Had been doing some research and it seems that a new guitar is not on my want list, though saving for a better multi-effects/amp modeler is. And, true to form, the Neural Quad Cortex was there. Reading up on their mainframe, it seems that the Neural mothership is lagging behind on shipping out to dealers because they need to be sure their software is up to snuff with certain DAWs....Pro Tools being the primary bugaboo. Neural has also upgraded some of the PCB board's components because beta-testers have returned some unacceptable results from sampling the product at the consumer level.
After visiting the Neural website, yes, DANG, the Plini plug-in sounds awesome! I've not considered this, but will also put this on the wish list if ever I make it to home recording 102 class. Thus far, I've put my name and CC in for pre-order of a Quad Cortex and will wait the prescribed time until Neural begins shipping to dealers.
(Just a heads-up! Sweetwater.com will be the only United States Neural dealer, according to Sweetwater.) There is also one Canadian dealer, as well as several additional international dealers (Andertons, included), but none have the revised new 2021 products yet because of the software tweaks Neural is doing prior to shipping product.
FTR, the Quad Cortex has done away with some of the previous effects because of the instability and unreliability regards effects modeling. While I would have loved to have seen the MP Simble kept aboard, several effects were left out of the 2021 software upgrade. Other issues include the noise floor and mitigating that, suggestions of utilizing a DI box before unit input so as to provide a balanced signal before your instrument cable even touches the Quad Cortex. There are some glaring known issues that will need "fixing" before the Quad Cortex will be accepted by its public admirers.
What is promising it the ease of use. Pete Thorn recently did a video showcasing the Quad Cortex, and he was blown away with how easy it was to get the unit up and running, and dial in a decent rig tone. Said he didn't even need to read the owner's manual, it was that intuitive. What looks interesting is the ability to chain 4 amps and cabs together and output them in stereo L/R. Or utilize parallel effects loops within the framework of the Quad Cortex.
Now that I've given you the good news, here's the caveat: Sweetwater (and all other dealers) are still accepting only pre-orders for the Quad Cortex, until Neural begins releasing product. The scoop is that Sweetwater will receive the first batch of product in about a month's time, perhaps a few weeks beyond. Then, a couple weeks later, to insure the product is stable and without any issues, more shipments will be made every 2nd or 3rd week. Those who have pre-ordered are on a the waiting list until their name comes up, and then you have the option to have the Quad Cortex shipped to you. You MUST pay via CC otherwise if using PayPal you will be charged immediately. Utilizing a CC, your card will not be charged until you give approval that you wish to receive the unit and it will then be shipped. That keeps your money in your pocket until you say so.
Best wishes, had thought to revisit this post from January 2020 when the HeadRush was my choice of multi-effect. Now, my Gigboard and Expression pedal is now being offered to folks again with a group of pre-loaded rigs sectioned into a setlist, and downloaded IRs that wouldn't be available to new buyers. The IRs are invaluable towards good tone, so whoever buys this will not need spend extra cash on IRs. (And there are some good ones already downloaded).