This thing sounds soooo BAD!

Community
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Sorry new to Cortex, but I have had Fractal and currently own a Kemper. I hope I’m doing something wrong because this thing sounds like CRAP!!! I downloaded some presets from Jack Gardiner and Rabea and they sound so terrible. Not even close to their demos. Someone please help. BTW I am using a American Deluxe Strat single coil with lollar 64 N and M and special bridge. Everything sounds bright and harsh, no sustain unless I completely ramp the overdrive pedals. Tried rolling trebble down and even to the point of lowering my pickups because it sounded poppy like the magnet was pulling on them. Nothing has helped.

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Unfortunately I would say this is from user error. Anytime someone posts this they haven’t set up their preset or monitoring situation correctly

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Hi, there are a few important variables unaccounted for:

  • Listening environment, such as studio monitors, power amp + cab, an FRFR cab/monitor, headphones, etc.
  • Input gain and impedance settings
  • Have you tried anything other than artist presets?
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I am hoping thats the case.

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Im using headphones, just tried stock presets and artists presets. Input gain and Impedance could definatley be the problem. Is there somewhere I can get some info on this?

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I have no doubt its on me but I just dont know why? lol

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check this first Low end (boomy sound) & resonance - #24 by Alex_K

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Put an IR or CAB in the preset when using a headset.

One more thing: check the IO-Settings >> Headphones. Make sure, you just send the IR/ CAB signal to your headphones.
I usually setup presets with splitted outputs - OUT3/4 and OUT1/2 while using IR/CAB for the OUT1/2 signal only. Thus, I muted OUT3/4 for the headphones.

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Try a different guitar - also things sound different. Try EQ. Your ears are used to Kemper - which has a very smooth roll offs on low and high end with their capturing technique.

Use hi pass /low pass filter - you will get your kemper sound. Add bass if you think that’s what you like.

Try couple things - it may not be your cup of tea, which is okay - but hey you might just enjoy some sounds in there. I have a fractal I constantly use when I feel like a change in sound. Neither is good or bad - they’re just fun!

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Which headphones are you using?

QC Stock presets tend to sound like “sharp” on very neutral headphones or boomy if you have some big hifi drivers.