Neural DSP has just dropped a major announcement: the Quad Cortex mini is here, launching alongside CorOS 4.0.0. This is big news for guitarists, bassists, and producers who want the full Quad Cortex experience in a smaller, more portable format—without sacrificing power or tone. This has just been announced at the NAMM show. Here’s what we know so far.
Highlighted Features
- Same processing power, audio quality, and Neural Capture technology as Quad Cortex, with an unprecedented level of processing power for its size and price
- Dimensions: 22.8 x 11.8 x 6.5 cm weighing 1.5 kg
- More than 50% smaller footprint, while retaining the full Quad Cortex experience
- Large 7” touchscreen display for fast editing and navigation
- Four stainless steel rotary encoders for Preset, Scene, and Stomp control, plus intuitive hands-on parameter adjustment
- Full Grid-based signal chain with touchscreen and footswitch control
- Plugin compatibility with supported Neural DSP plugins – John Mayer X available soon!
- Full integration with the Quad Cortex ecosystem, sharing the same CorOS operating system
- Built-in Wi-Fi for wireless downloads, firmware updates, and cloud backups
- Doubles as a USB-C audio interface with 16 channels (8 inputs / 8 outputs)
- Rugged anodized aluminium unibody with strengthened glass, designed for touring, studio, and mobile use
- Locking power connector for secure, reliable operation in live environments
- Launches alongside CorOS 4.0.0 with new devices and workflow enhancements
Full Quad Cortex Experience in a Smaller Footprint
The Quad Cortex mini isn’t a “lite” version—it’s the same powerhouse as the original Quad Cortex, just in a more compact design. Neural DSP has managed to keep the same processing power, pristine audio quality, Neural Capture technology, and intuitive 7-inch touchscreen interface that made the original a game-changer.
This smaller footprint—over 50% less than the original—means the mini fits easily into pedalboards, racks, and desktop setups. For touring musicians, home studios, and hybrid rigs, this is a serious upgrade in portability without compromise.
Connectivity is equally impressive: a versatile combo jack input handles instruments or microphones (with phantom power), and doubles as the Neural Capture input. Around the back, you’ll find balanced outputs, stereo effects loops, headphone monitoring, expression control, and full MIDI support. Add USB-C audio interface functionality, and the mini becomes a complete solution for live performance, recording, and practice.
CorOS 4.0.0: Expanding Creative Possibilities
Quad Cortex mini launches with CorOS 4.0.0, a major update for the entire Quad Cortex ecosystem. This update introduces new devices and utilities designed to inspire creativity and solve real-world problems:
- Nordic Concert Hall – A lush, open reverb inspired by classic concert hall algorithms for cinematic soundscapes.
- Blossom – A swelling reverb that blooms after the initial note, perfect for expressive playing and volume swells.
- Studio Plate 70 – A smooth, musical plate reverb modeled after classic studio units.
- Phase Doctor – A utility for fixing phase issues in stereo rigs and multi-amp setups, ensuring your tones stay tight and aligned.
CorOS 4.0 also ensures full compatibility between Quad Cortex and Quad Cortex mini. Presets and backups move seamlessly between devices, so you can share sounds, maintain consistent rigs, or deploy multiple units for redundant or multi-instrument setups without rebuilding anything.
Use Cases for Quad Cortex mini
Neural DSP designed the mini to fit into real-world workflows. Here’s where it shines:
- Live Performance: A complete guitar or bass rig in a compact format that integrates easily into pedalboards, fly rigs, and touring setups.
- Studio and Recording: With USB-C audio interface functionality and flexible routing, the mini is perfect for recording and re-amping in modern DAW workflows.
- Practice and Songwriting: Quick, intuitive controls and a visual signal chain make it easy to move from inspiration to finished tones without distraction.
- Compact Touring and Rack Systems: Fits easily into racks for professional touring rigs. Multiple units can be deployed for wet/dry setups, redundant rigs, or multi-instrument applications. In fact, we can envisage that professional musicians who already use Quad Cortex will grab the mini as the perfect backup solution—two minis can fit on one standard rack tray.
How Quad Cortex mini Compares to Quad Cortex
- What’s the Same: Both units deliver identical processing power, audio quality, Neural Capture technology, and run the same CorOS software. No compromises in tone or performance.
- What’s Different: The mini’s footprint is reduced by more than 50%, making it ideal for compact rigs and portable setups. It also introduces a locking power connector for stage reliability. Due to the smaller footprint, the I/O is reduced, but it has to have a pretty comprehensive I/o selection.
-
- Inputs:
- 1 x 1/4″ TS (Input 1)
- 1 x combo XLR + 1/4″ TS (Input 2)
- 1 x 1/4″ TRS (Return 1/2 via insert cable)
- Outputs:
- 2 x XLR (Outputs 1/2)
- 2 x 1/4″ TS (Outputs 3/4)
- 1 x 1/4″ TRS (Send 1/2 via insert cable)
- 1 x 1/4″ TRS (Capture Out), 1 x 1/8″ Headphone Out
- Control:
- 1 x 1/4″ TRS-F (Expression Input 1)
- MIDI In and Thru/Out via 3.5 mm TRS-F (Type A)
- MIDI over USB-C
-
How to Choose:
Go for Quad Cortex mini if portability and space-saving are priorities. Stick with the original Quad Cortex if you prefer a full-size floorboard with more physical controls and connectivity options.
Pricing and ETA in Australia will be announced soon—this news is hot off the press.
