Neural DSP Quad Cortex

The Neural DSP Quad Cortex, launched in 2020, is a cutting-edge floor modeler and multi-effects processor that has redefined the landscape of digital guitar gear. Developed by Helsinki-based Neural DSP, the Quad Cortex is powered by a 2GHz Quad-Core SHARC processor and dual ARM architecture, making it one of the most powerful modelers available. Its standout features include machine learning-driven amp modeling, an intuitive touchscreen interface, and the ability to run four independent rigs simultaneously.

Amp Models

Bass 360 (Acoustic 360)

The Acoustic 360 is one of the most iconic bass amplifiers in history, renowned for its innovative design, immense power, and defining role in shaping modern bass tones.

Aggi 751 (Aguilar DB 751)

The Aguilar DB 751 is a flagship bass amplifier head renowned for its immense power, tonal flexibility, and modern enhancements to the legacy of its predecessor, the DB 750.

Aggi Hammer 500 (Aguilar Tone Hammer)

The Aguilar Tone Hammer is a highly regarded bass amplifier series known for its warm, tube-inspired tones, lightweight design, and versatility.

Amped Flip-Top 6464, Amped Flip-Top 6466, Amped Flip-Top 6664, Amped Flip-Top 6666 (Ampeg B-15NF Portaflex)

The Ampeg B-15NF Portaflex is one of the most iconic and influential bass amplifiers in music history, renowned for its innovative design, warm tube tone, and enduring legacy in studio and live settings.

Amped Super Valve, Amped SV Classic (Ampeg SVT)

The Ampeg SVT (Super Vacuum Tube) is one of the most iconic bass amplifiers in history, celebrated for its unmatched power, tonal versatility, and enduring legacy in live and studio settings.

Bogna X Blue (Bogner Ecstasy 101B)

The Bogner Ecstasy 101B is a renowned guitar amplifier that has made a significant impact on the music industry, particularly among rock and metal musicians.

Bogna Uber (Bogner Uberschall)

The Bogner Uberschall is a highly acclaimed guitar amplifier known for its powerful sound and versatility, particularly favored in the metal and hard rock genres.

D-Cell Hisbert Ch1, D-Cell Hisbert Ch2, D-Cell Hisbert Ch3 (Diezel Herbert)

The Diezel Herbert is a high-performance guitar amplifier head renowned for its immense power, tonal versatility, and innovative features. Below is a synopsis of its history, popular settings, and notable players.

D-Cell H4 Ch1 Bright, D-Cell H4 Ch1 Normal, D-Cell H4 Ch2 Bright, D-Cell H4 Ch2 Normal, D-Cell H4 Ch3, D-Cell H4 Ch4 (Diezel VH4)

The Diezel VH4 is a highly regarded guitar amplifier known for its versatility, high-gain capabilities, and exceptional sound quality.

EV101III Blue, EV101IIIS Blue 6L6 100W, EV101III Red, EV101IIIS Red 6L6 100W (EVH 5150)

The EVH 5150 is a prominent guitar amplifier that has become synonymous with the sound of rock and metal, particularly due to its association with legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen.

US Tweed Basslad Bright, US Tweed Basslad Bright Patch, US Tweed Basslad Normal, US Tweed Basslad Normal Patch (Fender Bassman)

The Fender Bassman is one of the most iconic amplifiers in music history, known for its versatility, tone, and influence on amplifier design. Here's a synopsis of its history, popular settings, and notable players:

US DLX 64 Vintage, US DLX 65 Reissue (Fender Deluxe)

The Fender Deluxe is a legendary guitar amplifier with a rich history, renowned for its tonal versatility and enduring popularity among musicians. Here's an overview of its evolution, Popular Settings, and Notable Players:

US Prince, US Prince 65 (Fender Princeton)

The Fender Princeton is a highly regarded guitar amplifier with a rich history, known for its compact size and warm, versatile tone.

US SPR Normal, US SPR Vibrato (Fender Super)

The Fender Super is a celebrated guitar amplifier with a rich history, known for its warm tones and versatility.

US TWN Normal, US TWN Vibrato (Fender Twin)

The Fender Twin is one of the most iconic guitar amplifiers in music history, known for its powerful sound and versatility.

Freeman 100 Clean, Freeman 100 Lead, Freeman 100 Rhythm (Friedman BE-100)

The Friedman BE-100 is a highly regarded guitar amplifier known for its exceptional tonal versatility and high-gain capabilities, making it a favorite among rock and metal musicians.

G800K (Gallien-Krueger 800RB)

The Gallien-Krueger 800RB is a groundbreaking bass amplifier head that has become a cornerstone of modern bass amplification. Known for its durability, innovative design, and signature 'GK growl,' it remains one of the most iconic bass amps in history.

Watt D103 Bright, Watt D103 Normal (Hiwatt DR-103)

The Hiwatt DR-103, also known as the Custom 100, is one of the most revered amplifiers in rock history, celebrated for its exceptional build quality, tonal clarity, and immense power.

Brit 2203, Brit 2210 (Marshall JCM-800)

The Marshall JCM-800 is a legendary amplifier that has become synonymous with the sound of hard rock and heavy metal since its introduction in the early 1980s.

Brit 900 Clean, Brit 900 Lead (Marshall JCM-900)

The Marshall JCM-900, introduced in 1990, is a high-gain amplifier that built upon the success of its predecessor, the JCM-800, while incorporating modern features to meet the demands of evolving rock and metal genres. Known for its increased gain capabilities and tonal versatility, the JCM-900 became a staple for players seeking powerful distortion and dynamic control.

Brit TM45 Bright, Brit TM45 Normal, Brit TM45 Patch (Marshall JTM-45)

The Marshall JTM-45 is a legendary guitar amplifier that has played a pivotal role in the development of rock music since its introduction.

Brit Plexi 100 Bright, Brit Plexi 100 Normal, Brit Plexi 100 Patch, Brit Plexi 50 Bright, Brit Plexi 50 Normal, Brit Plexi 50 Patch (Marshal Plexi)

The Marshall Plexi is one of the most iconic guitar amplifiers in rock history, known for its powerful sound and significant influence on the music scene.

Brit Plexi 100 Bright, Brit Plexi 100 Normal, Brit Plexi 100 Patch, Brit Plexi 50 Bright, Brit Plexi 50 Normal, Brit Plexi 50 Patch (Marshall Super Lead)

The Marshall Super Lead, officially known as the Model 1959, is one of the most iconic guitar amplifiers in rock history, renowned for its powerful sound and significant influence on the genre. It is widely known as a Marshall Plexi which comes from the clear plastic faceplate used on early models.

Matchmore D30 Ch1, Matchmore D30 Ch2 (Matchless DC30)

The Matchless DC30 is a highly regarded guitar amplifier known for its exceptional tone and versatility, making it a favorite among musicians across various genres.

CA 400+ Ch1, CA 400+ Ch2 (Mesa/Boogie Bass 400+)

The Mesa/Boogie Bass 400+ is a legendary all-tube bass amplifier head, celebrated for its immense power, tonal versatility, and durability.

CA Duo Ch3 Modern, CA Duo Ch3 Raw, CA Duo Ch3 Vintage (Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier)

The Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier is an iconic guitar amplifier that has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of rock and metal since its introduction.

CA 1Star Clean 100W Normal, CA 1Star Clean 100W Tweed, CA 1Star Clean 50W Normal, CA 1Star Clean 50W Tweed, CA 1Star Drive 100W Normal, CA 1Star Drive 100W Tweed, CA 1Star Drive 50W Normal, CA 1Star Drive 50W Tweed (Mesa/Boogie Lone Star)

The Mesa/Boogie Lone Star is a renowned guitar amplifier celebrated for its versatility and tonal richness, making it a popular choice among musicians across various genres.

CA M6Rifle, CA MixBass (Mesa/Boogie M9 Carbine)

The Mesa/Boogie M9 Carbine is a high-performance bass amplifier head celebrated for its power, tonal versatility, and advanced features.

Range AD200 (Orange AD200)

The Orange AD200 is a flagship bass amplifier head celebrated for its simplicity, powerful tone, and versatility across genres.

Range Rverb (Orange Rockerverb)

The Orange Rockerverb is a celebrated guitar amplifier known for its powerful sound and versatility, making it a favorite among musicians in various genres.

PV-505 Lead, PV-505 Rhythm (Peavey 6505)

The Peavey 6505, originally named the Peavey 5150, is a legendary guitar amplifier that has made a significant impact on the rock and metal music scenes since its introduction.

Rols Jazz Ch120 (Roland JC-120)

The Roland JC-120, also known as the Jazz Chorus, is a legendary solid-state guitar amplifier that has made a significant impact on the music world since its introduction.

Solo 100 Crunch Bright, Solo 100 Crunch Normal, Solo 100 Lead (Soldano SLO-100)

The Soldano SLO-100, known as the Super Lead Overdrive, is a legendary guitar amplifier that has significantly influenced the high-gain sound in rock and metal music.

UK C15 Normal, UK C15 TopBoost (Vox AC15)

The Vox AC15 is a legendary amplifier celebrated for its rich history, distinctive tone, and enduring appeal among guitarists.

UK C30 Normal, UK C30 TopBoost (Vox AC30)

The Vox AC30 is one of the most iconic guitar amplifiers in music history, celebrated for its distinctive "chimey" tone and association with legendary artists.

Effects

The Quad Cortex includes a wide range of effects, from compression to modulation and delay. Highlights include:

  • Compressors like the Universal Audio 1176 emulations.
  • Reverbs and delays inspired by studio-grade algorithms.
  • Advanced routing capabilities with up to four effects loops and support for third-party IRs.

Features

Key innovations include:

  • Neural Capture, which uses machine learning to replicate real amplifiers with unmatched accuracy.
  • A 7-inch multi-touch display for drag-and-drop editing.
  • Regular firmware updates (e.g., CorOS 3.0.0) that expand its capabilities, including plugin integration with Neural DSP's Archetype series.

Players

The Quad Cortex has been adopted by prominent guitarists across genres. Notable users include Dave Mustaine of Megadeth and Eric Johnson, both known for their discerning tone preferences. Its versatility has also made it popular among session musicians and touring professionals.

Legacy

Since its release, the Quad Cortex has been celebrated as a game-changer in digital modeling. Its combination of power, usability, and tonal authenticity positions it as a competitor to other high-end units like the Fractal Axe-FX III and Kemper Profiler. With ongoing updates and plugin compatibility, it continues to evolve as a leading choice for guitarists worldwide

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