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

• The Neural DSP Nano Cortex

The Neural DSP Cortex's

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 Plini, 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 is a portable pedal-sized modeller, loaded with plenty of flagship-quality tone, IR’s and amp & pedal capture functionality that pushes the boundaries of guitar tone technology. With a signal chain with over 50 effects and utilities to choose from, you can select and customise your signal chain into the 7 device slots (technically 8 if you are going to use the noise-gate at the start of the signal chain), using the Neural DSP Nano Cortex smartphone app to customise.

Nano Cortex Key Features

• Neural DSP Power In A Pedal – Industry-leading sound quality and DSP power housed in a sleek, hard-wearing stompbox enclosure that fits on your pedalboard.
• 7-Channel USB Audio Interface – The Nano Cortex is a 7-channel audio interface perfect for recording on the go.
• Thousands Of Premium Tones – Between the built-in library and the Cortex Cloud, you can seamlessly switch between readymade guitar & bass tones for any style, any occasion in seconds.
• Capture & Create Your Own Rig – It only takes a few minutes to capture any amp or pedal, A/B test its sound, and save it as part of your own custom rig without ever leaving the Nano Cortex’s easy controls.
• Simple, Versatile Signal Chain – The Nano Cortex keeps it simple & creative with two pre-FX slots, two slots to choose an amp & IR combination, plus 3 post-FX slots to add rich atmosphere.
• Smart Connectivity – Effortlessly hook the Nano Cortex up to your setup with full stereo outs, MIDI control, USB-C, and Bluetooth for app-based tone customisation. You can even record straight into your DAW with low-latency USB audio!

What Was Added In The Neural DSP 2.0 Update?

As of April 23rd 2025, Neural DSP upgraded the Nano Cortex with one massive update which took the Nano Cortex to the next level!

• Customizable Pre and Post Effects Slots
• 47 new effects and utilities including overdrives, compressors, modulation, delays, reverbs, and EQs
• Built-in Input Gate that does not occupy a Pre Effects Slot
• IR Loader Global Bypass for fast switching between setups
• Wireless editing and preset management with extra versatility with the Cortex Cloud app
• Cloud Backups for peace of mind

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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