Neural DSP Nano Cortex Multi-Effects Processor - Gray

Capture the sound of your favorite amplifier and take it anywhere with the Neural DSP Nano Cortex, an ultra-compact amp-capture and multi-effects processor that brings the character of your personal rig to the stage, studio and beyond—without the weight and complexity of hauling the original equipment. Powered by Neural Capture technology, the Nano Cortex creates highly accurate digital recreations of amplifiers, cabinets and drive pedals directly on the device, preserving the tonal character and dynamic response of the original gear. A customizable signal chain with more than 50 effects and utilities, comprehensive cabinet impulse responses and access to thousands of Neural Captures through Cortex Cloud puts an expansive range of sounds at your fingertips. Intuitive hands-on controls, flexible audio connectivity and a built-in USB interface make it equally capable as a standalone guitar or bass rig, recording tool or pedalboard centerpiece. Weighing just 1.36 lb., the Nano Cortex delivers professional-grade tonal versatility in a remarkably portable format.

Neural Capture Recreates Your Favorite Amps and Pedals

At the heart of the Nano Cortex is Neural DSP's revolutionary Neural Capture technology, designed to analyze and reproduce the sonic characteristics of real amplifiers, speaker cabinets and drive pedals with remarkable accuracy. Creating a capture is straightforward: Connect your equipment to the dedicated capture connections, initiate the process using the onboard controls and save the resulting digital recreation in minutes, without requiring a computer, internet connection or companion app. The Nano Cortex also supports playback of Neural Capture Version 2 files created on the Quad Cortex, expanding the range of available tones beyond its onboard capture capabilities. Using Neural DSP's original Neural Capture technology, the Nano Cortex preserves the tonal character and responsive feel of the original equipment, allowing players to carry familiar sounds into new environments. The processor includes 25 factory Neural Captures and supports storage for up to 256, making it possible to build a personalized collection of your favorite tones without transporting the original amplifiers and pedals.

Customizable Effects and Cabinet IRs Expand Your Sound

Beyond its powerful capture capabilities, the Nano Cortex provides a comprehensive selection of effects and cabinet simulations for building complete guitar and bass tones. Its customizable signal chain offers more than 50 effects and utilities, including compressors, overdrives, wahs, modulation, delays, reverbs and EQ, with flexible pre-effects and post-effects slots for shaping your sound. A dedicated Transpose effect allows pitch changes without physically retuning your instrument, while a built-in input gate helps control unwanted noise without occupying an effects slot. For authentic speaker cabinet reproduction, the Nano Cortex includes 300 studio-grade impulse responses across 10 cabinet models, with multiple microphone and placement options for exploring different tonal textures. Support for up to 256 custom IRs provides additional flexibility, allowing players to combine their preferred captures, effects and cabinet sounds into a personalized digital rig.

NanOS 2.3.0 Adds New Effects and Metronome Functionality

The NanOS 2.3.0 firmware update expands the Nano Cortex's creative capabilities with five additional effects and a built-in metronome. New reverb options include Blossom (ST), inspired by the Bloom mode of the Strymon BigSky, and Shimmer for expansive ambient textures. Three pitch effects—Poly Octaver, Wham and Chief OC2—bring additional octave and expressive pitch-shifting possibilities. Accessible through the Tempo menu in the updated Cortex Cloud mobile app, the metronome offers adjustable volume, sounds, time signatures and subdivisions, while maintaining the current tempo when switching presets or closing the menu. Together with additional usability improvements, the update gives Nano Cortex players more ways to shape their sound and refine their practice experience.

Cortex Cloud Access and Intuitive Controls Simplify Tone Management

The Nano Cortex combines direct, hands-on operation with wireless access to an extensive library of user-created sounds through the Cortex Cloud app. Bluetooth connectivity allows players to browse and download thousands of Neural Captures, manage up to 64 presets and make detailed adjustments from a compatible mobile device. When it's time to play, the physical interface keeps things simple: Dedicated Gain, Level, Bass, Mid and Treble controls provide familiar amplifier-style sound shaping, while an Amount knob adjusts the intensity of selected effects. Two multifunction stainless steel footswitches double as rotary controls for navigating captures, impulse responses and performance functions, providing convenient access to essential settings without a touchscreen. Dedicated Capture, Save and bank-navigation buttons further streamline operation, allowing musicians to create and recall personalized sounds with minimal interruption. Whether refining tones at home or making quick adjustments during a performance, the Nano Cortex balances deep functionality with an approachable, tactile interface.

Flexible Connectivity Supports Recording, Performance and Portable Rigs

Designed to integrate into a wide range of musical setups, the Nano Cortex offers comprehensive connectivity for live performance, recording and practice. A 1/4" instrument input accommodates guitar or bass, while dual 1/4" TRS outputs provide stereo connections to studio monitors, FRFR cabinets or PA systems. Dedicated capture connections allow players to create digital recreations of external equipment, while an expression/MIDI input and USB MIDI support expand real-time control options. The USB-C connection also functions as a low-latency audio interface, enabling 24-bit/48kHz recording directly into a computer. A 3.5 mm headphone output with independent volume control supports silent practice, while a ground lift switch helps minimize unwanted noise in connected systems. Powered by a compatible 9–12V DC power supply or USB battery pack, the lightweight Nano Cortex can serve as a complete standalone rig or integrate seamlessly into an existing pedalboard.

Your Favorite Amp Tones in a Travel-Ready Rig

The Neural DSP Nano Cortex gives guitarists and bassists a practical way to bring their favorite tones into virtually any playing environment. Whether you're recreating a cherished amplifier, assembling a collection of signature sounds or simplifying a complex pedalboard, its combination of Neural Capture technology, customizable effects and flexible connectivity makes it easy to build a rig around your musical needs. From direct-to-PA performances and studio sessions to quiet practice and travel, the Nano Cortex delivers the sound and responsiveness of a personalized rig without the burden of transporting the original equipment.