The last update to 3.2.0 was two and a half months ago. Since then, we haven’t heard anything about the next step. Neural DSP is silent again – it’s always the same. All we know is that the Petrucci plugin and Archetype Rabea are supposed to be among the next, but agin we have to wait a long time. No further announcement … Why can’t N DSP communicate better?
Same with the new audio engine. Does a Quad Cortex that you buy now already use it? No communication about that, too …
What do you mean? Are you talking about the new audio codec that was recently added to new QC units? That’s just a different chip; the original one went obsolete. Nothing changes with the audio “engine”, i.e. how it sounds.
Sorry, I meant the new audio codec with the new chip. No one knows whether new units already have the new chip.
I don’t remember them explicitly saying “We are now shipping the new ESS codec version of QC” but they did give a detailed rundown on what to look for in case anyone has one. They had quoted that changeover would happen in August 2025. There probably are several of the original (Cirrus) units still out in the market.
I bought mine beginning of the month from Sweetwater, it has the Cirrus codec.
Where can you see that it’s using the new codec and chip?
“How do I know if my Quad Cortex has an ESS Codec?
You can check the I/O Settings. If Inputs 1/2 do not display TYPE switches, your Quad Cortex has been manufactured with the new codec.”
Literally doesn’t matter. Nothing about the sound, etc is different.
„Quad Cortex units with the new codec are more energy-efficient, reducing power consumption by up to 50%.”
I’m betting that is for the codec, not for the entire unit but I could be wrong. Happened before…
But screen, main cpu and other stuff likely draws way more current than the A/D unit.
That would be my bet, too. The power savings are probably just for the codec.
Also “up to 50% percent” can mean anything from “50% most of the the time“ to “50% under very special conditions, but most of the time only 1%“
The change will probably neither make a dent in your electricity bill, nor allow you to use a much weaker power supply. I really don’t understand why some people get so obsessed over this.
because, the internet
And FOMO is totally a thing
My QC has been steady and rock solid since I got it in 2021. I’m not about to sell mine just so I can turn around and purchase the new ESS codec version, which provides no new specific benefit to me.
Let’s see how many days it will take to close/censor this discussion and ban the creator…
As for the update, soon… hopefully it will be out in 2026
I don’t think anything will get “censored” as long as the tone remains civil. But let’s face it, there is nothing to “discuss” here that hasn’t been said in numerous other threads.
Yes, it would be nice to have more communication. Yes everybody would love to see new amps, effects, features and some are waiting for their plugins to finally arrive on QC.
The reality is that this thread won’t change anything about the situation.
Highly doubt the entire unit uses 50% less power. It’s probably 50% less power for that specific part.
Mine with the Ned codec will come next week. I’m located in Germany and my guitar store talked with neural at the guitar summit…
Can’t wait to see “First generation codec - Quad Cortex” listed for more than usual on Reverb just because now they are vintage and rare.
Instant buy 
Would love to see something about an update. And not just plugin stuff. More amps and effects would be great. I find it weird that they say they can model a new amp in a day, then just do nothing with it.
Fractal ate constantly releasing updates with new amps and effects, and their white box modelling takes a lot longer to work with. It does just seem to me it’s all about plugins, it’s where the money is I suppose.