Neural DSP Nano Cortex vs. Quad Cortex: Whats The Difference?

Neural DSP‘s now legendary Quad Cortex has changed how guitar players practice, record, and play – and continues to do so. It’s massive processing power and high-def sound has made it a favourite for everyone from Rabea Massaad to Animals As Leaders’ Tosin Abasi to Bruno Mars!

Now Neural have introduced a more compact sibling to the Quad Cortex: the Nano Cortex. Like us, you might be wondering: what’s the difference? Read on to find out more…

The Neural DSP Nano Cortex

The Nano Cortex packs that renowned DSP power, sound quality, and feel into a pedal-sized guitar rig solution that pushes the boundaries of guitar tone technology. Create inspiring high-definition captures of any amp or pedal in minutes, choose from thousands of built-in rigs or user captures on the Cortex Cloud, and easily build it into your setup with ultra-versatile connectivity.

Neural DSP Nano Cortex key features

• Insane Neural DSP power contained in a portable, compact pedal
• Create high-definition amp & pedal captures, choose from the pre-loaded library or download user created sounds from the Cortex Cloud
• Capture, share and download your favourite rigs with Neural Capture
• Choose captures, browse sound libraries, and update firmware with the intuitive Nano Cortex smartphone app
• Simple fixed signal chain involving pre-FX, captures, IRs, and post-FX
• Modern connectivity means MIDI control, USB-C audio interface recording, stereo outs, headphone out with dedicated level control, and more

The Neural DSP Quad Cortex

The Quad Cortex is an ultra-powerful, action-packed floor guitar amp and effects modeller – this thing really does it all. It’s earned a reputation as the go-to modelling unit for professionals and tone-conscious players. The Quad Cortex is also notably hailed as one of the most intuitive and versatile multi-effects hardware out there. With numerous free updates since launch, including the ability to run Neural DSP plugins, you can always be sure that you’ll have the latest technology to deliver inspiring tone.

The Quad Cortex is capable of hosting hundreds of amps and effects without breaking a sweat. This is largely thanks to its impressive 2GHz Quad-Core SHARC architecture, undoubtedly the future of amp modelling technology. This ludicrous amount of processing capacity provides limitless sound design possibilities!

Neural DSP Quad Cortex key features

• The Most Powerful Floor Modeller on the planet
• The most natural-sounding capture solution with near-limitless tonal options
• Want to run four different amplifier models and loads of effects at the same time? No problem!
• Capture, share and download your favourite rigs with Neural Capture
• Use any Neural “X” plugin directly on the Quad Cortex
• 50+ onboard amps, 70+ effects, 1000+ IRs
• Tactile and intuitive 7″ multi-touch display

Nano Cortex vs. Quad Cortex: what’s the difference?

In a nutshell, the Nano Cortex is a compact pedal with a fixed signal chain involving pre-FX, captures, IRs, and post-FX, while the Quad Cortex is a full-blown modeller and FX processor with heaps of power. Still, we’ve compared the main features of both to give you all the answers:

Conclusion

So there you have it. In summary, the Quad Cortex is the ultimate experience if you are looking for one of the most complete multi-FX & amp modelling units on the market. If you’re looking for something that’s simpler, ultra-portable, but still full of incredible Neural DSP power & tonal quality, the Nano Cortex is the right choice for you.

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