Quad Cortex Mini Recording: Direct USB or via Audio Interface – Which Sounds Better?

Question

When recording guitar using a multi-effect unit, does connecting directly to the PC via USB or recording through an audio interface yield better sound quality? For context, I am using the Quad Cortex Multiamp/Modeling Processor (Quad Cortex Mini) as the multi-effect unit and the Antelope Audio Zen Quad as the audio interface.

MeloSt · Accepted Answer

It's about recording guitar with a multi‑effect pedal, right? With this combination, I think recording via XLR with the Zen Quadro is best. The USB audio interface function of the Quad Cortex Mini is lower than that of the top‑class Zen Quadro, so the sound through the Zen Quadro is evaluated as better. However, with a mid‑range audio interface, the sound quality can sometimes be worse than the Quad Cortex Mini, so you can't categorically say it's better; I think it's best to compare by listening.

Quad Cortex Mini Recording: Direct USB or via Audio Interface – Which Sounds Better?

Answers (1)