The Quad Cortex is an ultra-powerful, action-packed floor guitar amp and effects modeller from modern tone masters Neural DSP. The Quad Cortex is notably hailed as one of the most intuitive multi-effects hardware out there, and with continuous updates, you can always be sure that you have the latest technology to deliver inspiring tone.

This superb creation captures high-end guitar tones in a portable, seamlessly-intuitive piece of kit. The Quad Cortex is capable of hosting hundreds of amps and effects without breaking a sweat — thanks to the impressive 2GHz Quad-Core SHARC architecture, which is undoubtedly the future of amp modelling technology. This ludicrous amount of processing capacity provides limitless sound design possibilities!

This is Neural DSP's first entry into guitar hardware, with their previous successes in virtual amp software such as the Archetype: Nolly, Omega Ampworks and Fortin Nameless Suite. 

Key Features

• Use any Neural "X" plugin directly on the Quad Cortex
• 50+ onboard amps, 70+ effects, 1000+ IRs.Looper functionality
• Capture, share and download your favourite rig sounds.
• Ever-growing collection of free rig captures in addition to Neural DSP's full-circuit models.
• Tactile and intuitive 7" multi-touch display.
• Lightweight and compact (just 1.95kg/4.2lbs and 29cm/11.4" wide).
• Leading Quad-Core SHARC processing.Robust anodized aluminium unibody, with laser engraved graphics and stainless steel rotary actuators.
• WIFI module for wireless preset sharing, cloud backups, over-the-air firmware updates, and more.
• TS, TRS, XLR, USB, MIDI and headphone connectivity. Dual expression inputs and dual effects loops.

Power Your Dream Rig

Pushing the boundaries of guitar tone has never been more accessible. The Quad Cortex's powerhouse of a processor is capable of running numerous amp models, cabinets and stereo effects interchangeably at the tap of a button.

Emulate real amp characteristics: the unique onboard biomimetic AI technology replicates any physical amplifier, overdrive, and cabinet with unprecedented likeness. Whatever you hear from a real amp, you'll hear from the Quad Cortex! Neural DSP will also continue to collaborate with leading sound designers to add more patches to the already impressive Sound Library.

Extensive Sound Library

Neural DSP boasts an ever-growing library of over 1000 guitar amp and effect algorithms. Curate your perfect tone with all Neural DSP have to offer in the Quad Cortex. The Sound Library is the go-to software for the next generation of guitar virtuosos, such as Rabea Massaad, Tosin Abasi, Plini and industry engineers like Adam "Nolly" Getgood. Like them, this is the easiest way to get your fingers on great guitar tone, and with the addition of update CorOS 3.0.0, you can use any Neural "X" plugin directly on the Quad Cortex!

Teach your Quad Cortex new sounds. Want to take your favourite amp tone everywhere without lugging around the amp itself? Plug in a microphone and use Neural Capture to record it — you'll struggle to tell the difference between the original amp and the Quad Cortex. Built-in phantom power means you can capture your sound in optimal quality using a condenser mic too. The added bonus of the Quad Cortex's mic preamp means you can easily record a variety of instruments and spice them up with effects!

Intuitive User Interface

Not only does the Quad Cortex house one of the most extensive sound collections on the planet, but it's also one of most effortless to use. Tinker to your heart's content using the powerful parametric EQ on the 7" multi-touch display. Position virtual microphones exactly where you want on over 1000 impulse responses, with third-party IRs easy to load up as well. Drop in signal path blocks within seconds to voice your effects in unique ways, and use the rotary stomp switches to scroll through amp settings and assign 32 banks of eight presets each for instant tonal access — just like an analogue switcher.

Compact Size & All-Encompassing Connectivity

Weighing in at just under 2kg and more compact than an Apple MacBook Pro, the Neural DSP Quad Cortex is ideal for touring musicians, guitarists cutting down on gear clutter, or those with restricted space and volume levels.

Slot the Quad Cortex into any setup, either stereo or mono. It's equipped with TS, TRS and XLR ins and outs to handle everything you throw at it. Two available effects loops let you incorporate your favourite pedals into the signal chain, while MIDI connections automate switching and control every parameter within the Quad Cortex. There's even a headphone output for silent playing.

Customer Reviews

“Quad Cortex is amazing. It gives me so many different options for sounds & I can easily take it anywhere.”

“[The Quad Cortex] has enabled me to reduce my amps and large pedalboard down to one small box that fits in my gig bag whilst not changing the sounds I use live at all.”

"Head & shoulders above other modellers when it comes to both tone & user interface."

CorOS 3.0.0 and Cortex Control 1.1.0 Update - July 30th 2024

• Use Neural DSP Plugins on the Quad Cortex - If you have any Neural DSP "X" plugin, you can now load them onto the Quad Cortex with a valid license. Use the "Plugin Presets" section in the directory to instantly use the factory presets.
• Now you can Sidechain - This allows you to trigger the effects of a device from a specified point in the signal chain while placing it on the Grid in a position that creates the sound you require. 
• Blend Controls - Blend in exactly how much of an effect you want into your sound so you can expertly craft your own signature tones, with your creativity as the only limitation!
• Faster Interface - To finish off, all users can enjoy a general quality of life update so the user interface is faster.

CorOS 3.0.0 is required to run Cortex Control 1.1.0. Click Here to learn more.

CorOS 2.0.0 - 'Hybrid Mode' & More!

You can configure a Hybrid Mode via the new "Modes configuration" option on the Main Menu. It allows you to assign a separate mode to each row of footswitches. Hybrid Mode is ideal for people who want to quickly access new Presets while having granular control within their active Preset by incorporating Stomp Mode or Scene Mode. You can create a Hybrid Mode out of any of the three available modes. Additionally, you can remove modes you don't use to toggle between 3, 2, or even just 1 active mode!

Additional updates include Cab/IR Global Bypass, Global EQ, Master Volume Knob Assignment, Gain Reduction Meter, Device Versioning, Tap Tempo Scene Change, Scene Bypass State Behavior and an IR Loader block. Click here to learn more about CorOS 2.0.0.

Cortex Mobile 1.4.0 Now Available!

Cortex Mobile 1.4.0 is now available on the App Store and Google Play. Version 1.4.0 exposes supplementary information when viewing a Preset, such as the devices used and the configured Scenes.

• Preset Metadata: Users can now see a list of the devices used in a Preset, including the official manufacturer names of models (where applicable).
• Preset Scenes: Users can now see the Scenes configured for a Preset and switch between them to visualize the bypass state of each device.

• Users can now edit and delete Presets or Captures uploaded to their profile.
• Several small UI and backend changes.
• "Preset Devices" and "Scenes" buttons display beneath the Preset description.
• The Preset Devices page lists all of the devices used in the Preset and includes the manufacturer and product names where applicable.
• On the Scenes page, use the dropdown or the footswitch buttons to see the names of each Scene configured in the Preset as well as the bypass state of the devices used. In a future version, you will be able to interact with the devices to see parameter settings and more.

New Looper Function with 1.3.0 Update

Included in the recent CorOS 1.3.0 update (released in 2022), the Quad Cortex now features a looper function! With up to four minutes and forty four seconds of recording time, place the looper anywhere on the grid for creative routing configuration!