Neural DSP Archetype: Cory Wong

Introduction

Neural DSP partnered with Cory Wong to create this plugin, capturing the distinct sonic aspects of his gear and sound. This comprehensive plugin features six sections and multiple options for amplifiers and cabinets, offering the tones Cory uses live and in the studio.

The plugin includes:

• Wah Pedal
• Envelope Filter Pedal (“The postal service”)
• Compressor Pedal (“The 4th position compressor”)
• Overdrive Pedals (“The tuber”, “The big rig overdrive”)
• Head Amplifiers (“D.I. Funk Console”, “The Clean Machine”, “The Amo Snob”)
• Graphic EQ (x3)
• Neural DSP Cab Sim (x3)
• Delay Pedal (“Delay-y-y”)
• Reverb Pedal (“The Wash”)

It also features an analog emulation of a product with a Cab Simulation block containing 3 cabinets with carefully recorded impulses designed by Neural DSP.

Getting Started

Basic Requirements

To use Neural DSP Plugins, you will need:

• A computer capable of multitrack audio processing (Mac or PC).
• An audio interface.
• A supported host software (DAW) for recording.
• An iLok User ID and the latest version of the iLok License Manager application.
• A Neural DSP Account.

Note: An iLok USB dongle is not required as activation can be done directly on your computer.

Supported Operating Systems

• OS X 10.13 - 10.15 (64-bit only)
• Windows 7 - 10 (64-bit only)

Supported Host Softwares

Neural DSP software is supported on the following host software (64-bit only):

• Pro Tools 11 - 2020 (Mac & Windows): AAX Native
• Logic Pro X (Mac): AU
• Cubase 7 - 10 (Mac & Windows): VST2 - VST3
• Ableton Live 9.x or later (Mac): AU & VST / (Windows): VST
• Reaper 5.x or later (Mac): AU, VST2 & VST3 / (Windows): VST2 & VST3
• Presonus Studio One 4 (Mac & Windows): AU, VST2 & VST3

All products include a standalone version (64-bit only).

For more information, visit the FAQ page: neuraldsp.com/faq/

iLok User ID and iLok License Manager

After installation, an activation window will appear. Click the “Try” button. If the button is not visible, close and reopen the plugin/standalone app.

To create an iLok account, visit ilok.com.

To purchase the full product, create a Neural DSP account, select the plugin, add it to the cart, and complete the purchase. Then, follow the steps to activate your license in the iLok License Manager.

File Locations

Neural DSP plugins are installed in default locations based on the format (VST, VST3, AAX, AU), unless a custom location was chosen during installation.

MacOS Locations:

• AudioUnits: Macintosh HD / Library / Audio / Plug-ins / Components / Archetype Cory Wong
• VST2: Macintosh HD / Library / Audio / Plug-ins / VST / Archetype Cory Wong
• VST3: Macintosh HD / Library / Audio / Plug-ins / VST3 / Archetype Cory Wong
• AAX: Macintosh HD / Library / Application Support / Avid / Audio / Plug-ins / Archetype Cory Wong
• Standalone App: Macintosh HD/Applications/Archetype Cory Wong
• Preset Files: Macintosh HD / Library / Audio / Presets / Neural DSP / Archetype Cory Wong
• Manual: Macintosh HD / Library / Application Support / Neural DSP / Archetype Cory Wong

Windows Locations:

• 64-bit VST: C:/Program Files/VSTPlugins/Archetype Cory Wong
• 64-bit VST3: C:/Program Files / Common Files / VST3 / Archetype Cory Wong
• 64-bit AAX: C:/Program Files / Common Files / Avid / Audio / Plug-Ins / Archetype Cory Wong
• 64-bit Standalone: C:/Program Files / Neural DSP / Archetype Cory Wong
• Preset Files: C:/ ProgramData / Neural DSP / Archetype Cory Wong
• Manual: C:/Program Files / Neural DSP / Archetype Cory Wong

Note: Archetype: Cory Wong 1.0.0 is available in 64-bit only.

Uninstalling Neural DSP Software

To uninstall, manually delete the plugin files from their respective format folders. On Windows, you can also run the setup installer and click “Remove”.

Archetype: Cory Wong Features

Wah Section

This section features a MIDI-controllable and fully automatable Wah pedal with an Auto-Wah feature.

• POSITION KNOB: Adjusts the peak response of the frequency filter.
• ATTACK KNOB: Sets the time for the wah filter to fully open.
• RELEASE KNOB: Sets the time for the wah filter to close.

Stomp Effects Section

This section includes four effects that can be used separately or combined:

• THE POSTAL SERVICE - Envelope Filter Pedal:
  
  • RANGE KNOB: Frequency selector (600Hz to 1700Hz).
  • SENSITIVITY KNOB: Sets the level at which the effect triggers.
  • STOMP BYPASS SWITCH: Activates the pedal.
• THE 4TH POSITION COMPRESSOR - Compressor Pedal:
  
  • BLEND KNOB: Mixes the input dry signal with the compressed signal.
  • TONE KNOB: Adjusts the treble frequencies of the dry and compressed signals.
  • COMPRESSION KNOB: Controls the compression threshold of the signal.
  • VOLUME KNOB: Determines the output level of the pedal.
  • STOMP BYPASS SWITCH: Activates the pedal.
• THE TUBER - Overdrive Pedal:
  
  • TONE KNOB: Controls treble frequencies. Increase to allow more treble, set to 0 to cut treble and high mids.
  • DRIVE KNOB: Controls the gain boost to the head amplifier.
  • LEVEL KNOB: Determines the output level of the pedal.
  • STOMP BYPASS SWITCH: Activates the pedal.
• THE BIG RIG OVERDRIVE - Overdrive Pedal:
  
  • TONE KNOB: Controls treble frequencies. Increase to allow more treble, set to 0 to cut treble and high mids.
  • DRIVE KNOB: Controls the gain boost to the head amplifier.
  • LEVEL KNOB: Determines the output level of the pedal.
  • STOMP BYPASS SWITCH: Activates the pedal.

Amplifier Section

D.I. Funk Console

This amplifier features:

• COMP KNOB: Controls the compression threshold.
• ATTACK SWITCH: Determines compression attack response (slow or fast).
• TUBE SAT KNOB: Controls tube saturation in the preamp.
• HIGH PASS KNOB: Controls the frequency range of the high pass filter (20Hz to 250Hz).
• LOW PASS KNOB: Controls the frequency range of the low pass filter (3KHz to 17KHz).

The Clean Machine

This amplifier features:

• LOWS, MIDS & HIGHS KNOBS: Tonestack of the amplifier (3 band EQ).
• FREQUENCY SELECTION SWITCHES: Two-way switches for selecting the Low, Mid, and High frequencies affected by the knobs.
• VOLUME KNOB: Controls the overall volume of the amp.
• POWER BUTTON SWITCH: Bypasses the signal, turning off the amp section.

The Amp Snob

This amplifier features:

• BASS, MIDDLE & TREBLE KNOBS: Tonestack of the amplifier (3 band EQ).
• PRESENCE KNOB: Boosts upper midrange and treble frequencies.
• OUT LEVEL KNOB: Controls the overall output level of the amp.
• POWER BUTTON SWITCH: Bypasses the signal, turning off the amp section.

EQ Section

The high-fidelity Graphic EQ allows graphical control over nine frequency bands.

• ON/OFF BUTTON SWITCH: Turns the EQ filter on or off.
• EQ BANDS: Nine control sliders to boost or cut frequency bands.

The Gear Selector allows switching and combining amplifiers with their default cabinets by clicking the icons at the bottom of the plugin window.

Neural DSP Cab Simulation

This plugin includes a Cabinet simulation with six microphones and various positions.

• NAVIGATION ARROWS: Navigate through different impulses.
• POSITION KNOB: Controls microphone position within the cone (center to edge). Disabled when loading external IR files.
• DISTANCE KNOB: Controls microphone distance from the cab (close to far). Disabled when loading external IR files.
• LEVEL KNOB: Controls the level of the selected impulse.
• PAN KNOB: Controls the output panning of the selected impulse.
• PHASE INVERTER SWITCH: Inverts the phase of the loaded impulse.
• ON/OFF SWITCH: Enables or disables the IR loader section.
• IMPULSE LOADER SELECTOR BOX: Dropdown menu to select factory microphones or load custom IR files.
• DRAG TO POSITION: Click and drag the microphone icon within the cone area to adjust position and distance.

Time Effects Section

DELAY-Y-Y - Delay Pedal

• MIX KNOB: Controls the amount of effect added to the dry signal.
• FEEDBACK KNOB: Sets the amount of delay returned to the input, controlling repeats.
• LOW & HIGH CUT KNOBS: Control the frequency range of high and low pass filters.
• TIME L & TIME R KNOBS: Set the delay time in subdivisions (1/64T to 1/1D).
• TEMPO KNOB: Adjusts BPM. Deactivated if sync switch is engaged.
• MODE SWITCH: Select between Single or Dual mode.
• SYNC SWITCH: Determines if delay time is set by Plug-In/DAW tempo or manually.
• SCREEN: Displays settings, time, and subdivision values.
• STOMP ENGAGE SWITCH: Activates the Delay.
• STOMP TAP TEMPO SWITCH: Controls delay time by clicking.

THE WASH - Reverb Pedal

• DRY/WET KNOB: Controls the amount of effect added to the dry signal.
• DECAY KNOB: Sets the duration of the reverb decay envelope.
• LOW & HIGH CUT KNOBS: Control the frequency range of high and low pass filters.
• SHIMMER BUTTON SWITCH: Engages the “Shimmer” effect, layering a pitched-up reverb tail.
• STOMP BYPASS SWITCH: Activates the Reverb.

Plugin Features

Global Features

• QUALITY SWITCH: Changes processing quality based on oversampling levels (2x Normal, 4x High). Higher quality requires more CPU power.
• DEVELOPED BY NEURAL DSP: Click for more information.
• INPUT AND OUTPUT GAIN KNOBS: Adjust input signal for distortion and gain, and output signal to the DAW. Meters indicate clipping.
• GATE KNOB: Attenuates the input signal below the threshold.
• STEREO SIGNAL PROCESSING SWITCH: Enables stereo input signal processing.
• COGWHEEL ICON (Standalone Only): Access audio settings (interface, channels, sample rate, buffer size, MIDI devices).
• MIDI PORT ICON: Opens the MIDI Mappings window. Refer to MIDI SETUP for details.
• PITCHFORK ICON (Standalone Only): Activates the built-in Tuner.
• METRONOME ICON (Standalone Only): Controls delay time by clicking.
• TEMPO VALUE (Standalone Only): Adjusts tempo.

Presets

This functionality allows users to Save, Import, and Export presets (XML files).

• SAVE BUTTON: Saves the current configuration as a preset.
• DELETE BUTTON: Deletes the active preset (cannot be undone).
• LOAD PRESET: Loads presets from other locations.
• PRESETS FOLDER SHORTCUT: Navigates to the Presets folder.
• DROPDOWN MENU: Lists available presets (factory, artist, user).

Preset Locations:

• Windows: C:/ProgramData / Neural DSP / Archetype Cory Wong
• Mac OSX: HD / Library / Audio / Presets / Neural DSP / Archetype Cory Wong

Users can create custom folders to organize presets.

MIDI Setup

Archetype: Cory Wong supports MIDI control. Follow these steps to assign MIDI controls:

Mapping MIDI note event to Buttons:

1. Enable MIDI Learn (right-click menu).
2. Click the component to control.
3. Press and release a MIDI note on the controller.
4. Disable MIDI Learn.
5. The mapped MIDI note will toggle the parameter value.

Mapping two MIDI notes to a Slider/Combobox:

1. Enable MIDI Learn.
2. Click the component to control.
3. Press and release the first MIDI note.
4. Press and release the second MIDI note.
5. Release the first MIDI note.
6. Release the second MIDI note.
7. Disable MIDI Learn.
8. The mapped MIDI notes will increment/decrement the parameter value.

Mapping MIDI CC event to Buttons:

1. Enable MIDI Learn.
2. Click the component to control.
3. Press and release a MIDI CC shortcut on the controller.
4. Disable MIDI Learn.
5. The mapped MIDI CC event will toggle the parameter value.

Mapping MIDI CC event to a Slider/Combobox:

1. Enable MIDI Learn.
2. Click the component to control.
3. Move the CC knob on the controller.
4. Disable MIDI Learn.
5. The mapped MIDI CC event will control the parameter value.

Mapping two MIDI CC events to a Slider/Combobox:

1. Enable MIDI Learn.
2. Click the component to control.
3. Press and release the first MIDI CC button.
4. Press and release the second MIDI CC button.
5. Release the first MIDI CC button.
6. Release the second MIDI CC button.
7. Disable MIDI Learn.
8. The mapped MIDI CC events will increment/decrement the parameter value.

Mapping MIDI Program Change event to Buttons:

1. Enable MIDI Learn.
2. Click the component to control.
3. Press and release MIDI Program Change twice on the controller.
4. Disable MIDI Learn.
5. The mapped MIDI Program Change event will toggle the parameter value.

Mapping two MIDI Program Change events to a Slider/Combobox:

1. Enable MIDI Learn.
2. Click the component to control.
3. Press and release the first MIDI Program Change button.
4. Press and release the second MIDI Program Change button.
5. Disable MIDI Learn.
6. The mapped MIDI Program Change events will increment/decrement the parameter value.

MIDI Events are registered in the MIDI Mapping window. This can be opened by clicking the MIDI port icon. New MIDI events can be added manually.

GUI Basics

Archetype: Cory Wong features knobs and switches that resemble analog hardware, offering enhanced control.

Section Bypass

Right-click or double-click the section icons (Wah, Amplifier, Pedal, Cab) to bypass them. This bypasses Pedal and Cab sections, and turns off Wah and Amplifier sections.

Knobs and Sliders

Turning Knobs: Click and slide the cursor up (clockwise) or down (anticlockwise).

Returning to Default Value: Double-click the knob or slider.

Fine Control: Hold the “command” key (macOS) or “control” key (Windows) while dragging the mouse.

Switches

Archetype: Cory Wong has stomp and toggle switches. Stomps control pedal on/off, and toggles control amplifier settings. Click on a switch to change its value. An LED indicator shows when a parameter is engaged.

Support and Contact Information

For technical issues or problems, visit neuraldsp.com/support for FAQs and troubleshooting info. Contact support via email at support@neuraldsp.com.

Support Information Required:

• Product serial number and version (e.g., Archetype Cory Wong, Ver 1.0.0, serial xxxx-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XX).
• Audio system version (e.g., ProTools 2020.5, Cubase Pro 10, Ableton Live 10.0.1).
• Interface/hardware (e.g., Apollo Twin, Apogee Duet 2).
• Computer and operating system info (e.g., Macbook Pro OS X 10.15, Windows 10).
• A detailed description of the problem.

Corporate Contact

Neural DSP OY.
Tehtaankatu 27-29, 00150, Helsinki, Finland