Your Entire Rig, in the Palm of Your Hand
The Neural DSP Nano Cortex packs a complete guitar and bass rig into a pedal barely wider than two stompboxes. Built around Neural DSP’s Neural Capture technology, this compact amp modeler creates studio-grade digital replicas of any amp, cab, or drive pedal at the same resolution and accuracy as the flagship Quad Cortex — no computer, no internet, no app required.
At 1.36 lbs, it disappears into a gig bag yet replaces a backline. Capture your favorite amp in minutes, dial it in with real knobs, and stack a fully customizable signal chain of pre- and post-effects around it. Studio-quality tone follows you to the stage, the couch, or the hotel room.
How It Fits Your Rig
Run it straight into a PA or FRFR cab for a silent, amp-free stage. Drop it on your existing pedalboard as a “best amp in the room” capture machine, or plug headphones in for late-night practice that doesn’t wake the house. Over USB-C it doubles as a low-latency audio interface, so the same tones you gig with go straight into your DAW. Power it from a standard 9V pedal supply or even a USB battery pack for true grab-and-go portability.
Features & Specs
- Neural Capture: Create on-device captures of any amp, cab, or overdrive in minutes — same engine as the Quad Cortex
- Onboard tones: 25 preloaded amp captures, plus free access to thousands more via Cortex Cloud (stores up to 256)
- Effects: 50+ effects and utilities across customizable pre- and post-effect slots
- IR loader: 10 cabinet models with 300 studio-grade impulse responses; load up to 256 of your own
- Inputs: 1/4″ instrument in; XLR & TS capture input with +26 dB boost switch
- Outputs: Dual 1/4″ TRS stereo outs with ground lift; 3.5mm headphone out with level knob
- Connectivity: USB-C audio (24-bit/48 kHz, 4-in/3-out), TRS MIDI/expression input, Bluetooth for presets and captures
- Power: 9–12V DC 600mA (center negative) or USB-C power source / battery pack
- Built-in: Input gate (no effect slot used) and chromatic tuner
- Dimensions: 5.6″ x 4.0″ x 2.4″ (14.4 x 10.3 x 6.2 cm), 1.36 lbs (620g)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a computer or app to capture an amp?
No. Neural Capture runs entirely on the device — connect your gear, press Capture, and you’re done in minutes. The Cortex Cloud app is optional for browsing and managing extra captures and IRs.
Will it work for bass?
Yes. The Nano Cortex handles both guitar and bass, with dedicated bass overdrives and a bass wah among its 50+ effects.
Can I use it for silent practice and recording?
Absolutely. The 3.5mm headphone output covers silent practice, and the USB-C connection acts as a 24-bit/48 kHz audio interface straight into your DAW.
How does it power up?
Use a standard 9–12V DC 600mA center-negative pedal supply, or power it over USB-C from an adapter or battery pack for portable rigs.
Why Players Love the Nano Cortex
It collapses a wall of amps, cabs, and pedals into something that fits in one hand — without trading away the tone. Capture the rig you love, carry it anywhere, and plug into whatever the gig throws at you.
View all Pedals and Effects View all
Buy NOW
BOOM!
