KHE + Neural DSP Quad Cortex in 4-Cable-Method
This guide explains how to use the Neural DSP QC as a multi-effects unit with the KHE amp switcher in a 4-Cable-Method (4CM). This enables to:
Use the QC’s Pedals (Boost, Overdrive, Gate and such) in front of the amps (like normal pedals).
Use the QC’s Effects (Delay, Reverb and such) in the fx-loop of the tube amplifiers (post-preamp).
Use the QC’s MIDI to remotely control the KHE presets during patch changes (PC).
Use the KHE’s Master-FX-Loop Bypass Switching to remove the effects-chain from the fx-loop.
In this setup, the QC functions as a mono multi-effect unit. Only the stompbox- and effect blocks are active. All amp- and speaker-modelling blocks are disabled. A Mono Loop Block is inserted to create the insert point for the amp fx-loops.
In combination with the FX-Loop Switching function of the ACS 4x4FX (or ACS 8x4 / ASX 8 with the AFX 8), it enables to use the Neural DSP Quad Cortex as a multi-effect unit in 4-CM with all connected amps.
Connection & Setup
Connect the Guitar to the QC’s Guitar Input 1.
Connect the QC’s SEND 1 to the KHE GUITAR INPUT jack. This sends the guitar signal after stompbox section to the guitar input of the amp switcher.
Connect the QC’s RETURN 1 to the KHE FX INPUT jack. This connects the master-fx-send of the amps/KHE to the input to the QC’s effect section (post-distortion).
Connect the QC’s OUT 3/L to the KHE FX OUTPUT jack. This sends the signal after the QC’s effect section back the master-fx-return of the KHE and back to the power amp of the activated amplifier.
Check the QC’s User Manual Chapter 6 - Setup Examples - 4 Cable Method for all details on how to setup the preset and routing. In this example, FX Loop 1 is used to create the insert point for the pre-effects post-effects section. Make sure to deactivate all amp- & cab-models on the preset. Use shielded instrument cables (TS) for all QC connections.
On the KHE, press the small FX Button to activate the fx-loop. The FX light turns fully on. If the FX light is dark or dimmed, the entire effects chain is true-bypassed. The on/off state of the master-fx-loop is individually saved for each amp and gets recalled automatically when switching amps.
Make sure the amp fx-loops are all set to serial or parallel with 100% mix setting. In case an amp has a bad fx-loop design that still passes some dry signal, it will be mixed with the GT-1000’s signal which causes a bad phasing or chorusing sound due to the latency of the AD/DA conversion.
In case of hum or digital noise, experiment with the QC’s and the KHE’s Ground Lift switches and see which combination results in the least noise.
To build this 4-CM amp switching setup, you need a KHE amp switcher with the Master-FX-Loop Switching feature. For up to four amplifiers, check the KHE ACS 4x4FX which has the fx-loop switching feature built-in. For the KHE ACS 8x4 or ASX 8, the fx-loop switching can be added by the KHE AFX 8 extension unit. All KHE units can be fully linked and daisy-chained to expand the switching channels.
Links:
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