Power cable retrofit/modification for original Quad Cortex to lock like the Quad Cortex Mini?

Quad Cortex Feature Requests
1

This may be tough because it’s a hardware fix, not a software fix, but is there any consideration anywhere in NDSP to make a hardware mod/retrofit for the original Quad Cortex to have a locking power cable/jack like on the QC Mini?

I use the original QC by itself daily for gigs and rehearsals. I don’t use a pedalboard with cable management, just the QC with the stock power supply and maybe an extension cord. The one thing I worry about most on crowded stages with lots of movement is someone accidentally kicking out my power cable and suddenly not having sound for 2ish minutes while I plug back in and boot back up. I’ll often gaff tape the power cable down during setup, but if I need to move my setup on stage (which happens often enough), I need to rip off the tape and risk someone accidentally kicking out my power. Having a power jack and supply that locks would solve a major on-stage problem for me and go a long way to lowering my blood pressure on hectic gigs.

2

We haven’t heard anything from Neural about going back to change or retrofit the connector to a locking type.

This feature request is valid, but I think there is a better way to accomplish what you’re trying to do.

If your on-stage experience is really that chaotic, I would highly suggest at least mounting your QC to a small pedalboard. A locking connector would help to prevent accidental removal–but may introduce a risk of damage to the QC’s circuit board if it gets knocked around or stepped on. Less risk of damage like that if it’s on a pedalboard.

Here is a thread about the connector itself:

3

I agree, it would be difficult to add the locking feature. I don’t know if it would require changing the barrel jack or the whole case but it’s not something the average owner would be able to do.

4

I’m seeing these being used recently:

amazon cable management clips

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5

So I saw this on amazon, not sure if its any good but possibly an option,
”Quad Cortex AC Power Supply Protector”

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6

This is an identical “power supply protector shield” product:

…and here’s the one-star review for it:

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Approach with caution.

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7

Honestly in surprised Neural added a locking jack for the power. I feel it’s worse to have the cable lock in, since it would be easier to just break the power connector on the device….. Gaff tape or a simple pedalboard would be easier. I wouldn’t ever want to put at QC directly on a stage anyways in case something spills or there’s liquid from rain, etc

8

Stick some kind of cable clip on the side of your Quad Cortex and route your power cable through it.

I bet you can find some kind of solution in which it is practically impossible to yank the cable out.

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Simple. Non intrusive. Removable.

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9

I have one of these bought for £7.99 from eBay. The review above missed the point of the device completely. It doesn’t lock the power into the QC, but protects the connection from being trodden on and broken. Of course it can still be pulled out, but that is not terminal.

1 Like