The Essentials to Know About the Neural DSP Quad Cortex Mini Multi-Effects Processor
- Quad Cortex Power in an ultra-compact format, designed for pedalboards, fly rigs, racks, and studios.
- Neural Capture V1 & V2 to take your captured amps, cabinets, and pedals anywhere, plus access to the Cortex Cloud.
- 7-inch Touchscreen + 4 footswitches/encoders with Focus, Pages, and Gig View for clear and fast stage control.
- 16x16 USB-C Audio Interface and advanced grid routing with up to 4 parallel paths for stereo rigs, wet/dry setups, and multi-amp configurations.
From Quad Cortex to the "Mini" Version: Same DNA, Reduced Size
Quad Cortex Mini condenses Neural DSP's high-end experience into a smaller chassis while retaining sound quality, processing power, and the
CorOS system. A direct heir to the Quad Cortex, it reduces the footprint by more than 50% without sacrificing editing speed or routing flexibility. Ideal for traveling light, optimizing a pedalboard, or neatly integrating into a modern rack.
For Which Musicians and Uses?
Designed for
intermediate to professional guitarists and bassists, it covers stage, studio, and content creation. Blues, rock, metal, funk, ambient, or pop: its presets, scenes, snapshots, and
Looper X provide a smooth workflow, whether for rehearsing, chaining songs live, or quickly recording DI and processed sounds.
Controls, Modes, and Modern Integration
The interface combines a
7" multi-touch screen with four stainless steel rotary footswitches. The
Focus system turns switches into immediate parameter adjustments; the
Pages system multiplies controls (with "Opposite Page Preview");
Gig View maximizes readability and contrast on stage.
Preset,
Scene,
Stomp, and
Hybrid modes adapt to your playing style. For integration: USB-C 16x16 for DI, reamp, and stems,
MIDI TRS Type A and
MIDI over USB, Wi-Fi for updates/backups, and the
Cortex Control app to edit and manage your content.
Sound
From hi-fi, three-dimensional cleans to tight modern saturations, the Quad Cortex Mini excels with its
touch sensitivity, dynamics, and precision of its
cabinet IRs. Amp and pedal Captures preserve the original character, while parallel routing allows stacking a clean channel, drive, and ambient effects in stereo without losing definition. Transparent when needed, colored when desired: a true Swiss Army knife for sculpting your sonic identity.
Technical Specifications
Sound Engine, Libraries, and Sound Creation
- Platform: same processing power, audio quality, and Neural Capture technology as Quad Cortex
- Preloaded Library: 90+ amps, 100+ effects, 1000+ cab IRs, 2000+ Neural Captures
- Neural Capture: compatibility with Neural Capture V1 and V2 (amps, cabinets, overdrives, fuzz, compressors)
- Cortex Cloud: access to thousands of Captures shared by the community (via Wi-Fi)
- Signal Chain: full grid with tactile and foot control
- Advanced Routing: up to 4 parallel paths, flexible routing, up to 8 blocks per row
Live Workflow: Modes, Pages, and Control
- Modes: Preset, Scene, Stomp, and Hybrid (flexible assignment per row)
- Pages: extended control (Page 1 / Page 2) without increasing footprint
- Gig View: high readability performance-oriented display
- Opposite Page Preview: instant visualization of assignments on the other Page live
- Focus system: quick parameter adjustment via rotary footswitches
- Useful Functions: Fast Mute (double tap volume), tuner, metronome
- Looper: Looper X with advanced features
Screen, Controls, and User Interface
- Screen: 7-inch, high brightness, multi-touch
- Controls: 4 stainless steel rotary encoders/footswitches (Preset, Scene, Stomp + editing)
- Editing: fast navigation and immediate adjustments via touch + physical controls
USB Audio, Connectivity, and Compatibility
- Audio Interface: USB-C, 16 channels (8 inputs / 8 outputs)
- Applications: Cortex Control (editing, backups, content management)
- Wi-Fi: downloads, firmware updates, cloud backups
- Plugins: compatibility with supported Neural DSP plugins
- Ecosystem: same CorOS, presets, and backups transferable between Quad Cortex Mini and Quad Cortex
Inputs, Outputs, and Control (I/O)
- Inputs: 1 x 6.35 mm TS jack (Input 1), 1 x combo XLR + 6.35 mm TS jack (Input 2), 1 x 6.35 mm TRS jack (Return 1/2 via insert cable)
- Outputs: 2 x XLR (Outputs 1/2), 2 x 6.35 mm TS jack (Outputs 3/4), 1 x 6.35 mm TRS jack (Send 1/2 via insert cable), 1 x 6.35 mm TRS jack (Capture Out), 1 x 3.5 mm headphone output
- Control: 1 x 6.35 mm TRS-F jack (Expression Input 1), MIDI In and Thru/Out via 3.5 mm TRS-F (Type A), MIDI over USB-C
Format, Construction, and Power Supply
- Dimensions: 22.8 x 11.8 x 6.5 cm
- Weight: 1.5 kg
- Chassis: anodized aluminum unibody, reinforced glass, designed for road and studio use
- Power Supply: 12 V DC, locking connector + non-locking adapter for compatible pedalboard power supplies
- Design: ultra-compact format, over 50% smaller footprint while retaining the Quad Cortex experience
Software and Associated Updates
- System: CorOS 4.0.0
- New Tools: new devices and workflow improvements (reverbs and utilities, depending on version)
Included Accessories
- Included: Quad Cortex Mini
- Power Supply: 12 V DC adapter with locking connector
- Accessories: non-locking barrel adapter, USB-C to USB-C cable, adhesive feet, "Quick Start" card, and warranty information
Power Consumption
- Required Voltage: 12 V DC
- Consumption: not disclosed by the manufacturer at the time of writing
Summary
- Type: multi-effects processor and guitar & bass modeler/profiler with capture technology
- Keywords: Neural DSP Quad Cortex Mini, guitar multi-effects, bass multi-effects, amp modeling, Neural Capture, cab IR, USB-C audio interface, compact pedalboard, stage rig, home studio
- Target Audience: intermediate to professional guitarists and bassists (stage, studio, rehearsal, fly rig), content creators, and home studio users