Neural DSP has officially unveiled the Quad Cortex mini, a compact version of its renowned digital modelling platform that significantly reduces size without compromising on the impressive processing capabilities and features that have made the original model a beloved choice for both studio recording and live performances. This new iteration measures a mere 22.8 x 11.8 x 6.5 cm and weighs just 1.5 kg, yet it maintains exceptional audio fidelity, incorporates Neural Capture technology, and boasts a user-friendly 7-inch touchscreen interface. It seamlessly fits into various setups such as pedalboards, compact racks, and desktop studios.
If you’re not yet familiar with the Quad Cortex, let’s break it down. It serves as an all-in-one digital rig for guitarists and bassists, effectively replacing traditional amplifiers, cabinets, and pedals with high-quality digital emulations. A standout feature is the Neural Capture technology, which allows musicians to create precise digital replicas of their actual gear by analyzing real amplifiers and effect pedals, resulting in what Neural DSP refers to as ultra-accurate clones. Additionally, users can access thousands of community-generated Captures, providing instant variety in tone choices.
According to Douglas Castro, the CEO and co-founder of Neural DSP, the key focus during development was to avoid the common compromises typically found in smaller hardware models. The Quad Cortex mini retains the same advanced machine-learning-based modelling and processing framework as its larger sibling, enabling it to generate incredibly accurate digital replicas of amplifiers, cabinets, effects pedals, fuzzes, and compressors.
Take a moment to explore the features of the Quad Cortex mini:
The control system is intuitive, relying on the 7-inch touchscreen alongside four stainless steel rotary footswitches, giving you the tactile feedback needed for effective operation. Both versions of Neural Capture (V1 and V2) are supported, allowing users to capture sounds from their own equipment, while the onboard library includes over 90 amplifier models, more than 100 effects, 1000+ impulse responses, and over 2000 Captures, ensuring an abundance of tonal creativity.
The Focus system enables quick navigation through parameters using the aforementioned footswitches, while the Pages system expands footswitch functionality without requiring additional hardware. Various operational modes—Preset, Scene, Stomp, and Hybrid—cater to diverse playing styles, and Gig View optimizes performance for live settings. Moreover, the device functions as a robust recording hub, featuring a 16-channel USB-C audio interface with 8 inputs and 8 outputs.
Connectivity options are comprehensive: there’s a combination input for instruments and microphones with phantom power, balanced XLR outputs, stereo send/return capabilities via TRS, MIDI support over both TRS and USB-C, as well as a headphone jack for silent practice sessions. Notably, Neural DSP has included a locking power connector, which is a thoughtful addition for musicians who have faced the frustration of accidental disconnections during performances.
Perhaps one of the most innovative features is the seamless integration within the entire ecosystem. Presets and complete system backups can be effortlessly transferred between the Quad Cortex mini and the full-sized version, making the mini an excellent backup option. This functionality allows musicians to maintain consistent sounds across multiple devices without the hassle of reconstructing patches from memory.
Alongside the hardware launch, the CorOS 4.0.0 update introduces several new reverb effects, including Nordic Concert Hall (a spacious hall reverb), Blossom (a swelling reverb that builds following the initial note), Studio Plate 70 (a vintage plate reverb), and Phase Doctor (designed for aligning signals in stereo and multi-amp configurations). This update is compatible with both Quad Cortex models from the very first day of release.
For further insights into the Quad Cortex mini, you can learn more here.
