Neural DSP Technologies Introduces Nano Cortex

An Ultra-Compact, All-In-One-Rig Solution For Guitarists And Bassists

One pedal, countless possibilities — the new Nano Cortex is a complete guitar/bass rig, a replacement for your amp and cab and a versatile stomp box/multi-effects pedal. 

HELSINKI, FINLAND, September 18, 2024 — Neural DSP today announced the launch of Nano Cortex, an ultra-powerful digital amplifier, cabinet simulator, and effects processor that gives creators the power of a full guitar/bass rig in a compact, ultra-portable pedal. With studio-quality sound, a comprehensive signal chain, flexible I/O options and revolutionary Neural Capture technology, Nano Cortex is perfect for grab-and-go situations, live performances, studio sessions, or home practice.

In 2020, Neural DSP transformed the music industry with the Quad Cortex and Neural Capture, setting a new standard for capturing the true essence of any amp, cab, or drive pedal with unmatched precision. Now, that revolutionary technology is packed into an ultra-compact, gig-ready pedal that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. Weighing just 620 g (1.36 lbs) and measuring only 14.4 x 10.3 x 6.2 cm (5.6 x 4.0 x 2.4”), the Nano Cortex seamlessly slips into any gig bag or backpack.

“Since we first unveiled the Quad Cortex and Neural Capture in 2020, our mission has been to push the boundaries of what’s possible in music technology. The Nano Cortex is the latest evolution in that journey, bringing the same groundbreaking sound capture technology into an incredibly compact design at an affordable price point,” states Douglas Castro, Neural DSP Technologies CEO. “This development is a glimpse into the future of music processing where sophisticated digital tools are designed to be as intuitive and portable as they are powerful, making best-in-class technology accessible to a broader community of musicians.”

Key Features

The Nano Cortex comes equipped with an arsenal of practical and cool (the ultimate combination!) features, including impulse-response (IR) loading and Neural Capture – creating a digital version of any amp, drive pedal, cabinet, or all of them stacked together.

Nano Cortex’s comprehensive signal chain, with pre and post FX, includes an adaptive Noise Gate, as well as a Transpose feature for easy tuning adjustments. Its Neural Capture capability allows users to create incredibly accurate digital replicas of any amp, cab, or drive pedal on-device, in a matter of minutes.

The Nano Cortex was designed to be intuitive, easy to use, and beginner-friendly. But at the same time, its rich engineering history is evident in some of the unique technology that sets it apart. It is structured into seven discrete device blocks, any of which can be combined or bypassed, depending on your preferences:

• The Neural Capture Block — This block puts a collection of your favorite amps at your fingertips with the same resolution and quality as our flagship Quad Cortex. Nano Cortex ships with 25 Neural Captures of amps including gems like the Marshall® Silver Jubilee®, Peavey® 5150®, 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.

• The IR Loader Block — Nano Cortex features an advanced IR loader that comes preloaded with ten studio-quality IRs, each featuring five different mic options and six mic positions. This gives users a highly detailed and customizable cabinet simulation module with endless tone-shaping possibilities. In addition to the preloaded IRs, users can store up to 256 of their own IRs and manage them seamlessly via the Cortex Cloud app.

• Pre-FX Blocks — Two Pre-FX blocks include an Adaptive Gate that reduces unwanted noise for a clean signal, and a transposition feature that lets users change the tuning of their instrument with virtually zero latency.

• Post-FX Blocks — Three Post-FX blocks provide Chorus (a classic Boss™ DC-2W™ style chorus sound); an Analog Delay (a warm BBD-style vintage echo effect); and Mind Hall Reverb: Ambiance from small rooms to large halls.

Additional features include MIDI support for expanded control, a built-in tuner, and free access to Cortex Cloud, which unlocks an ever-expanding collection of tones. Using the Cortex Cloud app, you can browse, search, and wirelessly download Captures created by other users including top artists and producers directly to your Nano Cortex. 

The Nano Cortex has features for every application — and for every player. Studio and touring musicians will appreciate having a full guitar/bass rig in a single, ultra-compact pedal that can be used as a standalone unit or integrated with an existing setup. It’s a perfect live or studio setup, without the hassle of carrying heavy gear. Meanwhile, beginners will find it easy and intuitive to navigate, and will be able to access its powerful features in a matter of minutes.

“Nano Cortex is the distillation of our ecosystem’s core features without any compromise in sound quality or ease of use. Neural Capture has never been so portable, so we encourage users to go and explore new sounds in the analogue world and carry them anywhere! The product is designed to be simple and intuitive, allowing you to quickly create Neural Captures and Presets with a high quality effects section, while the mobile app makes a perfect companion for more demanding users who want to explore the full capabilities of the platform,” concludes Francisco Cresp, Neural DSP Technologies Co-Founder.

Neural DSP's Nano Cortex is available today for MAP $549 USD / MSRP €569 EUR through select dealers (click here for a full list).

For more information on Nano Cortex, click here. For high res imagery and launch video, click here and here.