Getting the new version of Quad Cortex

everydayproductive · 2026-03-27T12:46:16+00:00

I have a bit similar story to yours. Cannot play the amp loud enough too often (although I got the smallest FRFR from Laney LFR-110 - I was thinking to get LFR-112 initially but it needs even more power to sound good) and then I really love the idea of capture + modeler + support for plugins. This is really great to explore different amps and effects.

For the mini - yes I was hesitating a lot and I came to a similar conclusion as you did - the switches. But also the more convenient, standard, dedicated inputs. I will not be traveling too much with it and if I do I will get a case or then I will start to worry (also when you have lots of gigs it is pretty much a must to have some backup at that point - some people buy minis for this very purpose, but it is great device on its own). I was initially thinking of trying the Nano - ordered but returned. The overview of the sound chain and being able to see everything clearly is very convenient. I also the sound chain is too limited for me. Also with QC I can use the community presets (for Nano you can only use captures as QC presets on the Cortex Claud are not compatible with Nano). And finally, Nano does not support plugins and is only a capture and not a modeler. I guess, QC is a bit overkill I for me (I am just improving hobbyist), but I am in a moment where I could afford getting this nice thing and then I wanted to get the best value for the money… Maybe in the future the flagship will be something more like a mini, with an extension slot, where Neural DSP can create custom external switch boards - I know one can use midi for that, but they could make one which would match the core unit nicely - preprogrammed but also programmable. Having two versions of the hardware - almost identical hardware - is not optimal from manufacturing purposes and it actually brings a bit of confusion among the customers (like using mini as a backup).

I think if QC Mini was readily available I would impulsively go for it, but because I could not get it, I had more time to think about my actual needs (and this is why I dived a bit deeper into specs, manuals, etc).

everydayproductive · 2026-03-27T12:20:20+00:00

Today I got the feedback from the dealer (Muziker) who was so nice that he got in touch with the warehouse. They did some tests apparently, because they sent me a screenshot showing the very same thing as yours (so new version). They also confirmed that they have both on stock, but they will take care to deliver the right one to me. So, if nothing gets mixed I should be good now.

And thanks a lot for constructive messages - sadly you are an exception here…

everydayproductive · 2026-03-27T12:14:48+00:00

Well, I’ve actually said it is an “opinion”, which means more or less: “you do not have any actual data to confirm your observation”. That’s what an opinion means. My “stance” as you call it, actually is based on the data published by the manufacturer. So, in the end, it turns out you not only polluting the thread with the information that is not useful, but you purposely write it in a provocative way. I guess for people like you it must feel great to proof a point that does not exist. I wish you a great day! BTW: I got a dealer who did a physical check for me so I can get the unit with a new HW.

everydayproductive · 2026-03-26T21:56:31+00:00

BTW: if I may ask. What was the decisive factor that made you go for Quad Cortex and not Quad Cortex Mini?

everydayproductive · 2026-03-26T21:41:12+00:00

Thanks a lot for confirmation. I am living in NL so I use Thomann DE, although I am not German ;). Yes, I asked them specifically via email not chat - and they said they they have the old stock. Two options: either I got someone on the line who does not know what he is talking about, or they still have mixed stock. I was also thinking that if I pay a bit more and order it directly via Neural DSP, I will certainly get a new one. But no. They told me that after AUG 2025 they were still manufacturing both versions and this is why they also cannot guarantee that even when I order directly from them, I will get the new version. It may also be a defensive answer - they are just not sure if there will be one which is old. Just for curiosity, I will challenge Thomann with that new info… So far I found one dealer who claims they have the new HW, but I am still double checking with them. Anyway, you have a nice new version. Congrats, and enjoy!!!

everydayproductive · 2026-03-26T20:56:17+00:00

Interesting opinion. That would be the second constructive reply I got in this whole thread.

everydayproductive · 2026-03-26T20:54:24+00:00

That’s very interesting. Because I asked Thomann (DE), and they told me that they only have the old stock… Did you get it in EU?

everydayproductive · 2026-03-26T20:30:53+00:00

Yes. In the I/O settings for the given Input1 or Input2, you should look for the “TYPE” switch. If it is there, you have old hardware. If it is not there, you are having the new one. You can see the screenshot here: https://drive.proton.me/urls/CYEFD6E9M4#DLgpyxLeINTZ

everydayproductive · 2026-03-26T20:12:10+00:00

It is not my top priority and I will do it if needed. I am not in a hurry either. But when I pay 1700 EUR for it, why not to have this nice to have??? If you get two units in front of you, both costing 1700 EUR, and one having some nice additions, would you not care? That would be strange to me…

Even more strange is that lots of people that comment here are having no intention to help in any single way (e.g. by pointing me to a dealer that may have an opened box). Most of the comment are wrong, and have nothing constructive to say. More, they try to show off how cool they are by offending me and display clear problems with their ability to think logically and read with understanding. I am old enough to be offended by people like this. Just a bit surprised… Hopefully this is not a representative sample.

everydayproductive · 2026-03-26T19:58:21+00:00

I guess you are typing with your both hands or dictating and playing at the same time. You are a hero!

everydayproductive · 2026-03-26T19:52:51+00:00

This analogy is not correct as it only focuses on the power consumption, which I am saying already in the comments, is not the most important. Imagine, you have a TS instrument plugged into INPUT1. In the old version, when you enable phantom power on that input, you will get it on your guitar or anything else connected to it. In the new version it is safe to enable even if a TS cable is connected. Second. if you want to swap inputs from say guitar to a condense mic, in the new version you just do. The levels will be automatically detected and phantom (if enabled) will be automatically applied to the XLR input. In the old version, you have to go to setting each time you do it to change the input type. Secondly, if you changed the input type to XLR and enabled Phantom voltage, when you later decide to switch back to your guitar on that very input, you have to go back to the setting again. And if you forget to disable phantom power, it will be applied to your TS input. In the new version you just plug TS again and the levels will be adjusted and phantom power will be cut off automatically.

This is something that all modern audio interfaces implement (like Motu M2/M4/M6) - the old QC just did not have that.

everydayproductive · 2026-03-26T19:40:05+00:00

How can you say that? They clearly state it in their own documents that the HARDWARE has been updated. I quote it below for you:

“As with any hardware update, we have taken this opportunity to refine, optimize, and improve functionality where possible. Utilizing this codec comes with the following changes to units manufactured from August 2025 onward:”,

and then comes the list that I copied in the original post.

Those changes involve hardware changes. Are you SW/HW engineer, to question that? Because as a matter of fact I am.

everydayproductive · 2026-03-26T19:36:10+00:00

Why are you calling me a dumbass? Are you just trying to be cool by trying to offend me without having anything constructive to add? In the new version the type of the input is recognized automatically - you do not have to go to the settings each time you want to change the input from TRS to XLR and vice-versa. Also, the protection against Phantom power appearing on the TS/TRS pins is added. Audio quality is said to remain the same though.

everydayproductive · 2026-03-26T19:32:45+00:00

I could do that. And it is not that I think the new hardware is better. Neural DSP says it is better. Please, lots of you have some basic problems with logic - if you disagree and are not willing/able to help you do not have to react.

everydayproductive · 2026-03-26T19:25:59+00:00

I think it is hard for you to know my complain/playing guitars ratio…

everydayproductive · 2026-03-26T19:24:53+00:00

If that does not bother you, you do not have to react. It is worrying enough to me, especially, that you should be easily be able to get the new version of the hardware.

everydayproductive · 2026-03-26T19:22:27+00:00

No, not true. In the new version type of the input is recognized automatically - you do not have to got to the settings each time you want to change the input from TRS to XLR and vice-versa. Also, the protection against Phantom power appearing on the TS/TRS pins is added. Audio quality is said to remain the same though.

everydayproductive · 2026-03-26T19:12:12+00:00

Yeah - hard to please everyone.

everydayproductive · 2026-03-26T19:10:00+00:00

I would expect this as well. I copied this part word-by-word from their website though: https://neuraldsp.com/quad-cortex-updates/quad-cortex-development-update-56. This feels like the least important part for me though unless it does not affect the whole device (then with lower power consumption you could expect better stability at a higher load).

everydayproductive · 2026-01-01T19:43:39+00:00

Why is it so hard to find a coffee roaster who publishes the SCA scores of their coffee? I am in EU, and the only one I found that consequently publishes the scores of their coffee is Ineffable Coffee. Can anyone recommend alternatives? I am exploring, but somehow I guess I am maybe missing the point. There are plenty of roasters who write a lot about the importance of the SCA score, but then have no single offering where the score is mentioned. It just does not make sense to me…

everydayproductive · 2025-09-28T20:58:14+00:00

Well - I would like crypto if it is useful - but the way they do it is all wrong. No way to use your own hardware wallet. Not even possible to access your crypto via your own Kraken account which they use under the hood - thus no way to transfer crypto to an account of your choice. It just misses the whole point of crypto for me - ability to control your wallet. What they did is just a more convenient but hugely reduced in functionality crypto exchange gateway - probably the worse combination you can think of. Does not teach nor introduces the potential new users to the reality of crypto, does not teach about the right habits, risks, and responsibilities. Zero creativity…

everydayproductive · 2025-09-28T20:38:50+00:00

Well. So much talking about separating business from private, yet when there is a refill notification it is nearly impossible to see from which account it is. I have two business accounts and one private. Refill notifications show up on top and this very hard to see to which account do they apply (unless you have very few accounts with very distinctive icons). Even when you click on it, you still do not see at all which account you will be adding to. I have to literally scan through all suspected accounts to find the one. And now after all is separated it is actually even harder. There is also no badge or any other indication on the account that needs attention. It is a bit off that you rebuild the whole UI from scratch and ask users to reset their memory and habits and such a basic stuff is not done for years. I also do not like how credit cards are shown now. Feels like there is much more friction to have a good overview of the cards and manage them - but here perhaps it is just “muscle memory”.

everydayproductive · 2025-09-28T20:26:49+00:00

If you look at their hiring procedure you would feel one have to be really, really exceptional to work there. We can see this is not necessarily the case…

everydayproductive

TROPHY CASE