November 26, 2025
Introducing Neural Capture Version 2
With the release of CorOS 3.3.0 and NanOS 2.2.0, we’re proud to introduce Neural Capture Version 2: a new cloud-trained version of Neural Capture that delivers higher resolution, greater realism, and improved dynamic response. By shifting the training process to Cortex Cloud, Capture V2 uses a more advanced algorithm that can model complex analog behavior beyond what is possible with on-device processing.
Capture V2 brings major improvements to devices that rely heavily on touch and dynamics. These devices are notoriously difficult to capture accurately, making V2 the most authentic solution on the market for reproducing the dynamic cleanup behavior of a vintage fuzz, the natural bloom of a sagging power amp, and the fast transient response of a studio compressor.
To take full advantage of these updates and explore all the new features, we recommend that all Quad Cortex users install CorOS 3.3.0 and Cortex Control 1.4.0, and all Nano Cortex users install NanOS 2.2.0.
How do Capture V1 and V2 differ?
Capture V1 trains directly on your Quad Cortex or Nano Cortex in a few minutes and works fully offline. It is accurate for most amps, cabinets, and overdrives, and remains fully supported.
Capture V2 builds on everything V1 does while providing more accurate results for touch-sensitive devices such as fuzzes, compressors, and ultra-dynamic amps.
It captures the way a fuzz responds to guitar volume cleanup, the sag and bloom of a pushed tube amp, and the fast transient behaviour of compressors with accuracy that represents a significant step forward compared to other capture technologies. It also captures controls like blend knobs with improved precision.
Instead of training on the device, Capture V2 works with Cortex Control to record the required signals and then sends them to Cortex Cloud for processing. Moving the training to the cloud allows us to use a more complex and higher-resolution algorithm.
Creating a V2 Capture takes around 10 minutes, requires Cortex Control and an internet connection, and the resulting Capture V2 blocks use more CPU power on the device.
Because of this, Capture V2 is not always the default choice. Both formats are important. Capture V1 remains fast, efficient, and fully offline, and is ideal for most amps, transparent overdrives, and for building complex presets without worrying about CPU usage. Capture V2 is the specialist tool for devices where feel, dynamics, and response matter most.
Capture creation is currently available only on Quad Cortex. NanOS 2.2.0 introduces the Capture 2 Player, which allows Nano Cortex to load and play V2 Captures created on Quad Cortex. Support for creating V2 Captures directly on Nano Cortex is under development.
When creating a new Capture in Cortex Control, you can choose between V1 and V2. Capture V2 includes new metadata options, and selecting the correct device type helps Cortex Cloud produce better results. Once Capture V2 is selected, the device automatically sends the capture to Cortex Cloud and returns the completed model, ready to use on both Quad Cortex and Nano Cortex.
Both formats have a clear role. Capture V1 is fast and ideal for most sources. Capture V2 is the better choice when you want the highest level of detail and feel.
How to create a V2 Capture on Quad Cortex
A. Update to CorOS 3.3.0 and Cortex Control 1.4.0
To create a V2 Capture, update your Quad Cortex to CorOS 3.3.0 and install Cortex Control 1.4.0.
Begin the CorOS update by navigating to Settings > Device Options > Device Updates on your Quad Cortex once connected to Wi-Fi.
Cortex Control 1.4.0 can be downloaded from the Downloads page.
Additionally, Windows® users must install the latest Neural DSP Audio Driver (version 5.58.0) from the Downloads page for proper functionality.
B. Creating a Neural Capture V2
1. Turn on your Quad Cortex and ensure it is connected to your computer via USB.
2. Open Cortex Control and log in to your Neural DSP account.
You cannot create a V2 Capture without logging in.
You also cannot create a V2 Capture if your Capture storage is full.
3. Go to the Cortex Control Contextual Menu (…) > New Neural Capture.
4. Select Neural Capture Version 2.
5. Navigate through the Connection Diagram and connect your target device as shown.
6. Adjust I/O levels on the Calibration Screen.
7. Click FILL METADATA.
For Capture V2, metadata must be filled in before you can proceed. Capture Name and Type are mandatory.
Cortex Cloud uses this metadata to improve processing accuracy, so selecting the correct device type is important.
8. Click START CAPTURE.
Quad Cortex displays a splash screen and cannot be used while the process runs.
Training typically takes 10 minutes.
9. A/B the result.
RESTART CAPTURE returns you to the Metadata Screen.
SAVE NEURAL CAPTURE saves the Neural Capture to your device.
10. After saving, you can choose CREATE ANOTHER CAPTURE to go back to the Metadata Screen, or Exit to return to the Grid.
New factory V2 Captures
To showcase the capabilities of Neural Capture V2, we have added 669 new Captures across 41 devices to the Quad Cortex library and to the official Neural DSP profile on Cortex Cloud, allowing Nano Cortex users to download them as well. These demonstrate how Capture V2 performs across a wide range of devices.
Visit our Quad Cortex device list page to see the full list of new V2 Neural Captures.
FAQs
What are the main differences between Neural Capture V1 and V2?
Neural Capture V1 is the original algorithm, trained directly on your Quad Cortex or Nano Cortex in a few minutes. It is the fastest and most lightweight way to create Neural Captures and works fully offline. It is accurate for most amps, combos, cabinets, and overdrives.
Neural Capture V2 is trained via Cortex Cloud and produces higher resolution results. It is especially effective for touch-sensitive devices such as fuzzes, compressors, and ultra-dynamic amps while still excelling at everything V1 does. Creating a V2 Capture takes around 10 minutes, requires Cortex Control and an internet connection, and the resulting blocks use more CPU power.
What devices can I create V2 Captures with?
V2 Capture creation is currently available only on Quad Cortex.
NanOS 2.2.0 introduces the Capture 2 Player, which lets Nano Cortex load and play V2 Captures created on Quad Cortex.
Support for creating V2 Captures directly on Nano Cortex is under development.
Can Neural Capture V2 really capture compressors?
Yes. Neural Capture V2 can capture compressors with high accuracy.
However, based on our internal tests, compressors with aggressive threshold settings and long release times may begin to produce results that differ from the original hardware. We encourage experimenting with different settings to achieve the most accurate outcome.
How does gain metadata work with compressors?
Gain estimation is based on the device’s dynamic range and the harmonic content it produces. This applies to compressors as well, but because compressors often generate less harmonic content than high-gain amps or fuzz pedals, their estimated gain values will appear lower.
Why are V2 Captures automatically saved on my Cortex Cloud profile?
All V2 Captures are automatically saved to your Cortex Cloud profile as private items. Training happens on Cortex Cloud and your profile serves as the default storage location so your Quad Cortex can download the completed Capture afterward.
Automatic cloud saving also acts as a safeguard if your device disconnects during training.
Why does Cortex Control request microphone access?
When creating a V2 Neural Capture for the first time, Cortex Control may ask for permission to access your microphone. This is required because Cortex Control acts as the bridge between Cortex Cloud and your connected device.
Windows users must also install the latest Neural DSP Audio Driver (version 5.58.0) from the Downloads page for proper functionality.
Where did the “Auto-Set” switch go?
The Auto-Set switch has been removed from both Neural Capture V1 and V2 workflows. Tooltips have been added to the IN 1 and IN 2 parameters in the calibration menu to guide you through setting optimal levels before starting the capture.
How many Neural Capture V2 files can I create daily?
You can create up to 40 V2 Captures per day.
How long does it take to create a V2 Capture?
Creating a V2 Capture takes around 10 minutes.
What are the Neural Capture V2 device block categories?
Neural Capture V2 includes eight device block categories:
Default
Amp
Amp + Cab
Combo Amp
Cab
Overdrive
Fuzz
Compressor
Version 2 blocks have a distinct double-layered contour, making them easier to identify on the Grid.
Why weren’t the device block categories changed for Neural Capture V1?
The new Overdrive, Fuzz, and Compressor categories were not added to Neural Capture V1. The Pedal category remains unchanged because V1 has been available for several years and users already have Captures categorized under Pedal. Changing these categories would risk disrupting existing metadata and compatibility.
Additionally, Capture V1 does not use device type information for processing, so detailed categorization is not required.
I keep getting the message “There was an issue with the recorded audio” during the process. What can I do?
First, make sure that all cables are connected correctly as shown in the Connection Diagram and that Cortex Control has the required microphone permissions. Confirm that the macOS Voice Isolation feature is disabled in the Control Center. Also note that third-party applications using your audio devices, such as a DAW running in the background, may interfere with Neural Capture Version 2.
What are the system requirements for creating V2 Captures?
A Quad Cortex running CorOS 3.3.0.
A Windows or Mac computer running Cortex Control v1.4.0.
A Cortex Cloud account.
An internet Connection.
Windows users must install the latest Neural DSP Audio Driver (version 5.58.0) from the Downloads page
Next steps
CorOS 3.3.0 and NanOS 2.2.0 are major updates that introduce Neural Capture Version 2 along with a wide range of new features and quality-of-life improvements. We encourage all users to install the latest versions to take full advantage of everything included.
You can find the complete lists of changes in the official changelogs:
We’re excited to see what you create with the new tools. Join our Discord server to share your experiences and hear from the community.
Our Black Friday sale is also underway, with 50% off our entire plugin catalog, including our latest releases Archetype: Misha Mansoor X and Mantra.
