Quad Cortex – how to send the exact same processed guitar signal to XLR Out 1/2 and Out 3?

Quad Cortex
1

Hi! I’m trying to use my Quad Cortex like a DI box with a “thru” output.

My current setup:

  • Guitar → Input 1

  • Full stereo effects chain (compressor, EQ, drives, modulation, delay, reverb, etc.)

  • This chain goes to XLR Out 1/2 (main output to FOH).

  • My vocal mic is on Input 2 and goes to Out 4 on a separate row.

What I want:
I want Out 3 to carry the exact same fully processed guitar signal as XLR Out 1/2 — like the “thru” output on a DI box — so I can send it to a stage amp or monitor.

**
Question:**
What is the correct way to send the exact same processed guitar signal to both XLR Out 1/2 and Out 3 in Quad Cortex?

Thanks!

Skärmavbild 2026-02-26 kl. 02.15.00
Skärmavbild 2026-02-26 kl. 02.15.00718×495 44.8 KB

2

Depending on what DSP will allow, a Transparent Blend block can send that entire signal to the Output chosen. If it won’t allow placing the Blend block in Lane 2, can you shift Lane 4 to Lane 2 and put the Blend on Lane 4?

(The Blend will be mono, but that Lane would be anyway if it’s going to Output 3 only)

3

Okay, I found Transparent Blend in Cortex Control. Can you explain how to do it?

4

Would it be an option to set “Multi Out” on row 3 instead of “Out 1/2,” but keep Out 4 on the row with my microphone? Or could that cause the guitar signal to leak into Out 4?

5

Put the blend on the row with Output 3. Set its Input to the last effect in your main guitar path (from the drop-down selection menu) Blend it to 100%. You will not need to set an Input at the front of the row.

If you change Output 3 to MULTI-OUT, it will mix in with the vox signal