The Nano Cortex is a pedal-sized guitar amp & effects processor 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.

Powered by Neural DSP’s acclaimed processing and capture technology, the Nano Cortex combines unmatched sound quality and tonal ‘feel’ with simple controls and smart features that make it a breeze to use. Following in the footsteps of its big brother, the Quad Cortex, this might just be the ultimate portable guitar & bass rig solution, whatever your style!

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.
• 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 Pitch and Noise Gate pre-FX, combined with whatever amp & IR combination you want, 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!

A Full Guitar/Bass Signal Chain

The Nano Cortex features a fixed signal chain consisting of seven device slots, any of which can be bypassed depending on your setup. The pre and post-FX are the same quality on the industry-leading Quad Cortex – yes, it’s that powerful! Here’s what’s in the chain:

• Pre-FX Slots – The Adaptive Gate reduces unwanted noise for a clean signal, while Transpose lets you change the tuning of your instrument with no perceivable latency.
• Neural Capture - Nano Cortex ships with 25 preloaded Neural Captures, including classics such as the Mesa Boogie JP2C, Fender Princeton 65, and Ampeg SVT Classic. Cortex Cloud has thousands of captures to explore and use for free. You can store up to 256 Neural Captures on your device.
• IR Loader Slot – Pre-loaded with 10 premium-quality IRs, each featuring five different mic options and six mic positions. Load up to 256 custom IRs.
• Post-FX Slots – Add stunning shimmery chorus inspired by the Boss® DC-2W®, a warm BBD-style analogue delay, and expansive reverb based on the legendary Lexicon® 224®.

Small, Powerful, Easy To Use

The legendary Quad Cortex changed the way guitar players practice and perform, and now the smaller, lightweight Nano Cortex is here to once again revolutionize your rig.

Get hands-on with Neural DSP’s renowned sound and powerful processing, preferred by everyone from Rabea to Metallica to Bruno Mars, all packed into a compact pedal that’ll fit right on your board. Capture, switch, and adjust every element of your rig in the moment with simple controls, or dive in deeper with seamless app connectivity - it’s that easy.

Capture Your Amps & Pedals In Minutes

Create flawless digital replicas of your favourite amps and pedals with ease, and in no time at all. Simply connect your gear to the capture loop, set your levels and tonal preferences, and press and hold the capture button. You can A/B test the sound straight away, or further customise settings like mic position using the app.

That’s it – your gear is captured and ready to rock right away. Build it into your rig, pair it with any of Neural DSP’s built-in IRs or FX blocks, and you’ve got a custom rig that sounds & feels every bit as dynamic as the real thing.

Quick Control With The Nano Cortex App

With the intuitive smartphone app, you can take full control of the pedal’s parameters, options, and library. Choose which amplifier you want and combine it with your choice of speaker cabinet; add pre-FX like Noise Gate and Pitch Transpose; sprinkle atmosphere and analogue character with chorus, delay, and reverb.

You can scroll and switch through these options in an instant, making tone customisation and experimentation super simple and letting you focus on the creative stuff. Better still, the app lets you download Neural captures from users and artists worldwide via the Cortex Cloud, plus update firmware wirelessly – it’s never been easier!

Modern Connectivity For Any Rig

Seamlessly integrate the Nano into your existing setup. Enjoy versatile control and expression with MIDI, record 24-bit / 48kHz audio into your DAW via low-latency USB-C, and connect your headphones with a dedicated level control so you can shred & riff in private. Whether you’re practicing at home, recording from session to session, or up on stage, the Nano Cortex is built to work for you.

What's the difference between Nano Cortex & Quad Cortex?

Which Neural DSP model is right for you? We've compared the sounds, features, and design of the Nano & Quad Cortex to save you the time! Find all the answers right here: Neural DSP Nano Cortex vs. Quad Cortex.

What’s In the Box?

• Nano Cortex Pedal
• USB-C cable

Specifications

• Instrument input: 1/4" TRS-F, 1MΩ impedance, +10dBu max input level.
• Combo capture input: XLR-F + 1/4" TRS-F, 1MΩ (TS) / 45kΩ (XLR) impedance, +10dBu max input level, +26dB boost gain.
• Outputs: (2) 1/4" TRS-F, 560Ω impedance, +10dBu (unbalanced) / +16dBu (balanced) max output level.
• Headphones output: 3.5mm TRS-F, 55mW into 20Ω max output power.
• EXP/MIDI inputs: 1/4" TRS-F (Expression), MIDI TRS Type A.
• USB audio: USB Audio Class 2.0, 7 channels (4 in / 3 out), 48kHz fixed audio clock.
• Dimensions: 14.4 x 10.3 x 6.2 cm / 5.6 x 4.0 x 2.4"
• Weight: 620g / 1.36 lbs
• Power: 9-12V DC 600mA (center negative, power supply not included) / USB-C 5V, 1.5A or higher.