PA systems, and more. OUT LEVEL KNOB: Sets the output level. GROUND LIFT SWITCH: Enable to help reduce or eliminatenoise caused by ground loops in audio cables or other sources.OUT LEVEL [dB]: Output signal meter. 15

Setting up your Quad Cortex LIMITER [dB]: Gain reduction meter. Allows you to bring up thelevel without allowing the peaks to clip the output.OUT3/OUT4: TRS outputs that allow you to connect Quad Cortexto stereo monitors, FRFR cabinets, PA systems, and more. OUT LEVEL KNOB [dB]: Sets the output level. OUT LEVEL [dB]: Output signal meter. LIMITER [dB]: Gain reduction meter. Allows you to bring up thelevel without allowing the peaks to clip the output.SEND1/SEND2: TRS outputs that allow you to connect QuadCortex to stereo monitors, FRFR cabinets, PA systems, pedals, andmore. “TRS to TS” cables are also supported to attenuate hum. SEND LEVEL KNOB: Sets the output level. GROUND LIFT SWITCH: Enable to help reduce or eliminatenoise caused by ground loops in audio cables or other sources. OUT LEVEL [dB]: Output signal meter. LIMITER [dB]: Gain reduction meter. Allows you to bring up thelevel without allowing the peaks to clip the output.HEADPHONES OUT: TRS output that allows you to connectQuad Cortex to stereo headphones. All outputs that are beingused on The Grid will display here allowing you to customize yourheadphone mix. HP LEVEL KNOB: Sets the output level. OUT KNOBS: Sets the mix level of the selected outputseparately. OUT METERS [dB]: Output signal meters.CAPTURE OUT: Dedicated output for external devices (NeuralCapture only).OthersUSB: Dedicated port for computer integration. USB LEVEL KNOB: Sets the level of the audio transmission.MIDI IN: MIDI input.MIDI OUT: MIDI output. MIDI THRU SWITCH: Enables or disables the MIDI Thrufunction.16

Setting up your Quad Cortex17CPU MonitorThe CPU Monitor shows you the overall CPU usage of the currentPreset at the top-right corner of the screen. Tap the Main Menu onThe Grid and select CPU Monitor to open it.1A Guitars BassACPU %PRESET58%InOut11InOut22RetOut13Tap on the cross button to closethe CPU Monitor.Each block fills up to representits influence on the CPU usage.IMPORTANT: Bypassing/disabling the blocks doesn’tdecrease the CPU consumption.Optimizing performanceQuad Cortex is a DSP (Digital SignalProcessing) unit. Different virtual device blocksrequire more DSP power than others.To get the most out of Quad Cortex, it is important to understandthe following: The number of device blocks in a Preset has a great impact onCPU usage. Rows 1-2 and Rows 3-4 on The Grid utilise different processorcores. If all of your device blocks are placed in Rows 1 and 2,you’re only using half of Quad Cortex’s power. For resourcehungry Presets, try splitting your blocks across all four rows. The maximum load is up to 90%. Beyond that, the audio andoperating system performance may be compromised. Time effects like reverbs or delays have the highest CPU usage.EQ, Compressor, Wah, and FX Loop blocks have the lowest CPUusage. Some devices may use more DSP than others in the samecategory. This is especially true with amp devices. Use Scene Mode to change parameters in devices instead ofcopying devices and changing their parameters.Check the Scene Mode sectionfor more details.

Presets04PresetsPresets allow you to create and save customrigs/signal chains for later use by using deviceblocks. Quad Cortex Presets are organized into Setlists, which can contain 32 banks of 8Presets (256 in total). You can create up to 10Setlists.18

Presets19Working on The GridMode SelectorMain MenuSave buttonBank/SlotCurrent ScenePreset nameUndo/Redo1A UnsavedAPRESETInOut11/2InputBlocksEmpty blockspaceSplitter/Mixerempty spaceOutputBlocksThe Grid has four rows of eight device block spaces. Almost all theitems on the screen can be controlled by using gestures, rotaryactuators, or dedicated commands.You can start building your own rigs by tappingon The Gridto add your first block; this will open the Device Category list.Device CategoryAMPDevice ModelsGUITARBritish 2203Neural CaptureBritish 900 CleanBritish 900 LeadCabsimOverdriveBritish Plexi 100 BrightBritish Plexi 100 NormalBritish Plexi 100 PatchDelayBASSScroll down by swiping with your finger and tap a device categoryto display its devices.

Presets20Build a virtual rig from left to right. While it’s important toremember how you might approach building a signal chain withanalog components, dragging-and-dropping a block after you’veadded it to The Grid is effortless.InOut11/2If you add an amp and cab first but need to add an overdrive pedalin front after, repositioning everything is as simple as draggingand-dropping the blocks into the order you require. Once you haveadded a block to The Grid, tap it to open its menu.Guitar Amp EV101III 63PRESENCERESONANCEOUTPUT0.000.500.50DoneFrom here, several controls are available to you. Footswitcheswill light up and correspond to any rotary controls on the blockyou’ve added. Parameters such as gain can be controlled either byrotating the footswitch or interacting with the screen.

PresetsWhen a block menu is open, you can tap the contextual menubutton to reveal further options. Change Device: Opens the Virtual Devices Library. Onceyou tap a device, it changes immediately so you can audition itwithout leaving the Virtual Devices Library. TapDone toclose the menu. Reset to Default: Returns the device controls to theirdefault values. Set parameters as default: Sets current control values asdefault. Assign Expression Pedal: Allows you to choose whichparameters can be controlled by an expression pedal. Selectthe expression pedal you want to use before reaching the“Assign Expression Pedal” menu. Remove block from The Grid: Removes the device blockfrom The Grid entirely.When a block menu is open, turn the top-right rotary actuatorclockwise or counterclockwise to navigate through the virtualdevices or Neural Captures within the same category withoutopening the Virtual Devices Library.21Change DeviceReset to defaultSet parameters as defaultAssign Expression PedalRemove block from the gridFor more details, check theAssigning Expression Pedalssection.

Presets22Clipping AlertIn order to keep your signal flow safe, input and output blocks willturn red if their selected I/O are clipping the signal.1A ClippingAPRESETInSend11InSend21In this particular case, both input IN 1 and output SEND 1 areclipping. Decreasing the IN 1 LEVEL [dB] value on the I/O Settingsscreen will solve the problem on Row 1. On Row 2, one or moredevice blocks could be clipping. Checking and changing the deviceblock parameters will solve the problem.The DirectoryTap the Preset name on The Grid to open the Directory.3D Beast E DIRECTORIES0Factory Library1My Presets2New SetlistFactory Captures 1SearchNew SetlistDone6A WhatupBANK12346B Preset 256786C Best Machine Riff9101112131415166D Echo Laser6E Doesn't Fuzz6F Animals as Presidents1718192021222324252627286G Trashpanda6H Heavy Slow Low

Presets23Here you can find all the files you have stored on your Quad Cortexand in Cortex Cloud. Presets, Neural Captures, and ImpulseResponses are available here.Each type of file can be stored in different directories.SetlistsA Setlist can contain 32 banks of 8 Presets. This feature allows youto catergorize your Presets by band, project, album, etc.123Device DirectoriesFiles stored on the Quad Cortex.01RecentFactory Library: Presets made by Neural DSP.My Presets: Default user Presets Setlist. Presets downloadedfrom Cortex Cloud can be stored here as well (256 slots perSetlist).Factory Captures 1 and 2: Neural Captures provided by NeuralDSP.FavouritesDEVICE DIRECTORIES0Factory Library1My PresetsMy Captures: Local Neural Capture storage (1024 slots).Factory Captures 1Impulse Responses: Local IR storage (1024 slots).Factory Captures 2Cloud DirectoriesFiles stored on Cortex Cloud.Presets: Presets stored on Cortex Cloud.My CapturesImpulse ResponsesCLOUD DIRECTORIESNeural Captures: Neural Captures stored on Cortex Cloud.PresetsImpulse Responses: IR files stored on Cortex Cloud.Neural CapturesStarred and Shared with MeStarred files and shared content.Impulse ResponsesSTARRED AND SHARED WITH MEPresetsPresets: Starred Presets.Neural CapturesNeural Captures: Starred Neural Captures.Shared with me: Shared content. Links expire after 90 days.Shared with me

Presets24Saving Presets1A Unsaved*BPRESETIf a Preset has unsaved changes, the Preset name will be writtenin Italic*.Tap the “Save” button in the top-right corner to save your changesand overwrite the existing Preset immediately.You can also use the Main Menu at the top-right and tap “Saveas.” to save a rig as a new Preset.“Save as.” is helpful if you have modified a Preset and want tosave your changes as a new Preset, as tapping the save icon willoverwrite the active Preset with your modifications.Factory Presets can also be modified and stored as new Presetsin any of your Setlists by using the “Save as ” feature.SetlistMy Presets / 1ACancelChangePRESET NAMETAGSElectric LEADqwa123Plini, Leadertyuiosdfghjkzxcvbnm,Space.plSaveIn the save menu, you can name your Preset as well as assignit tags. Multiple tags have to be separated with a comma and asingle space between them.TapMy Presets / 1AChangewould like to save the preset.to define the Setlist where youIf you want to know how toshare a Preset, please check theCortex Cloud section.

Presets25SetlistsSetlists are Quad Cortex’s way of makingPresets incredibly easy to use and navigate.A Setlist can contain 32 banks of 8 Presets, and you can create upto 10 Setlists. This feature allows you to categorize your Presets byband, project, album, or anything else!Create newDirectorySearchRecentFavouritesDEVICE DIRECTORIES012Factory LibraryMy PresetsNew SetlistFactory Captures 1Impulse ResponsesSetlistsNew SetlistDone6A WhatupBANK12346B Preset 256786C Best Machine Riff9101112131415161718192021222324252627286D Echo Laser6E Doesn't Fuzz6F Animals as Presidents32 banks6G Trashpanda6H Heavy Slow LowSelected bankTo create a new Setlist, tap the active Preset name at the top ofThe Grid to open the Directory. Then tap the “New Setlist” buttonat the top-right corner. Give your Setlist a name, then tap “Create”at the bottom-right corner.By default, Presets will save in the active Setlist. When you save aPreset, you have the option to specify the Setlist where you wouldlike to save the Preset.To change the active Setlist, open the Directory, navigate to theSetlist you’d like to activate, then load a Preset in it by tapping oneof the banks, then one of the Presets on the right.To delete a Setlist, you can drag-and-drop it from the DeviceDirectories list to the upper-right corner of the screen. You willreceive a warning dialog asking for confirmation to complete theaction.IMPORTANT: Deleting a Setlist will also remove all Presetsinside.

Presets26Delete, Edit, Cut, CopyOpen the Directory and tap a bank to reveal its Presets.DirectoryRecentFavouritesDEVICE DIRECTORIES0Factory Library1My Presets2New SetlistFactory Captures 1Search23456C Best6 Machine7 Riff 8913Done6A WhatupBANK1New Setlist1014111512166B Preset 26C Best Machine Riff6D Echo Laser6E Doesn't Fuzz6F Animals as Presidents1718192021222324252627286G Trashpanda6H Heavy Slow LowSwipe to the left on the Preset you want to interact with. Thisaction will reveal four icons:Delete: Tap it to delete the Preset.Edit: Modify the Preset’s name and tags.Cut: This action will cut the Preset and send it to the clipboard.Tap another bank block or Preset slot to move the Preset to theselected location.Copy: This action will copy the Preset and send it to theclipboard. Tap another bank block or Preset slot to paste anew instance of the Preset in the selected location. The newPreset’s name will be modified with a number appended tothe end.12My Presets6C Best Machine RiffNew SetlistYou can also copy Presets bydragging-and-dropping them toanother bank or Preset slot.

Presets27Assigning Expression PedalsYou can assign an expression pedal to anydevice (including Splitters, Mixers, and LaneOutput Control parameters), and it can controlmultiple parameters simultaneously.Change DeviceGuitar Amp EV101III RedBypassGAINReset BASSto default0.50Set parametersas default0.500.50PRESENCEAssignRESONANCEExpression Pedal OUTPUT0.000.500.50Removeblock from the gridMIDDoneTREBLEMASTER0.180.63To assign an expression pedal, tap a block on The Grid, tap thecontextual menu, then tap “Assign Expression Pedal”. Selectthe expression pedal you want to use to control the block’sparameters.Assign Expression PedalDonePlease choose which parameters you wish to control.You can assign more than one at once.DRIVEMIN RANGEMAX GNEDMASTERASSIGNASSIGNMIDDLEASSIGNEDMID FREQASSIGNBYPASSASSIGNUse the “Assign” button to assign a parameter to the expressionpedal, and use thebutton to modify the minimum andmaximum values accessible in the pedal’s sweep. Press the“Done” button at the top-right corner when you’re finished.It’s important to remember to calibrate your expression pedal viathe I/O Settings.

Presets28Expression BypassNewThe Expression Bypass feature allowsto engage and bypass device blocksautomatically.Change DeviceGuitar Amp EV101III RedBypassGAINReset BASSto default0.50Set parametersas default0.500.50PRESENCEAssignRESONANCEExpression Pedal OUTPUT0.000.500.50Removeblock from the gridMIDDoneTREBLEMASTER0.180.63First, assign an expression pedal to a device block. Tap a block onThe Grid, tap the cont

Double-press the bottom-right footswitch to engage the Tap Tempo feature. Keep pressing to modify the tempo value. Preset Scene Global TYPE 110 TEMPO [BPM] The Tempo BPM is saved when the preset is saved. Each preset can have its own tempo BPM. Preset tempo Tap Tempo Done 110 Tuner Done-50 0 50 Ab A Bb 0 INPUT Input 1 440 FREQ [Hz] Tap Tempo