Neural DSP Quad Cortex Mini: Same Power, Smaller Size
▼ Summary
– Neural DSP has launched the Quad Cortex Mini, a smaller version of its flagship amp modeller that retains the same full sound and processing power.
– The device is 50% smaller and lighter than the original, designed for easy integration into pedalboards and compact studios without performance compromise.
– It features a 7″ touchscreen, four rotary footswitches, and extensive tone libraries including amps, effects, and Neural Capture technology for replicating gear.
– Key features include comprehensive I/O, a locking power connector, and seamless preset sharing within the Quad Cortex ecosystem.
– The Quad Cortex Mini is available now for €1,299 and was unveiled alongside CorOS 4.0.0, which adds new utilities like reverbs and Phase Doctor.
Neural DSP has officially launched the Quad Cortex Mini, a compact powerhouse that delivers the identical sonic fidelity and processing muscle of the acclaimed flagship Quad Cortex. This new model answers the call for a more portable, pedalboard-friendly unit without any reduction in capability, making professional-grade amp modeling and effects more accessible for touring musicians and home studio enthusiasts alike.
The device measures a mere 22.8 by 11.8 by 6.5 centimeters and tips the scales at just 1.5 kilograms. This 50% reduction in size makes it exceptionally easy to integrate into existing pedal setups, compact rack spaces, or desktop workstations. At its heart lies the same formidable processing architecture, ensuring users do not sacrifice power for portability.
Control is centered on a responsive 7-inch touchscreen flanked by four durable stainless steel rotary footswitches. This interface is designed for precise, tactile adjustment whether you’re fine-tuning tones in the studio or switching sounds mid-performance on stage. The system retains the full suite of Neural DSP’s innovative technologies, including support for both Neural Capture V1 and V2. This allows guitarists to digitally capture the nuanced response of their favorite amplifiers, speaker cabinets, drive pedals, fuzzes, and compressors.
Out of the box, players get access to an extensive built-in library featuring over 90 amp models, more than 100 effects, and upwards of 1,000 impulse responses. The platform also includes access to thousands of user-created Captures through the Cortex Cloud community, vastly expanding the tonal palette. For streamlined control, the Focus system allows for hands-on parameter tweaking directly via the rotary footswitches, while the Pages and Gig View systems provide extended footswitch functionality without adding physical clutter.
Connectivity is comprehensive for such a small unit. It features a combo instrument/mic input with phantom power, balanced XLR outputs, and stereo send/return via TRS jacks. For integration and practice, it includes MIDI over TRS, a USB-C port, and a dedicated headphone output. A notable addition for live reliability is the new locking power connector, ensuring the unit stays securely powered during vigorous performances.
Seamless integration within the Neural DSP ecosystem is a key benefit. Musicians can effortlessly transfer their custom presets and complete system backups between the original Quad Cortex and the new Mini version. Accompanying the hardware launch is CorOS 4.0.0, a significant firmware update that introduces new utilities like a suite of studio-quality reverbs and the Phase Doctor tool for perfect signal alignment in complex stereo or multi-amp rigs.
Company leadership emphasizes that this release is about removing physical limitations. “Our vision has always been to set the benchmark for what an all-in-one digital rig can achieve,” notes Douglas Castro, Neural DSP’s CEO and Co-Founder. “With Quad Cortex Mini, we’ve maintained the core philosophy, combining machine-learning modeling, studio-grade audio, and a performance-focused workflow, but now in a more compact form that doesn’t force any compromises.”
The Quad Cortex Mini is available now with a price tag of €1,299. It stands as a compelling option for any player seeking the definitive Quad Cortex experience in a dramatically smaller package, proving that a professional rig’s potential is no longer tied to its physical dimensions.
(Source: Guitar.com)