Is there a better time to be a guitarist than now? In the ever-evolving world of music technology, Neural DSP’s brand-new Nano Cortex stands out as a revolutionary tool for guitarists and bassists of every walk. This ultra-portable digital amp, cab, and multi-effects processor is designed to deliver studio-quality tones – all while being tremendously portable and convenient.
Pre-Order The Neural DSP Nano Cortex
In this blog post, we will explore the key features of the Nano Cortex, its user-friendly design, and how this nifty tone machine caters to musicians of all skill levels.
The Neural DSP Story
In case you aren’t clued in, Neural DSP burst onto the scene in 2017 with their highly acclaimed guitar amplifier and effects plug-ins. Since then, the Finnish company has gone from strength to strength with their innovative audio processing technology that offers high-quality sound modelling. Their products, including amp modellers and effects processors, have gained immense popularity among professional musicians and hobbyists alike.
Their flagship amp modellers and effects processor, the Quad Cortex, has set a high standard in guitar amp and effects modelling, earning accolades for its massive processing power and high-definition sound. Artists like Rabea Massaad, Tosin Abasi of Animals As Leaders, and Bruno Mars have embraced this technology, showcasing its capabilities in both live performances and studio recordings.
What’s Up With the Neural DSP Nano Cortex
The latest addition to their lineup, the Neural DSP Nano Cortex is their most compact and portable digital amplifier, cabinet, and effects processor yet. Whether you’re a guitarist or bassist looking to upgrade your rig, here are the details you’ve got to know about this musical marvel:
Key Features of the Neural DSP Nano Cortex
- DSP Power: DSP gives you enough processing power to create the most realistic tones and rigs without breaking a sweat.
- Neural Capture: Allows you to create high-definition digital replicas of amplifiers, speaker cabinets, and pedals directly on the device, ensuring a seamless and intuitive capturing process.
- Ample Tonal Storage: Supports 25000+ user-made captures (with Cloud Cortex) organised into five banks, along with five impulse response (IR) slots and five effect slots for versatile sound shaping.
- Intuitive Smartphone App: The Nano Cortex is usable with a smartphone app that allows you to browse sound libraries, capture rigs, and update firmware easily.
- Ultra-Light and Petite: At 620 grams and 14.4cm x 10.3cm x 6.2cm dimensions, the Neural DSP Nano Cortex can easily fit in gigbags or backpacks – allowing you to take your sound along anywhere you go.
- Comprehensive Signal Chain: The device features a simple signal chain that is super user-friendly – pre-FX, captures, IRs (Impulse Responses), and post-FX.
- Modern Connectivity for Live & Recording Sessions: The Nano Cortex supports MIDI control, USB-C audio interface recording (24-bit/48kHz), stereo outputs, and headphone output with dedicated level control. In fact, the Nano Cortex can function as an audio interface if you’d like to record your licks.
Neural Capture: Countless Amps & Effects at Your Fingertips
As we alluded to earlier, one of the main draws of Nano Cortex lies in its Neural Capture functionality. This nifty feature allows you to create incredibly accurate digital replicas of any amplifier, cabinet, or drive pedal. Best of all, the process is extraordinarily simple:
- Connect your gear: Link your amplifier and/or pedals to the Nano Cortex.
- Press the ‘Capture button’: Initiate the process – this will start the amp capture.
- Enjoy your digital replica: Within minutes, you’ll have a digital version that sounds indistinguishable from the original rig.
This feature is fully self-contained; there’s no need for a computer or internet connection. Neural Captures created on the Nano Cortex have the same resolution and quality as those made with the flagship Quad Cortex and can be seamlessly transferred between the two devices.
You also get free access to the Cortex Cloud, where you can share your Neural Captures and access thousands of Captures created by the Cortex Cloud community. These Captures can be wirelessly downloaded to your Nano Cortex via the Cortex Cloud app.
Intuitive User Experience
The tones don’t matter much if you can’t get to them easily – and this is where the Nano Cortex shines. Designed with user-friendliness in mind, the Nano Cortex boasts straightforward controls that enable musicians to achieve studio-quality guitar tones right out of the box. In fact, you can control the Nano Cortex in two ways:
- Onboard Controls on the Unit: Are you a traditionalist? Easily tweak settings via the knobs on the Nano Cortex for immediate sound customisation.
- Cortex Cloud SmartPhone App: Love controlling your guitar amps and effects from your desk? Use the app! With a Bluetooth connection, you can make more detailed tweaks, download Neural Captures, and adjust presets wirelessly.
Additionally, when connected to a computer via USB-C, it functions as a low-latency 24-bit, 48kHz audio interface with 7 USB channels (3 inputs/4 outputs), making it ideal for recording sessions.
Who Is the Neural DSP Nano Cortex For?
Versatility is the name of the game with the Nano Cortex. With its small footprint and killer tones, this petite amp & effects modeller has something to offer guitarists and bassists at every skill level:
- Performing musicians: Tired of lugging amps and pedalboards to your next gig? The Nano Cortex is a complete portable guitar rig – perfect for gigs and travel. Its studio-quality sound and versatility make it ideal for grab-and-go situations or when travelling light.
- Studio professionals: Access virtually any amp/cab sound and create permanent digital replicas of your favourite gear. The ability to create accessible and portable digital replicas of their own favourite studio gear is particularly useful for studio professionals.
- Beginners and new musicians: If you’re new to the guitar or bass, finding your sound can be time-consuming and expensive. The Nano Cortex allows you to explore a wide variety of tones without investing in multiple expensive pieces of equipment. It also allows silent practice with headphones. Most of all, the Nano Cortex is extremely easy to use, yet powerful enough to keep up with your growing needs as a musician.
The Neural DSP Nano Cortex is not just another amp modeller; it’s a game-changer for musicians looking to enhance their sound without compromising on quality or convenience. Whether you’re touring internationally or practising at home, this device offers an unparalleled level of flexibility and performance.
Pre-Order The Neural DSP Nano Cortex
For musicians seeking innovative solutions to elevate their music production experience, the Nano Cortex is an investment worth considering. Keen on getting one for yourself? Put your name in for a pre-order by getting in touch with our sales engineers at the button above. They’ll be able to sort you out.
Read more: Neural DSP Quad Cortex Processor: Next Generation Amplifier & Effects Modelling
