Multi-effects processor for electric guitar and bass
Memory for 64 presets and up to 256 neural captures
10 pre-installed premium IRs, expandable to up to 256 Custom IRs
Signal chain with 7 device blocks
Can be used as a USB audio interface (24-bit/48 kHz)
Easy-to-use User interface
Controls for gain, bass, mid, treble, FX amount and level
Boost switch
Headphone connection with separate volume control
EXP/MIDI connection for MIDI control and expression pedals
Operation via USB-C connection or 9 - 12 V DC power supply unit (600 mA, not included)
The Neural DSP Nano Cortex multi-effects processor at a glance
The Neural DSP Nano Cortex is the compact version of the Quad Cortex, which hit like a bomb in 2020 and suddenly revolutionized the world of digital guitar modelling. The space-saving pedal from Finnish manufacturer Neural DSP is very much in the spirit of its predecessor and combines powerful modelling, extensive guitar and bass rigs in first-class studio quality, extensive connection options and naturally the groundbreaking Neural Capture technology for creating high-resolution images of existing amplifier setups in a pedalboard-friendly housing format.
Easy to use interface
To find the right sound at any time without getting lost in complex submenus and program settings, the Nano Cortex is particularly easy to operate. There are six controls on the front panel, which can be used to control the input gain, the 3-band equalizer or the output volume, while the Amount control determines the effect intensity. Although a display has not been implemented, the surrounding 'halo' LED rings provide an immediate overview of all set parameters, even on the darkest stages. The Nano Cortex's User interface is completed by two footswitches and separate pushbuttons for selecting the preset bank or using the capture process, for example.
Extensive effects chain with 7 blocks
Each Preset of the Nano Cortex is divided into seven blocks, which represent the classic effects chain of conventional guitar setups. At the beginning, there are the two pre-FX blocks with a well-gripping NoiseGate and an additional transpose effect. This is followed by the Neural Capture block, which forms the sonic heart of the preset and contains the underlying amp sound. The signal chain is completed by three further post-FX blocks with classic guitar effects such as chorus, Delay and reverb, and finally the IR loader with ten pre-installed premium IRs and the option of using up to 256 Custom IRs.
Wide range of connection options
To be able to use the compact Neural DSP Nano Cortex in numerous application areas, there are several useful connection options on board. On a digital level, the Bluetooth interface should be mentioned first, which is used to connect to the Cortex app. The more classic connections include the 6.35 mm jack input and the two separate outputs in the same format, which can be used either for real stereo setups or to use the capture process. The EXP/MIDI connection for MIDI-capable devices and expression pedals is available for extended control options of the Nano Cortex, while the headphone connection with separate volume control is perfect for silent practice sessions. Another practical feature is the USB-C connection, which converts the Nano Cortex into an audio interface in no time at all and makes the first-class Cortex sounds available for professional direct recordings.
