Neural DSP Nano Cortex: Full Neural Capture Power in 620 Grams
The Neural DSP Nano Cortex, released in September 2024 at $549, compresses the Quad Cortex’s Neural Capture technology into a pedal weighing just 620 grams. With 256 capture slots, 256 IR slots, 50+ effects, 64 presets, 7 effect blocks, and a 7-channel USB audio interface, the Nano Cortex delivers studio-grade amp and pedal capturing in a form factor that fits seamlessly on any pedalboard. Managed entirely through the Cortex Cloud smartphone app, it trades a physical display for maximum compactness.
Neural DSP Nano Cortex Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Compact Digital Effects/Capture Processor |
| Street Price | $549 USD |
| Weight | 620g (1.36 lbs) |
| Audio | 24-bit / 48kHz |
| Captures | 256 slots (25 factory Neural Captures) |
| IRs | 256 slots (300 stock IRs: 10 cabs x 30 studio IRs) |
| Effects | 50+ effects and utilities |
| Presets | 64 |
| Effect Blocks | 7 (2 pre-FX, 3 post-FX, Neural Capture, IR Loader) |
| USB | 7-channel (3 in / 4 out) |
| MIDI | Full support |
Neural Capture in Your Pocket
The Nano Cortex can capture the sonic characteristics of any amplifier, pedal, or signal chain using Neural DSP’s proprietary machine learning technology. The resulting Neural Capture behaves like the original device, responding to playing dynamics, pickup selection, and volume changes with remarkable accuracy. With 256 capture slots, players can build a comprehensive library of their favorite amps and pedals in a single compact unit.
App-Based Control
Rather than including a built-in display, the Nano Cortex is managed entirely through the Cortex Cloud smartphone app. This keeps the physical unit as compact as possible while providing a large, intuitive interface for preset creation, capture management, IR loading, and signal chain editing. Once presets are configured, the Nano Cortex operates independently from the app using its physical footswitches and knobs.
Who Should Buy the Neural DSP Nano Cortex
The Nano Cortex is ideal for pedalboard players who want Neural Capture technology without the Quad Cortex’s larger footprint, musicians who need a compact capture device for traveling, and players who want a high-quality USB audio interface alongside their amp modeling. At $549, it is significantly more affordable than the Quad Cortex.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Nano Cortex capture amps like the Quad Cortex?
Yes. The Nano Cortex uses the same Neural Capture technology as the Quad Cortex, allowing you to capture the sonic characteristics of amplifiers, pedals, and signal chains.
See also the CorOS 3.3.0 update for Neural Capture V2. Browse all digital amp coverage.