devices · Quad Cortex · learn · 06 of 10 · 8 min
modes, scenes and setlists
the one thing
Build each song as one preset with scenes. Scenes switch instantly because nothing reloads.
three words: preset, scene, setlist
A preset is a complete rig: the Grid, its blocks, and all eight of its scenes. A scene is one of eight saved states (A to H) inside that preset. It shares the preset's blocks and recalls different settings. A setlist is a collection of up to 256 presets.
If your sound changed when you pressed a switch, check which mode the footswitches are in.
four modes, and what A–H do in each
Change mode with BANK DOWN and TEMPO pressed together. Neural drew a bracket between the two switches reading “+ MODE +”. It is the only multi-switch combo printed on the chassis.
- PRESET: each of A–H loads a different preset. For sets where every song needs a different rig.
- SCENE: each of A–H recalls Scene A–H inside the loaded preset. For playing one song: clean verse, crunch chorus, lead.
- STOMP: each of A–H toggles an individual block. For working like a pedalboard.
- HYBRID: splits the eight switches between two jobs. For gigs that need a couple of rig changes and a couple of stompboxes on the same page.
HYBRID combined with PRESET halves your bank size: two presets per bank instead of four. Plan your set around that.
Quad Cortex User Manual 4.0.0modes
How to get hereChange mode with BANK DOWN + TEMPO pressed together. The combo is printed on the chassis.
1. same eight switches, four different answers
The hardware is the same in every row. If standing on B does something you didn't expect, check the mode first.
2. SCENE is the one that doesn't gap
Scenes recall settings inside a rig that's already loaded, so switching is instant. PRESET reloads the whole rig. Build one song as scenes A–H in a single preset and the dropouts between verse and chorus go away.
3. STOMP is the pedalboard mode
Each switch toggles one block on and off, like stepping on a pedal. Coming from a real pedalboard, start here: it is the most familiar way to use the Quad Cortex.
4. HYBRID splits the row
Some switches change rigs and the rest work as stomps. Combined with PRESET it halves your bank size: two presets per bank instead of four.
what causes switching gaps
Preset changes reload the entire signal chain. Scene changes recall parameter values inside a rig that is already loaded, so there is nothing to wait for.
Three separate presets for the verse, chorus and solo of one song cause audible dropouts mid-song. Build them as scenes A, B and C inside one preset instead.
Every new preset opens on Scene A, whatever scene you were on when you saved it. Build your default sound as Scene A.
Quad Cortex User Manual 4.0.0how much storage you get
3,072 user presets, 256 per setlist, 10 user setlists plus Factory and My Presets. Eight scenes per preset. 2,048 user captures and 2,048 user IRs.
You will run out of ways to find things before you run out of storage. Ten setlists is enough for one per band, venue or rehearsal room. That is easier to use than one list of 256 presets.