The Arts Music Store
274 Eagle St, Newmarket, ON L3Y 1K1, Canada
Nano Cortex gives you the power of a full guitar or bass rig in a compact, ultra-portable pedal. With studio-quality sound, a comprehensive signal chain, and the revolutionary Neural Capture technology, it meets all your tone-shaping needs whether on stage, in the studio, or at home.
In 2020, Neural Capture revolutionized the music world with its unmatched ability to capture the true essence of any amp, cab, or drive pedal with unparalleled sound. The industry was astonished by how authentic the tones sounded and felt to play.
Now, that same groundbreaking technology has been packed into a gig-ready pedal that fits in the palm of your hand. Nano Cortex is set to revolutionize the way guitarists and bassists approach tone, both on stage and in the studio.
Welcome to the future of guitar and bass processing.
Complete guitar or bass rig in an ultra-compact pedal
Neural Capture technology with the same resolution and quality as on Quad Cortex
Create incredibly accurate digital replicas of any amp, cab, or drive pedal on-device in just a few minutes
Free access to thousands of Neural Captures in the Cortex Cloud
Fits in the palm of your hand and weighs just 620g/1.36lbs
Comprehensive signal chain with pre and post FX
Impulse Response loader
Adaptive Noise Gate and Transpose for easily changing the tuning of your instrument
Customizable footswitch functions
Gapless Preset switching
Fully-fledged low-latency audio interface with 24-bit, 48kHz recording
Use it as a standalone unit or integrate it with your existing setup
Ideal for playing live, studio recording, or home practice
Intuitive, easy to use, and beginner-friendly
Wirelessly download Captures, control parameters, and manage your presets over Bluetooth with the Cortex Cloud app
MIDI TRS in + full MIDI control via USB
Built-in tuner
Create Neural Captures on-device in minutes, at the same resolution as our flagship Quad Cortex, with no extra tools or apps needed.
Nano Cortex can learn and replicate the sonic characteristics of any physical amplifier, overdrive, and cabinet with unprecedented accuracy
Simply connect your equipment, press the Capture button, and in minutes, you’ll have a digital version of your hardware that is virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. There’s no need to connect to a computer, the internet, or the Cortex Cloud app. It’s fast, easy, and fully self-contained.
If you don’t want to Capture your own gear, you get free access to thousands of Neural Captures created by others in the Cortex Cloud, expanding your tonal possibilities infinitely.
Nano Cortex features a fixed signal chain consisting of seven device slots, any of which can be bypassed depending on your setup. You have everything you need for a complete guitar or bass rig, all in an ultra-compact form.
Ever dream of having a collection of your favorite amps at your fingertips? Nano Cortex ships with 25 Neural Captures of amps including gems like the Mesa Boogie® JP2C®, Fender® Princeton® 65, Diezel® VH4®, and Ampeg® SVT Classic®.
You also get free access to an ever-growing library of thousands of Captures in the Cortex Cloud, including some of the rarest and most expensive amps in existence. Or, create your own Neural Capture of your favorite gear in minutes for a truly personalized rig.
In addition to the preloaded Neural Captures, you can store up to 256 Neural Captures and manage them seamlessly via the Cortex Cloud app.
The importance of cabs in shaping your tone cannot be overstated. High-quality cab simulation adds depth, character, and authenticity that makes a world of difference to your sound.
Nano Cortex features an IR loader that comes preloaded with 300 studio-quality IRs, each featuring five different mic options and six mic positions. This gives you a highly detailed and customizable cabinet simulation module with endless tone shaping possibilities.
In addition to the preloaded IRs, you can store up to 256 of your own IRs and manage them seamlessly with the Cortex Cloud app.
Adaptive Gate: Reduces unwanted noise for a clean signal
Transpose: Change the tuning of your instrument with no perceivable latency
Chorus: A high-quality emulation of the Boss® DC-2W® chorus, known for its rich and lush modulation effects.
Analog Delay: A warm, vintage-style delay that replicates the iconic sound of a BBD-style echo.
Mind Hall Reverb: A high-quality emulation of the legendary Lexicon® 224® reverb that delivers a versatile range of reverbs, from small room ambiance to expansive hall effects.
Nano Cortex is as wide as two standard stompbox pedals placed side by side and weighs just 620g/1.36lbs. It easily fits into your gig bag or backpack.
Despite its compact design, you get the power and versatility of a full guitar or bass rig, making it perfect for the stage, studio, or on the go.
An ever-growing collection of tones at your fingertips
Unlock an ever-growing collection of tones with Cortex Cloud. Explore thousands of Captures created by other users including renowned artists and producers.
Through the Cortex Cloud app, you can browse, search, and wirelessly download Captures directly to your Nano Cortex. Instantly access virtually any amp, cab, or pedal that another user has captured. Whether you're looking for iconic vintage tones, ultra-rare drive pedals, or modern high-gain sounds, Cortex Cloud has got you covered.
Join a vibrant community of creators and share your own Captures with the world.
274 Eagle St, Newmarket, ON L3Y 1K1, Canada
3016 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M8X 1C4, Canada
403 Durham St E, Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0, Canada
20 Staffern Dr, Unit 3, Concord, ON L4K 2X2, Canada
133 Mapleview Dr W, Barrie, ON L4N 9H7, Canada
751 Main St E, North Bay, ON P1B 1C2, Canada
Japan
Carrer de la Diputació, 282, L'Eixample, 08009 Barcelona, Spain
C. Río Almanzora, 1C, 28906 Getafe, Madrid, Spain
53, Gwanginsa-gil, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
62 6th St, Al Quoz, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Fridhemsgatan 40, 112 40 Stockholm, Sweden
Unit 1, 13F, New Treasure Centre, 10 Ng Fong St, San Po Kong, Hong Kong
1565 Crescent Lake Rd, Waterford Twp, MI 48327, United States
Gāles iela 27, Sigulda, Siguldas pilsēta, Siguldas novads, LV-2150, Latvia
21000 Trans-Canada Hwy, Baie-D'Urfe, Quebec H9X 4B7, Canada
25 de Mayo 371, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Liisankatu 18, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
United Kingdom
Mainland Europe
St Vincent House, 58-59 Woodbridge Rd, Guildford GU1 4RF, United Kingdom
USA
Designed for guitarists and bassists of all skill levels
Nano Cortex is for everyone - whether you're a bedroom player or a touring pro, chasing the perfect tone or a set-it-and-forget-it musician. If you play guitar or bass and care about your tone, Nano Cortex is for you.
You're getting a full guitar or bass rig with studio-quality sounds, access to Cortex Cloud, and our proprietary Neural Capture technology, all in a convenient gig-ready package that easily fits in your gig bag. It's perfect for those grab-and-go situations or when you're traveling light.
Nano Cortex is also great for replacing your amp and cab. If you've got a pedalboard you love, it can slot right in, giving you access to a world of amp and cab sounds without the need for heavy gear.
The I/O allows for seamless integration into any live setup, ensuring you get a consistent, high-quality sound every night, no matter where you perform.
The integrated Transpose effect lets you easily change your tuning on the fly. This means you don’t need to worry about taking multiple instruments with you if your set has songs in different tunings.
Use it as a high-quality audio interface and access virtually any amp sound you desire, all without micing up cabinets or dealing with noise issues. Nano Cortex doubles as a 24-bit, 48kHz, low-latency audio interface with seven USB channels (4 in/3 out), ensuring that your recordings are of the highest fidelity.
Additionally, if you’ve used amps in the studio and want to take their unique sounds with you, create Neural Captures of them to have permanent digital replicas of them to use anytime and anywhere.
If you're new to digital guitar or bass technology, Nano Cortex is the perfect introduction. It's extremely easy to use, yet powerful enough to keep up with your growing needs as a musician.
Explore a vast array of diverse tones without investing in multiple pieces of expensive gear. With its intuitive interface, you can start dialing in great sounds right out of the box. Practice silently with headphones or connect to any kind of studio monitors. Additionally, when inspiration strikes, you're ready to record high-quality audio directly to your computer.
Nano Cortex can function as a complete guitar or bass rig, a replacement for your amp and cab, or a versatile stomp box/multi-effects pedal.
Nano Cortex is a fantastic all-in-one rig solution for guitarists and bassists. Its comprehensive signal chain and flexible I/O options turns it into a complete rig that fits in the palm of your hand. Perfect for grab-and-go situations, live performances, studio sessions, or home practice.
Replace your amp with a digital replica of virtually any amp that sounds and feels indistinguishable from the real thing. Use the IR Loader to replace your cab or utilize the Neural Capture block to Capture and replicate any amp and cab. Slot it into your existing pedalboard and connect directly to a PA system or FRFR cab. It’s a perfect live setup, without the hassle of carrying heavy gear.
Integrate Nano Cortex into your existing setup and you’ve got a compact pedal that can store up to 256 incredibly accurate replicas of your favorite drive pedals. Additionally, you get a comprehensive set of effects to dial in your tone with.
General information
Neural DSP’s acclaimed Neural Capture technology allows you to create incredibly accurate digital replicas of any amp, cab, or drive pedal. The process is quick and easy. Simply connect your gear, press the Capture button, and within minutes, you’ll have a digital version of your hardware that’s virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. There’s no need to connect to a computer, the internet, or the Cortex Cloud app. It’s fast, easy, and fully self-contained.
Neural Captures created on Nano Cortex have the same resolution and quality as those made with our flagship Quad Cortex and can be seamlessly transferred between the two devices.
You also get free access to the Cortex Cloud, where you can share your Neural Captures and access thousands of Captures created by the Cortex Cloud community. These Captures can be wirelessly downloaded to your Nano Cortex via the Cortex Cloud app.
Nano Cortex stands out with its exceptional sound quality, ease of use, and the ability to create Neural Captures directly on the device, without needing a computer or internet connection. The Capture process takes only about five minutes, compared with other devices that may take hours.
Neural Capture is widely regarded as the most authentic-sounding and natural-feeling tone-capture solution available. Nano Cortex also gives you access to the Cortex Cloud, where you can explore thousands of free Neural Captures made by other users.
Additionally, Nano Cortex includes a comprehensive signal chain with high-quality effects, giving you a complete rig in a compact pedal.
Yes, Nano Cortex is designed for both guitar and bass players, offering a wide range of tones for each.
Yes, Nano Cortex is designed to be intuitive and beginner-friendly. Its simple interface makes it easy to start dialing in great tones right out of the box. Despite its advanced features, Nano Cortex is approachable for players of all levels, allowing beginners to explore a wide range of sounds without feeling overwhelmed.
Yes, Nano Cortex can be used fully standalone without the Cortex Cloud app. The app is primarily for downloading Captures, managing presets and settings, and keeping your firmware up to date, but it is not required for general use.
No, Plugin Compatibility (PCOM) will not be implemented on Nano Cortex. This is because Neural DSP plugins use amp modeling technology, which differs significantly from the Neural Capture technology that Nano Cortex uses. Additionally, Nano Cortex has a fixed signal chain, which also prevents Neural DSP plugins from running on it.
Yes, along with the user manual, we offer educational materials and videos in the ‘Getting Started’ section of our knowledge base to help you make the most of your Nano Cortex.
Neural Capture
Amp models, like those in our plugins or on the Quad Cortex, are created using detailed analysis and modeling of an amplifier's general behavior across various settings. This involves collecting data from an amp at different control positions and using machine learning to recreate the amp's sound and feel across its full range of controls.
Neural Captures, however, replicate the exact sound and feel of a specific amp, cab, or pedal at its current settings, capturing all the unique details of that particular unit.
You can create Neural Captures yourself on both Nano Cortex and Quad Cortex, allowing you to digitize your own gear with unmatched authenticity.
A Neural Capture Slot on Nano Cortex is where you load a Neural Capture. A Neural Capture is a digital replica of an amp, cab, or drive pedal that has been captured. Cortex Cloud gives you free access to thousands of Neural Captures, which you can wirelessly load onto your Nano Cortex via the Cortex Cloud app.
In addition to the 25 Neural Captures preloaded on Nano Cortex, you can store up to 256 Neural Captures and manage them with the Cortex Cloud app.
You can store up to 256 Neural Captures on Nano Cortex.
It depends on what you're capturing:
Drive pedal: You’ll only need instrument cables.
Amp and cab or combo amp: You’ll need a microphone to capture the sound. Dynamic mics can be plugged directly into Nano Cortex. For condenser mics, an external preamp is needed.
Amp head without a speaker: You’ll need to connect the amp head to a reactive load box, then route the signal into Nano Cortex for capturing.
Nano Cortex handles the entire capture process on the device itself. There’s no need to connect it to a computer, the internet, or the Cortex Cloud app to create a Neural Capture.
No, the Capture Input does not provide 48V phantom power. If you’re using a condenser microphone, you’ll need an external preamp.
Neural Captures created on Nano Cortex and Quad Cortex have the same resolution and quality. Both devices use the same technology to capture the authentic sound and feel of amps, cabs, and pedals. Neural Captures created on Nano Cortex can be loaded on Quad Cortex, and vice versa.
No, there’s no need to connect to a computer, the internet, or the Cortex Cloud app. The process is fully self-contained within the pedal.
The Neural Capture process takes around five minutes.
You can create Neural Captures of any amp, cabinet, or drive pedal.
Signal chain, Presets, and virtual devices
Nano Cortex ships with the following devices:
Neural Captures:
20 guitar amps
5 bass amps
Cabinets:
8 guitar cabs
2 bass cabs
Effects:
Adaptive Gate: Reduces unwanted noise for a clean signal.
Transpose: Change the tuning of your instrument with no perceivable latency.
Chorus: A high-quality emulation of the Boss® DC-2W® chorus, known for its rich and lush modulation effects.
Analog Delay: A warm, vintage-style delay that replicates the iconic sound of a BBD-style echo.
Mind Hall Reverb: A high-quality emulation of the legendary Lexicon® 224® reverb that delivers a versatile range of reverbs, from small room ambiance to expansive hall effects.
Additionally, you get free access to Cortex Cloud, where you can explore and wirelessly load thousands of Captures of amps, cabs, and drive pedals. See the full list of preloaded virtual devices here.
A Preset on Nano Cortex stores the entire configuration of your signal chain, allowing you to recall your favorite tones easily and quickly. Nano Cortex can store up to 64 Presets. In the default 4-Preset Mode, Nano Cortex offers quick access to four Presets using Footswitches I and II.
No, Nano Cortex has a fixed signal chain, making Quad Cortex Presets incompatible with it.
Nano Cortex’s IR loader is among the most advanced due to its high-quality, studio-grade Impulse Responses (IRs) and extensive customization options.
Nano Cortex features ten cabinet models, but each model comes with multiple Impulse Responses (IRs) to provide a more detailed and customizable tone. For each cabinet, there are five different microphone options and six mic positions for each mic. This means for every cab model, you have 30 unique IRs (5 mics x 6 positions). With 10 cab models, this adds up to 300 studio-quality IRs in total, offering endless tone-shaping possibilities.
Additionally, Nano Cortex can store up to 256 custom IRs, allowing for highly realistic and customizable cabinet simulations.
Yes, the built-in Transpose effect lets you change your tuning instantly with no perceivable latency.
Yes, in addition to the 300 preloaded IRs, Nano Cortex allows you to upload and store up to 256 custom IRs.
Nano Cortex features gapless Preset switching, meaning there is no noticeable gap or latency when switching between Presets during a live performance or recording session.
If your Nano Cortex isn't responding to control adjustments, it’s possible that the 'Parameter Lock' feature is enabled. This feature disables the rotary functionality of knobs and footswitches to prevent accidental changes during live performances.
To turn Parameter Lock on or off, press and hold the EXIT button for 3 seconds. When active, the EXIT LED ring will illuminate, indicating that Parameter Lock is engaged.
Connectivity and compatibility
Yes, Nano Cortex functions as a fully-fledged low-latency audio interface, supporting 24-bit, 48kHz audio with 7 USB channels (4 in / 3 out).
Nano Cortex is compatible with all major DAWs:
Ableton Live (version 10 or later)
Cakewalk (version 2018 or later)
Cubase (version 6 or later)
GarageBand (version 10 or later)
Logic Pro (version 10 or later)
Pro Tools (version 12 or later)
REAPER (version 6 or later)
Studio One Artist (version 5 or later)
Studio One Professional (version 2 or later)
FL Studio (version 21 or later)
Nano Cortex integrates into any setup, whether you’re connecting to studio monitors, an FRFR cab, an amplifier, or a pedalboard:
Studio monitors, FRFR cabs, and PA systems: Connect via OUTPUT 1L and OUTPUT 2R.
Guitar/bass amps: Connect OUTPUT 1L to the input of your amp or use OUTPUT 1L to connect to the return of your amp’s effects loop.
Guitar/bass cabinets: Connect via an external power amp first.
Pedals: Integrate Nano Cortex into your pedalboard using the 1/4" input and outputs 1L and 2R.
For more information, check out our guide on connecting your gear to Nano Cortex.
Yes. Nano Cortex features balanced TRS outputs, which means you can use TRS to XLR cables without any loss in audio quality compared to using XLR-to-XLR connections. If XLR outputs are important for your setup, an off-the-shelf TRS-to-XLR cable is a simple solution.
Yes, Nano Cortex is designed to integrate seamlessly into your existing setup. It can replace your amp and cab or be used as a stompbox/multi-effects pedal. Use the 1/4" input and outputs 1L/2R to place it wherever you want in your signal chain. For more details, read our guide on connecting your gear to Nano Cortex.
No, Nano Cortex does not have a dedicated effects loop. However, you can integrate it into your pedalboard using the 1/4" instrument input and outputs 1L and 2R. For more details, read our guide on connecting your gear to Nano Cortex.
Nano Cortex is a mono-to-stereo device. Featuring dual TRS outputs, Nano Cortex allows you to connect to stereo setups like studio monitors, PA systems, or FRFR cabs.
Yes. Nano Cortex can be powered via USB-C (5V-1.5A). Connect it to your computer or another USB-C compliant power source with the included USB-C cable.
Yes. The Quad Cortex power supply is compatible with Nano Cortex.
Yes, you can control Nano Cortex wirelessly via the Cortex Cloud app. The app lets you dial in the parameters of the virtual devices in the signal chain and manage Neural Captures, Presets, IRs, and device settings.
No, Bluetooth is used only for pairing Nano Cortex with the Cortex Cloud app.
Yes, you can connect MIDI footswitches or expression pedals via the MIDI TRS input.
Nano Cortex supports MIDI in/out via USB-C. The EXP/MIDI TRS port only supports MIDI in.
Firmware updates for Nano Cortex are managed via the Cortex Cloud app, where you can easily check for updates and wirelessly install the latest version.
A desktop controller for Nano Cortex is not available.
274 Eagle St, Newmarket, ON L3Y 1K1, Canada
3016 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M8X 1C4, Canada
403 Durham St E, Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0, Canada
20 Staffern Dr, Unit 3, Concord, ON L4K 2X2, Canada
133 Mapleview Dr W, Barrie, ON L4N 9H7, Canada
751 Main St E, North Bay, ON P1B 1C2, Canada
Japan
Carrer de la Diputació, 282, L'Eixample, 08009 Barcelona, Spain
C. Río Almanzora, 1C, 28906 Getafe, Madrid, Spain
53, Gwanginsa-gil, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
62 6th St, Al Quoz, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Fridhemsgatan 40, 112 40 Stockholm, Sweden
Unit 1, 13F, New Treasure Centre, 10 Ng Fong St, San Po Kong, Hong Kong
1565 Crescent Lake Rd, Waterford Twp, MI 48327, United States
Gāles iela 27, Sigulda, Siguldas pilsēta, Siguldas novads, LV-2150, Latvia
21000 Trans-Canada Hwy, Baie-D'Urfe, Quebec H9X 4B7, Canada
25 de Mayo 371, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Liisankatu 18, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
United Kingdom
Mainland Europe
St Vincent House, 58-59 Woodbridge Rd, Guildford GU1 4RF, United Kingdom
USA