Neural Capture, one of the hallmark features of Neural DSP’s hardware, is integrated into Nano Cortex. This proprietary technology can learn and replicate the sonic characteristics of any physical amplifier, cabinet, or overdrive pedal with unprecedented accuracy.

Build Presets by adding a Neural Capture, an IR Loader, and effects to your signal chain. Deeper Preset customization and additional features are available via the Cortex Cloud app.

• Neural Capture

• 64 Preset slots

• 25 Capture slots organized in 5 banks

• 5 IR slots

• 5 Effect slots that can be used separately or combined

• MIDI support and Bluetooth connectivity

• Access to thousands of Neural Captures on the Cortex Cloud app

Discover Users and Neural Captures using the Cortex Cloud app.

Neural DSP Technologies is happy to provide professional technical support via email to all registered users, absolutely free of charge. Before contacting us, we recommend searching our knowledge base to see if the answer to your question has already been published.

If you cannot find a solution to your problem, please contact support@neuraldsp.com so we can help you further.

Top View

Rear View

Side View

Connect your Nano Cortex to the power source.

After a few seconds, the BANK, CAPTURE, FX, and IR LEDs will light up indicating that Nano Cortex is powering on.

Once the booting sequence completes, Nano Cortex will enter Performance Mode.

• • •

POWER SOURCES

Nano Cortex can be powered by two different sources:

• EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY: Nano Cortex requires a center-negative power supply that provides 9-12V DC and at least 600mA, using a standard 2.1/5.5mm DC connector.

• USB-C: Nano Cortex can also be powered via USB-C (5V-1.5A). Connect the unit to your computer or another USB-C compliant power source with the included USB-C cable.

Disconnect the Nano Cortex from the power source to power off the device.

Connect your instrument to INPUT.

Connect your studio monitors, PA, or FRFR cabinet to OUTPUT 1L and 2R. Additionally, you can connect your Headphones to HP OUTPUT.

If your Nano Cortex is part of a bigger pedalboard setup, use INPUT and OUTPUTS 1L/2R to place it wherever you need it in the audio chain.

Turn GAIN, BASS, MID, and TREBLE knobs clockwise and counterclockwise to control the Capture parameters.

Turn LEVEL to control the master output volume (OUTPUT 1L and 2R).

Use the HP OUT knob on the back to control the headphones output volume.

Press BANK to cycle through Capture banks.

Turn Footswitch I clockwise or counterclockwise to navigate Capture slots.

All the LEDs will turn on when using a Neural Capture from the library that is not currently assigned to any slot.

Navigate to the last position, where the LEDs are not lit, to bypass the Neural Capture.

Press Footswitch I to toggle between Presets IA and IB. Different Presets can be assigned on the Cortex Cloud app.

Press Footswitch II to toggle between Presets IIA and IIB. Different Presets can be assigned on the Cortex Cloud app.

Press FX to cycle through effect slots. Press-and-hold FX to bypass/enable the currently selected effect.

Turn the AMOUNT knob clockwise or counterclockwise to change how much of the selected effect is applied.

Turn Footswitch II clockwise or counterclockwise to navigate IR slots.

All the LEDs will turn on when using an IR from the library that is not currently assigned to any slot.

Navigate to the last position, where the LEDs are not lit, to bypass the IR Loader.

Press-and-hold Footswitch II for 2 seconds to access the Tuner. Press Footswitch II to exit the Tuner.

EXIT, CAPTURE, and SAVE buttons are reserved for the Neural Capture process, Preset saving, and Bluetooth pairing.

Neural Capture is a powerful tool that can learn and replicate the sonic characteristics of any amplifier, cabinet, or overdrive pedal with unprecedented accuracy and realism.

To create a Neural Capture, connect Nano Cortex to an overdrive pedal, a mic’d up cabinet, or an amplifier via a reactive load box.

• • •

Quick Connection Diagram

Press CAPTURE to access Capture Mode. In this mode, the CAPTURE LED ring will stay on.

01 REFERENCE INSTRUMENT

Connect your instrument to INPUT.

02 MONITORING DEVICES

Connect your headphones to HP OUTPUT or your Monitor Speaker to OUTPUT 1L.

03 TARGET DEVICE

Connect the Nano Cortex's OUTPUT 2R (CAPTURE OUT) to the target device's input.

04 RETURN TO NANO CORTEX

Connect the target device's output to the Nano Cortex's CAPTURE INPUT.

05 CAPTURE INPUT GAIN

Set the CAPTURE INPUT level by adjusting the GAIN knob.

06 CAPTURE

Press-and-hold CAPTURE for 3 seconds to begin the Capture process.

The CAPTURE LED ring will light up progressively as soon as the process begins.

07 TEST & SAVE

Press Footswitch I to toggle between the Neural Capture and the Target Device.

Press SAVE to store the recently created Capture. Choose a BANK, a Capture Slot, and press-and-hold SAVE for 3 seconds to store your Neural Capture.

Deeper Preset customization and additional features are available via the Cortex Cloud app.

• • •

BLUETOOTH PAIRING

Open the Cortex Cloud app on your smartphone, access the Devices menu, and tap Add New. Your smartphone will start searching for nearby Nano Cortex units.

Press-and-hold EXIT and CAPTURE for 1 second to put your Nano Cortex into Pairing Mode.

The GAIN LED ring will illuminate clockwise and the Footswitch I's LED will blink slowly, indicating that Nano Cortex is in pairing mode.

Once paired, the app will show the current Nano Cortex configuration.

During Pairing Mode, press EXIT to return to Performance Mode.

It's possible to temporarily disable the rotary functionality of knobs and footswitches to avoid unwanted parameter switching when performing.

Press-and-hold EXIT for 3 seconds to toggle the Parameter Lock.

The EXIT LED ring will indicate when the Parameter Lock is enabled.

The GAIN and LEVEL knobs will indicate whenever inputs or outputs are clipping.

• • •

PERFORMANCE MODE

The GAIN Knob will blink 3 times whenever INPUT detects signal clipping.

The LEVEL Knob will blink 3 times whenever OUTPUTS 1L/2R detect signal clipping.

CAPTURE MODE

The GAIN Knob will turn red whenever CAPTURE INPUT detects signal clipping.

The LEVEL Knob will blink 3 times whenever OUTPUTS 1L/2R detect signal clipping.

Performance Mode allows you to play with your instrument and process your signal. Nano Cortex will access Performance Mode automatically after booting up.

Nano Cortex processes your signal through a fixed audio chain consisting of different slots that can be used separately or combined.

• 2 Pre-effect slots

• 1 Neural Capture slot

• 1 IR Loader slot

• 3 Post-effect slots

• GAIN: Sets the amount of gain for the current Neural Capture.

• BASS: Sets the amount of bass frequencies for the current Neural Capture.

• MID: Sets the amount of middle frequencies for the current Neural Capture.

• TREBLE: Sets the amount of high frequencies for the current Neural Capture.

• AMOUNT: Controls the amount of the active effect that is added to the direct signal.

• LEVEL: Controls the master output volume (OUTPUTS 1L and 2R).

• HP OUT: Headphones output volume control.

• • •

KNOB OPERATION MODES

Turn the knobs clockwise or counterclockwise to change their values.

Nano Cortex's knobs are surrounded by LED rings, indicating their actual values regardless of the knobs' current positions.

By default, the Nano Cortex knobs adjust parameters immediately when turned. If the 'Catching Knobs Instantly' setting is disabled on the Cortex Cloud app, Nano Cortex will operate in Latching Mode, where the knobs' position must match the values indicated by the LED rings before they start adjusting parameters.

Nano Cortex includes 25 Factory Neural Captures organized in 5 banks. Each bank can store up to 5 Neural Captures.

• • •

BANK/SLOT NAVIGATION

Press BANK to cycle Capture Banks. The LEDs will light up according to the bank selected.

Turn Footswitch I clockwise or counterclockwise to navigate Capture slots. The LEDs will light up according to the slot selected.

All the LEDs will turn on when using a Neural Capture from the library that is not currently assigned to any slot.

Navigate to the last position, where the LEDs are not lit, to bypass the Neural Capture.

CORTEX CLOUD LIBRARY

In addition to the 25 Factory Neural Captures, Nano Cortex can store up to 256 User Neural Captures that can be managed via the Cortex Cloud app.

Nano Cortex includes Factory Impulse Responses available via the 5 IR Loader slots.

• • •

IR NAVIGATION

Turn Footswitch II clockwise or counterclockwise to navigate IR Slots. The LEDs will light up according to the slot selected.

All the LEDs will turn on when using an IR from the library that is not currently assigned to any slot.

Navigate to the last position, where the LEDs are not lit, to bypass the IR Loader.

CORTEX CLOUD LIBRARY

In addition to the 10 Factory Impulse Responses, Nano Cortex can store up to 256 User Impulse Responses that can be added via the Cortex Cloud website. Uploaded IR files will be stored in the "User Impulse Responses" folder.

Nano Cortex includes 5 effect slots that can be used separately or combined.

• • •

EFFECT SLOTS NAVIGATION

Press FX to cycle through effects slots. LEDs will blink indicating the slot that is currently selected.

Press-and-hold FX to bypass/engage the currently selected effect slot. The LEDs will turn on/off reflecting their current state:

Bypassed effect slots will be turned off.

Engaged effect slots will be turned on.

The currently selected effect slot will blink.

Turn the AMOUNT knob clockwise or counterclockwise to change how much of the selected effect is applied.

• • •

AMOUNT KNOB BEHAVIOR

Depending on the effect slot selected, the AMOUNT knob will control different parameter values:

• EFFECT 1: Noise Gate. The AMOUNT knob will control the NOISE REDUCTION value.

• EFFECT 2: Transpose. The AMOUNT knob will control the SEMITONE value.

• EFFECT 3: Modulation. The AMOUNT knob will control the MIX value.

• EFFECT 4: Delay. The AMOUNT knob will control the MIX value.

• EFFECT 5: Reverb. The AMOUNT knob will control the MIX value.

By default, Nano Cortex offers quick access to four Presets that can be customized without using the Cortex Cloud app.

• • •

SWITCHING PRESETS

Press Footswitch I to toggle between Presets IA and IB.

Press Footswitch II to toggle between Presets IIA and IIB.

Neural Capture, IR Loader, and Effect slots will update their values accordingly. Different Presets can be configured on the Cortex Cloud app.

SAVING PRESETS

Press-and-hold SAVE for 2 seconds to overwrite the current Preset settings.

UNSAVED CHANGES

The SAVE LED ring will blink slowly whenever the current active Preset has unsaved changes.

Press EXIT to undo unsaved changes.

Press-and-hold CAPTURE for 2 seconds to enter Capture Volume Mode.

In this mode, the CAPTURE and LEVEL LED rings blink slowly.

LEVEL KNOB BEHAVIOR

Turn the LEVEL knob to control the output volume of the Capture in the signal chain from -24dB to +12dB (0.0dB by default).

Press-and-hold SAVE for 2 seconds to overwrite the current Preset settings.

Press EXIT to deactivate Capture Volume Mode.

Nano Cortex features a chromatic tuner. It works by detecting the note being played and then displaying its pitch deviation on the LED rings.

While in Performance Mode, press-and-hold Footswitch II to access the Tuner.

• • •

TUNING DISPLAY

The GAIN, BASS, MID, TREBLE, AMOUNT, and LEVEL LED rings will illuminate when a note is played, creating a crossfade animation that reflects the current pitch of the note (-/+ 50 cents).

The crossfade moves towards the left when the note is flat and to the right when it is sharp. When the note is in tune, MID and TREBLE will blink quickly.

Press-and-hold Footswitch II for 1 second to mute/unmute the input signal when the Tuner is engaged.

Press Footswitch II to exit the Tuner.

Neural Capture is a powerful tool that can learn and replicate the sonic characteristics of any amplifier, cabinet, or overdrive pedal with unprecedented accuracy and realism.

Creating a new Neural Capture is a procedure that can be completed on Nano Cortex without using the Cortex Cloud app.

To create a Neural Capture, you need to be able to connect an overdrive pedal, mic up a cabinet, or connect an amplifier via a reactive load box.

Neural Capture is a snapshot of a real device setup including the microphone, therefore the placement of the microphone with respect to the cabinet is also something you need to consider.

Nano Cortex's CAPTURE INPUT supports dynamic microphones. Condenser microphones will need an external preamp to be powered.

Press CAPTURE to access Capture Mode. In this mode, the CAPTURE LED ring will stay on.

Press EXIT to return to Performance Mode.

01 REFERENCE INSTRUMENT

Connect your instrument to INPUT 1.

02 MONITORING DEVICES

Connect your headphones to HP OUTPUT or your Monitor Speaker to OUTPUT 1L.

03 TARGET DEVICE

Connect the Nano Cortex's CAPTURE OUT (OUTPUT 2R) to the target device's input.

04 RETURN TO NANO CORTEX

OVERDRIVE PEDAL

If you are capturing an overdrive pedal, connect its output directly to the Nano Cortex's CAPTURE INPUT.

AMP+CAB / COMBO AMP

Position a microphone in front of the speaker cabinet and connect it to Nano Cortex's CAPTURE INPUT. Nano Cortex's CAPTURE INPUT supports dynamic microphones. Condenser microphones need an external preamp to be powered.

AMP HEAD (NO SPEAKER)

If you are capturing an amplifier without built-in speakers or just an amp head, connect the amp's 'Speaker Output' to a Reactive Load Box. Then, connect the Load Box's balanced output to the Nano Cortex's CAPTURE INPUT.

05 SETUP REVIEW

Once everything is connected correctly, you can proceed with the calibration settings.

Capture Mode will give you access to the calibration settings.

Ensure the microphone position (if you are using a microphone in front of a speaker cabinet) and the target device's settings are set as desired, and the GAIN knob on the Nano Cortex is at the minimum position (0%).

• • •

MAIN CONTROLS

• GAIN: Turn it clockwise to increase the CAPTURE INPUT gain up to +24dB. Its LED ring is a meter that measures the CAPTURE INPUT

• LEVEL: Controls the overall output volume of the Nano Cortex (OUTPUT 1L and 2R).

• FOOTSWITCH II: Turn it clockwise or counterclockwise to navigate IR slots. The LEDs will light up according to the slot selected. Navigate to the last position, where the LEDs are not lit, to bypass the IR Loader.

• CAPTURE: Press-and-hold for 3 seconds to begin the Capture process.

ADDITIONAL CONTROLS

• HP LEVEL: Headphones output volume control.

• GND SWITCH: Toggles ON/OFF the ground lift on OUTPUTS 1L and 2R. This feature helps to reduce unwanted noise by interrupting the ground loops coming from external sources.

• BOOST SWITCH: Toggles ON/OFF the analog boost circuit. When enabled, it boosts the CAPTURE INPUT +26dB.

• • •

GAIN KNOB BEHAVIOR

In Capture Mode, the GAIN LED ring is a meter that measures the CAPTURE INPUT.

• The GAIN LED ring will turn green when the CAPTURE INPUT level is healthy.

• The GAIN LED ring will turn blue when the CAPTURE INPUT level is too low. Increase the GAIN or turn on the BOOST switch to compensate for the low level.

• The GAIN LED ring will turn red and blink when the CAPTURE INPUT level is clipping. Turn off the BOOST switch or reduce the output level of the target device until the signal level is correct (Green LEDs).

Press-and-hold CAPTURE for 3 seconds to begin the Capture process. Alternatively, press EXIT to return to Performance Mode.

The CAPTURE LED ring will light up progressively as soon as the process begins. The Capture process takes around 5 minutes.

The Nano Cortex will measure the latency of the target device and deliver recorded signals that will be used for modeling. After the sanity check, Nano Cortex will train a neural network to emulate the tone and dynamic response of the target device.

Once the training process is complete, you will be able to test and save your Neural Capture.

Once the Capture is completed, you can A/B compare the Capture and the target device.

• • •

Neural Capture Testing

A/B SWITCHING

Press Footswitch I to toggle between the Neural Capture and the Target Device.

Footswitch I’s LED bar turns green indicating that you are playing through the recently created Neural Capture. Footswitch I’s LED bar turns off indicating that you are playing through the target device.

IR LOADER

When auditioning a recently created Neural Capture, turn Footswitch II clockwise or counterclockwise to navigate IR slots. The LEDs will light up according to the slot selected.

Navigate to the last position, where the LEDs are not lit, to bypass the IR Loader (Recommended when auditioning a Capture that includes a speaker cabinet).

PEDAL BYPASS

Press Footswitch II to bypass the Nano Cortex.

• • •

Saving a Neural Capture

Press SAVE to store the recently created Capture.

SAVING DESTINATION

The BANK and Capture Slots LEDs will blink indicating that you can select a slot to store your recently created Capture.

Press BANK to cycle Capture banks.

Turn Footswitch I clockwise or counterclockwise to navigate Capture slots.

The position where all LEDs are lit corresponds to the User Library. Choose this location to save the recently created Neural Capture without assigning it to any slot.

Press-and-hold SAVE for 3 seconds to store your Neural Capture in the selected slot.

RETURN TO CALIBRATION SETTINGS

Press EXIT to return to the calibration settings and start a new Capture process.

Press EXIT again to return to Performance Mode.

Deeper Preset customization and additional features are available via the Cortex Cloud app:

• Deeper Preset customization

• Additional Preset slots

• Additional IR Loader settings

• Impulse Responses Library

• Neural Capture metadata

• Thousands of Neural Captures from the community

BLUETOOTH ACCESS

Cortex Cloud uses Bluetooth to pair with your Nano Cortex. First, allow Bluetooth access for the Cortex Cloud app in your smartphone’s settings.

• • •

PAIRING DEVICES

Open the Cortex Cloud app on your smartphone, access the Devices menu, and tap Add New. Your smartphone will start searching for nearby Nano Cortex units.

Press-and-hold EXIT and CAPTURE for 1 second to put your Nano Cortex into Pairing Mode.

The GAIN LED ring will illuminate clockwise and Footswitch I's LED will blink slowly, indicating that Nano Cortex is in Pairing Mode.

Once paired, the app will show the current Nano Cortex configuration.

• • •

PAIRING A SECOND NANO CORTEX

Go to the Devices menu and tap Add New. Your smartphone will start searching for nearby Nano Cortex units.

Press-and-hold EXIT and CAPTURE for 1 second to put your Nano Cortex in Pairing Mode.

Once paired, you can rename your Nano Cortex unit for future reference.

After that, the app will show the current Nano Cortex configuration.

During Pairing Mode, press EXIT to return to Performance Mode if you no longer want to pair your device.

Select the Neural DSP device you are currently using. Cortex Cloud will show only content compatible with your selection:

• QUAD CORTEX: Cortex Cloud will show Quad Cortex-compatible content, such as Presets, Neural Captures, and Users.

• NANO CORTEX: Cortex Cloud will show Nano Cortex-compatible content, such as Neural Captures and Users.

Ensure you have selected Nano Cortex in the Devices screen.

• • •

NEURAL CAPTURES

Search for Neural Captures via Cortex Cloud.

Tap the download button next to the Neural Capture.

The Neural Capture will then be downloaded to the Library. Alternatively, you can assign it to a bank and slot.

Assigning a Neural Capture to an occupied slot will replace the currently assigned Neural Capture.

Neural Captures downloaded while Nano Cortex is offline will be stored in the Downloads History under your Profile.

• • •

UPLOADING IMPULSE RESPONSES

Impulse Responses can be added to your Profile via the Cortex Cloud Website.

1. Go to https://cloud.neuraldsp.com/cloud

2. Access your Profile on Cortex Cloud.

3. Go to the IMPULSE RESPONSES section.

4. Drag-and-drop IR files from your computer to the upload area. Alternatively, click BROWSE to search for custom locations.

• • •

ADDING IMPULSE RESPONSES

Access your Profile and tap Impulse Responses.

Tap the button next to the IR files to download them to your Nano Cortex.

Nano Cortex can store up to 64 Presets that can be assigned to Footswitch I and II or triggered via MIDI.

SHOW ALL PRESETS will display all the Preset slots on a single screen.

• • •

PRESETS WORKFLOW

Tap a Footswitch-assigned Preset to load it.

Tap an unassigned Preset to load it. Footswitch I will turn red indicating the current Preset is not assigned to any Footswitch.

Tap the button to the right of any Preset to access its contextual menu:

• RENAME PRESET: Tap to rename the selected Preset.

• DELETE PRESET: Tap to delete the selected Preset.

• ASSIGN TO FOOTSWITCH: Tap to assign or reassign the selected Preset to any Footswitch.

You can assign a single Preset to multiple footswitches simultaneously.

Tap an empty Preset to load it. Alternatively, tap Create New Preset... to create a new Preset from scratch. Select at least one device and tap SAVE.

Tap the PC/CC button at the top-right corner to toggle the PC messages view in the Presets list.

Nano Cortex includes 25 Factory Neural Captures organized in 5 banks. Each bank can store up to 5 Neural Captures.

SHOW ALL BANKS will expand all the Capture banks on a single screen.

• • •

NEURAL CAPTURE LIBRARY WORKFLOW

Drag the CAPTURE VOLUME slider to control the output volume of the currently active capture slot (-24dB to +12dB).

Swipe horizontally to navigate Capture banks.

Tap an inactive Capture slot to activate it.

Tap an active Capture slot to access its details screen.

Tap the swap button to the right of an active Capture slot to access the Capture Library and replace the currently loaded Neural Capture.

Tap a Neural Capture to audition it. Tap USE to load it in the current slot.

Tap the Bypass button to bypass the Neural Capture module.

• • •

NEURAL CAPTURE DETAILS SCREEN

• EXIT: Tap to return to the Capture Library.

• EDIT: Tap to edit the details of the current Neural Capture. Not available when checking Neural Captures from other users.

• CONTEXTUAL MENU: Tap to DELETE or SHARE the current Neural Capture.

• OWNER/NAME: Tap to access the Neural Capture owner's profile.

• ICON/COVER: Neural Capture's icon and custom cover photo are shown here.

• DESCRIPTION FIELD: Neural Capture description and creation date.

• UPLOAD TO CLOUD: Tap to upload the current Neural Capture to the Cloud. Not available when checking Neural Captures from other users.

• VISIBILITY: Tap to toggle the current Neural Capture visibility (Private/Public). Not available when checking Neural Captures from other users.

• PREFERRED INSTRUMENT: The preferred instrument is displayed here.

• GAIN: The gain value is automatically calculated after creating a Neural Capture. Based on how saturated the Neural Capture is, it is given a gain value of 1-10; 1 being a clean 10 and 10 being the most saturated distortion.

• SEND TO A FRIEND: Tap to send the selected Neural Capture to a friend.

• DOWNLOAD: Tap to download the current Neural Capture to the Nano Cortex Library.

Nano Cortex includes Factory Impulse Responses available via the 5 IR Loader slots.

• • •

IR LOADER WORKFLOW

Tap a disabled IR slot to activate it.

Tap an active IR slot to enter its parameter screen.

Tap the Bypass button to bypass the IR Loader.

• • •

IR LOADER PARAMETER SCREEN

Microphones and Mic Position modules will not be available in the IR Loader parameter screen layout when using User Impulse Responses.

• BYPASS: Tap to bypass/enable the IR Loader.

• IMPULSE RESPONSE: Displays the currently loaded Impulse Response.

• IR LIBRARY: Tap to access Factory and User Impulse Responses.

• PHASE: Tap to invert the phase of the current IR.

• UP/DOWN: Tap to navigate Impulse Responses.

• MICROPHONES: Factory microphones list. Tap to select a microphone. This module will not be available in the parameter screen layout when using User Impulse Responses.

• MIC POSITION: Six fixed positions for the currently selected microphone. Tap to select a position. This module will not be available in the parameter screen layout when using User Impulse Responses.

• LEVEL FADER: Drag to increase/decrease the Impulse Response output volume.

• HI PASS FADER: Increase to remove low frequencies from the Impulse Response signal.

• LOW PASS FADER: Decrease to remove high frequencies from the Impulse Response signal.

Nano Cortex includes 5 effects that can be used separately or combined.

• • •

EFFECTS LIBRARY WORKFLOW

Tap the Bypass button to bypass/engage the current effect.

Tap an effect slot to access its parameters screen.

A white dot will appear at the top-left corner of an effect slot whenever there are unsaved changes in its parameter screen.

Nano Cortex's AMOUNT and FX LEDs will update their values reflecting changes made on the Cortex Cloud app in real time.

While you can create a Neural Capture without using the Cortex Cloud app, using the app offers a better, guided experience from start to end.

To create a Neural Capture, you need to be able to connect an overdrive pedal, mic up a cabinet, or connect an amplifier via a reactive load box.

Tap the contextual menu button at the app's top-right corner, and select Create New Neural Capture to access the 'Connection Diagram' screen.

Alternatively, press the CAPTURE button on your Nano Cortex while the Cortex Cloud app is open. The app will automatically skip the 'Connection Diagram' and enter the 'Calibration Settings' screen.

• • •

CONNECTION DIAGRAM SCREEN

Follow the instructions on the screen. Tap NEXT to navigate through the connection steps.

Alternatively, tap SKIP to access the 'Calibration Settings' screen.

• • •

CALIBRATION SETTINGS SCREEN

Ensure the target device's settings are set to your liking and the Nano Cortex's GAIN knob is at the minimum position.

• CAPTURE GAIN: Drag the slider to increase the CAPTURE INPUT gain up to a maximum of +24dB.

• OUTPUT LEVEL: Drag to control the overall output volume of the Nano Cortex (OUTPUT 1L and Headphones).

• IR LOADER: Tap to toggle the IR Loader bypass state.

• IR SLOT: Tap to select the IR slot.

• START CAPTURE: Tap to begin the Capture process.

• • •

CAPTURE PROCESS & METADATA

The Nano Cortex will measure the latency of the target device and deliver recorded signals that will be used for modeling.

While the Capture is in progress, you can add metadata to your Neural Capture such as Name, Type, Description, and Preferred Instrument.

Tap NEXT to access the 'Testing' screen.

• • •

TESTING SCREEN

• NEW NEURAL CAPTURE: Tap to edit the Neural Capture metadata.

• A/B COMPARE: Monitoring switch. Tap to toggle between the target device signal and the recently created Neural Capture. Additionally, you can set it to switch automatically every 2, 4, or 6 seconds.

• IR LOADER: Tap to toggle the IR Loader bypass state.

• IR SLOT: Tap to select the IR slot.

• SAVE TO SLOT: Tap to save the recently created Neural Capture to a Capture slot.

• SAVE TO LIBRARY: Tap to save the recently created Neural Capture in your Library.

Once your Neural Capture is saved, tap DONE to exit Capture Mode.

Alternatively, tap CREATE ANOTHER CAPTURE to return to the 'Calibration Settings' screen.

The Nano Cortex is equipped with a chromatic tuner that provides seamless integration with the Cortex Cloud app.

Tap the contextual menu button at the app's upper-right corner, and select Tuner.

• • •

TUNER LAYOUT

The chromatic tuner works by detecting the pitch of the note being played and then displaying it on the Nano Cortex LED rings and on the Cortex Cloud App.

• EXIT: Tap to exit the Tuner.

• TUNING DISPLAY: Displays the note being played and its current pitch.

• FREQUENCY: Adjust the reference pitch from 400 to 480Hz (440Hz by default).

• MUTE: Tap to mute/unmute the input signal when the Tuner is opened.

Nano Cortex can send MIDI messages to external devices via USB-C when pressing footswitches or upon Preset load.

Tap the contextual menu button at the app's upper-right corner, and select USB MIDI Out to access the settings.

• • •

PRESET LOAD

You can assign up to 12 MIDI messages per Preset that will be sent via USB simultaneously once a designated Preset is loaded.

• EXIT: Tap to exit the USB MIDI Settings screen.

• CURRENT PRESET: Tap to access the Preset List. Choose a Preset to assign MIDI messages to it. You can assign MIDI messages to multiple Presets.

• ADD (+): Tap to create a MIDI message.

• DELETE: Tap to delete a MIDI message.

• TYPE: MIDI message type (CC or PC).

• CHANNEL: MIDI message Channel (1 to 16).

• MIDI MESSAGE COMPONENTS:
  CC: CC# and Value.
  PC: Bank CC#0, Bank CC#32, and Program.

• • •

FOOTSWITCHES

You can assign up to 12 MIDI messages per footswitch that will be sent via USB simultaneously upon pressing a designated footswitch.

• EXIT: Tap to exit the USB MIDI Settings screen.

• FOOTSWITCH: Tap to select a footswitch. The MIDI messages assigned to the selected footswitch will be displayed on the screen.

• ADD (+): Tap to create a MIDI message.

• DELETE: Tap to delete a MIDI message.

• TYPE: MIDI message type (CC or PC).

• CHANNEL: MIDI message Channel (1 to 16).

• MIDI MESSAGE COMPONENTS:
  CC: CC# and Value.
  PC: Bank CC#0, Bank CC#32, and Program.

Nano Cortex can receive MIDI messages from external devices via USB-C and TRS MIDI Type-A.

To enable incoming MIDI over TRS, tap the contextual menu button at the app's upper-right corner, go to 'Settings', and ensure the EXP/MIDI operation mode is set to MIDI.

• • •

PROGRAM CHANGE PRESET RECALL

The Preset slots organized below 'ALL PRESETS' are automatically assigned to PC messages from Program 0 to 63. Tap the PC/CC button at the top-right corner to toggle the PC messages view.

• • •

USB MIDI ROUTING

1. Connect your Nano Cortex to a computer via USB-C.

2. Open your DAW and ensure Nano Cortex is recognized as a MIDI device.

3. Create a MIDI Track, route its output to Nano Cortex, and place Program Change messages in a MIDI clip.

4. Nano Cortex will recall Presets from the Preset Library accordingly upon playback.

• • •

TRS MIDI TYPE-A ROUTING

1. Ensure the EXP/MIDI operation mode is set as MIDI in the 'Nano Cortex Settings' screen.

2. Connect the external MIDI device's MIDI OUT to Nano Cortex's EXP/MIDI input by using a TRS MIDI Type-A cable.

3. Set the external MIDI device to send Program Change messages (Program 0 to 63).

4. Nano Cortex will recall Presets from the Preset Library accordingly.

• • •

TRS MIDI TYPE-A SUPPORT

The TRS MIDI Type-A connection is the official standard adopted by the MIDI Association. Nano Cortex's EXP/MIDI input will be compatible with any TRS MIDI cable that meets the following requirements:

• TIP: Data line (MIDI Din Pin 5).

• RING: Voltage reference line (MIDI Din Pin 4).

• SLEEVE: Shield line (MIDI Din Pin 2).

Many of Nano Cortex's parameters can be controlled externally via any compatible expression pedal.

To enable expression pedal support, tap the contextual menu button at the app's upper-right corner, go to 'Settings', and ensure the EXP/MIDI operation mode is set as EXPRESSION PEDAL.

• • •

EXPRESSION PEDAL CALIBRATION

To ensure Nano Cortex responds to your expression pedal’s full sweep range, it may be necessary to calibrate it during the first use via the Settings screen.

1. Place the expression pedal on the surface where it will be used and connect it to the Nano Cortex's EXP/MIDI input using a TRS cable.

2. Tap RECALIBRATE.
   

3. Rock the expression pedal back to its heel position and all the way down to its toe position.
   

4. Tap SAVE.

Expression pedal calibration settings remain active until a new calibration is performed.

• • •

EXPRESSION PEDAL ASSIGNMENTS

Tap the contextual menu button at the app's upper-right corner and tap Expression Pedal.

You can assign an expression pedal to control the range and bypass state of multiple parameters.

• PARAMETER RANGE

GAIN, BASS, MID, TREBLE, AMOUNT, and LEVEL knobs.

1. Tap the parameters you want to control via the expression pedal. Multiple parameters can be assigned at the same time.

2. By default, the expression will range from 0 to 100%. Drag the edges of the bar to limit its range.

3. Tap the top-right button to reverse the expression behavior, swapping the heel and toe positions.

4. Alternatively, tap the top-left button to delete the assignment.

• SLOT BYPASS

CAPTURE, IR LOADER, and EFFECTS slots.

1. Tap the parameters you want to bypass via the expression pedal. Multiple parameters can be assigned at the same time.

2. Tap the 'Switch on' field to navigate through bypass modes.
   
   SWITCH: Pressing the expression pedal toe switch will bypass/engage the slot. Activate the Latch Emulation feature to modify the behavior of momentary toe switches emulating a latching response.
   
   STOP: Keeping the expression pedal still will bypass the slot. Drag the SWITCH DELAY bar to set the time it takes for the slot to be bypassed.
   
   HEEL-TOE: The slot will be bypassed when the expression pedal is at heel position. Drag the SWITCH DELAY bar to set the time it takes for the slot to be bypassed (up to 2000ms).

3. Tap the top-right button to reverse the expression behavior, swapping the heel and toe positions.

4. Alternatively, tap the top-left button to delete the assignment.

• • •

EXPRESSION PEDAL SUPPORT

Nano Cortex is compatible with any expression pedal that meets the following requirements:

• TRS CONNECTOR: Single TRS expression output. Wah or Volume outputs are not supported.

• CURVE: Pedals with linear and logarithmic curves will work properly after being calibrated during the first use.

• TOE-SWITCHES: Optional feature. Latching and Momentary switches are supported. Momentary switches will work only when the Nano Cortex Latching Emulation feature is active.

• ADDITIONAL CONTROLS: Optional feature. Range control knobs and polarity switches are also supported.

Nano Cortex's operating system is called NanOS. Keeping NanOS up to date improves the functionality, security, and overall user experience of your Nano Cortex.

Ensure that the Nano Cortex is properly paired with your smartphone and that your Internet connection is stable.

• • •

UPDATE PROCESS

A banner will appear at the top of the app screen whenever a NanOS update is available.

1. Tap Update at the right side of the banner.

2. Follow the instructions on screen. Tap UPDATE to start the download process.

Nano Cortex's BANK and CAPTURE LEDs will reflect the download progress. Once the download completes, please wait a few minutes for your Nano Cortex to finish the installation.

After the setup, Nano Cortex will reboot and automatically reconnect to your smartphone.

The Settings screen allows you to control most aspects of your Nano Cortex.

Tap the contextual menu button at the app's upper-right corner and tap 'Settings' to access the Nano Cortex Settings screen.

• • •

NANO CORTEX SETTINGS SCREEN

• DEVICE NAME

Assign a custom name for your Nano Cortex (up to 22 characters).

• STORAGE

Available storage on your Nano Cortex.

• LED BRIGHTNESS

Drag the slider to set the LED brightness of your Nano Cortex (60% by default).

• PRESET OPERATION MODE

Enable 4-Preset Mode to assign Presets to both Footswitches I and II (IA, IB, IIA, and IIB).

If this setting is disabled, Nano Cortex will operate in 2-Preset Mode, allowing only Footswitch I to recall Presets (A and B) while Footswitch II will function as a global bypass switch.

• KNOB OPERATION MODE

By default, the Nano Cortex knobs adjust parameters immediately when turned. If this setting is disabled, Nano Cortex will operate in Latching Mode, where the knobs' position must match the values indicated by the LED rings before they start adjusting parameters.

• EXP/MIDI INPUT BEHAVIOR

Tap to toggle the EXP/MIDI Input functionality between MIDI and Expression Pedal.

• ABOUT

Current NanOS version and device serial number. The Nano Cortex serial number is also engraved on the bottom of the device.

• FACTORY RESET

Performing a factory reset will remove all user content from the device.

Nano Cortex can be utilized as a USB 2.0, 24-bit, 48kHz (Fixed), low-latency audio interface for Windows® and Mac® computers.

Connect your Nano Cortex to your computer via the USB-C cable included in the box.

• • •

MACOS® SETUP

1. Connect your Nano Cortex to your computer.

2. Go to 'System Preferences', 'Sound', and set Nano Cortex as the main Input and Output device of your computer.

3. Set the monitoring volume via the computer audio controls.

WINDOWS® SETUP

1. Download the driver installer from our website (Downloads).

2. Run the installer. Reboot your computer after the setup.

3. Connect your Nano Cortex to your computer.

4. Go to 'Control Panel', 'Hardware and Sound', 'Sound', and ensure your Nano Cortex is set as the default Playback and Recording device of your computer.

5. Set the monitoring volume via the computer audio controls.

The Nano Cortex driver will be installed in the following path location: C:\Program Files\NeuralDSP\Nano Cortex Driver

Nano Cortex features 7 USB Channels (4IN/3OUT).

D.I. and processed signal recording

Nano Cortex allows you to record dry and processed signals simultaneously. Connect your instrument to INPUT and ensure Nano Cortex is selected as the default audio interface on your computer.

1. Open your DAW, create a mono audio track, and set its input as Input 1 (Dry input signal).

2. Create a stereo audio track and set its input as Input 3/4 (Processed signal from analog OUTPUT 1L and 2R).

3. Arm both tracks for recording.

4. To reamp a recorded D.I. track, set its output as Output 3 (To Nano Cortex's INPUT), create a new stereo track (Input 3/4), and arm it for recording.

Connecting Nano Cortex to an iPhone® or iPad®

You can use any class-compliant USB audio device with an iPhone® or iPad®. Nano Cortex can be connected to those devices via a USB-C cable (iPhone 15 or later).

iPhone 14 and older generations will need the Apple® Lightning to USB-C Camera Adapter to recognize Nano Cortex as an external microphone device.

This feature allows you to use Nano Cortex with audio apps like GarageBand® for recording purposes.

• • •

NEURAL CAPTURES

BANK 1 (Clean):

1. CA John's Ch1 1 (Mesa Boogie® JP2C® Ch1)

2. Comet 60 5 (Komet® 60)

3. Bogna X100B Ch1 1 (Bogner® Ecstasy 100B® Ch1)

4. Watt Custom Clean 7 (Hermansson Hiwatt® Custom PA100® Clean)

5. US HRDLX ChA 6 (Fender® Hot Rod Deluxe® Channel A)

BANK 2 (Edge):

1. Comet 60 6 (Komet® 60)

2. NoMatch Chief 1 (Matchless® Chieftain®)

3. US Prince 65 4 (Fender® Princeton® 65)

4. Watt Custom VH 1 (Hermansson Hiwatt® Custom PA100® VH)

5. D-Cell H4 Ch2 1 (Diezel® VH4® Ch2)

BANK 3 (Crunch):

1. Bogna Fish+290 5 (Bogner® Fish®) + (Mesa® Boogie® Stereo Simul-Class™ 2: Ninety™)

2. Brit 2555 Rhy 12 (Marshall® Silver Jubilee® 2555 Rhythm)

3. Custom 3SE+290 2 (Custom Audio Amplifier® 3+SE®) + (Mesa® Boogie® Stereo Simul-Class™2: Ninety™)

4. D-Cell H4 Ch3 3 (Diezel® VH4® Ch3)

5. ENG Energy 3 (ENGL® Powerball® Mark I)

BANK 4 (High Gain):

1. Bogna X100B Ch3 Lead 18 (Bogner® Ecstasy 100B® Preamp Ch3 Lead)

2. CA Studio+290 2 (Mesa® Boogie® Studio Preamp®) + (Mesa® Boogie® Stereo Simul-Class™2:Ninety™)

3. CA John’s Ch3 7 (Mesa Boogie® JP2C® Ch3)

4. PV 505Sig 7 (Peavey® 5150® Signature)

5. Brit 2555 Lead 1 (Marshall® Silver Jubilee® 2555 Lead)

BANK 5 (Bass):

1. Aggi 751 31 (Aguilar® DB751®)

2. Amped SV Classic 3 (Ampeg® SVT Classic®)

3. Rodent+SV 3 (ProCo® Rat®) + (Ampeg® SVT Classic®)

4. CA MixBass 3 Amp2 (Mesa® Boogie® M6 Carbine®) + (Big Block 750®)

5. Anima Fuzz 8 (Human Gear® Animato®)

• • •

IMPULSE RESPONSES

1. 110 US PRN C10R (Fender® Princeton® with Jensen® C10R drivers)

2. 112 UK C15 Blue (Vox® AC15® with Celestion® Alnico Blue drivers)

3. 115 Amped Modern (Ampeg® SVT® 115HE®)

4. 212 Match D30 Sig A (Matchless Amplifiers® DC30® Sig A)

5. 212 US TWN C12Q 00s (Fender® Twin Reverb® with Jensen® C12K-2 drivers)

6. 412 Brit TV GB75Hz ’69 (Marshall® 1960TV® with Celestion® G12M25 drivers)

7. 412 CA Stand OS A V30 ’01 (Mesa® Standard OS Angled with Celestion® Vintage 30 drivers)

8. 412 CA Trad S UKV30 90s (Mesa® Traditional Straight with Celestion® Vintage 30 drivers)

9. 412 Zila Cust V30 ’12 V2 (Zilla® Custom with Celestion® Vintage 30 drivers)

10. 810 Amped VT Aln 70s (Ampeg® SVT® 810® with custom Eminence® ceramic drivers)

• • •

EFFECTS

1. Adaptive Gate (Pre FX)

2. Transpose (Pre FX)

3. Chief DC2W (Post FX)

4. Analog Delay (Post FX)

5. Mind Hall Reverb (Post FX)

• • •

FACTORY RESET PROCESS

Press-and-hold EXIT, CAPTURE, and Footswitch II for 2 seconds.

The LEDs will light up. GAIN, Footswitch I and II will turn blue.

While the LEDs are lit, press-and-hold SAVE until the Nano Cortex reboots.

All user data will be then removed.

INSTRUMENT INPUT

• CONNECTOR: 1/4 TRS-F

• IMPEDANCE: 1MΩ

• MAX INPUT LEVEL: +10dBu

COMBO CAPTURE INPUT

• CONNECTOR: XLR-F + 1/4 TRS-F

• TS IMPEDANCE: 1MΩ

• XLR IMPEDANCE: 45kΩ

• MAX INPUT LEVEL: +10dBu

• BOOST GAIN: +26dB

TRS OUTPUTS 1L/2R

• CONNECTOR: (2) 1/4 TRS-F

• IMPEDANCE: 560Ω

• MAX OUTPUT LEVEL: +10dBu (Unbalanced) / +16dBu (Balanced)

HEADPHONES OUTPUT

• CONNECTOR: 3.5MM TRS-F

• MAX OUTPUT POWER: 55mW into 20Ω

EXP/MIDI INPUTS

• EXPRESSION CONNECTOR: 1/4 TRS-F

• MIDI CONNECTOR: MIDI TRS Type A

USB AUDIO

• FORMAT: USB Audio Class 2.0 Compliant

• CHANNELS: 7 (4IN/3OUT)

• AUDIO CLOCK: 48 kHz (FIXED)

GENERAL

• FINISH: Anodized aluminum unibody

• CONTROLS:
  2 Stainless Steel Stomp + Rotary Footswitches
  7 Knobs
  2 Analog Switches
  5 Digital Switches

• DIMENSIONS: 14.4 x 10.3 x 6.2 cm / 5.6 x 4.0 x 2.4"

• WEIGHT: 620g / 1.36lbs

• INPUT VOLTAGE:
  9-12V DC 600mA (Center Negative)
  USB-C 5V, 1.5A or higher

ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

• OPERATING TEMP: 0 to 50 °C (32 to 122 °F)

• STORAGE TEMP: -10 to 70 °C (14 to 158 °F)

• HUMIDITY: Maximum non-condensing