Neural DSP Quad Cortex Mini

Quad Cortex mini delivers the full Quad Cortex experience in the most compact, usable format we’ve ever built, with no compromises.

It brings the same processing power, audio quality, Neural Capture technology, and 7” touchscreen experience as Quad Cortex, while taking up significantly less space. Built around an unprecedented level of processing power for its size and price, Quad Cortex mini delivers world-class sound that’s easy to dial in, with a huge range of tones and devices ready to explore.

Quad Cortex mini runs the same CorOS software and integrates fully with the Quad Cortex ecosystem. Presets, full backups, and complete workflows move seamlessly between devices, so everything works exactly as expected with nothing to rebuild.

The result is a powerful and versatile platform that removes the traditional trade-off between size and capability, delivering uncompromised sound and deep creative flexibility in a more portable, rack-friendly, and desk-friendly form.

Key features

• A complete guitar and bass processing rig in one compact unit
• Same processing power, audio quality, and Neural Capture technology as Quad Cortex, with an unprecedented level of processing power for its size and price
• Ultra-compact and portable format, measuring 22.8 x 11.8 x 6.5 cm / 8.9” x 4.6” x 2.5” and weighing 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs
• More than 50% smaller footprint, while retaining the full Quad Cortex experience
• Preloaded with a vast library of virtual devices: 90+ amps, 100+ effects, 1000+ cabinet IRs, and 2000+ Neural Captures
• Neural Capture V1 and V2 support for creating and using ultra-accurate digital replicas of amps, cabs, drive pedals, fuzzes, and compressors
• Free access to thousands of community-created Neural Captures via Cortex Cloud
• 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
• Focus system for fast, hands-on parameter control using the rotary footswitches
• Full Grid-based signal chain with touchscreen and footswitch control
• Up to four parallel signal paths with flexible routing and up to eight blocks per row
• Preset, Scene, Stomp, and Hybrid modes for flexible live and studio workflows
• Pages system for extended footswitch control without increasing the hardware footprint
• Gig View for clear, high-contrast, performance-focused live operation
• Opposite Page Preview for instant visibility of Page assignments during live performance
• Plugin compatibility with supported Neural DSP plugins
• Full integration with the Quad Cortex ecosystem, sharing the same CorOS operating system
• Cortex Control desktop app for full device management, editing, backups, and content organization
• 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)
• Extensive and flexible I/O:
• 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
• Rugged anodized aluminum unibody with strengthened glass, designed for touring, studio, and mobile use
• Locking power connector for secure, reliable operation in live environments
• Looper X with advanced looping features
• Built-in tuner and metronome
• Designed for live performance, studio recording, practice, and songwriting
• Launches alongside CorOS 4.0.0 with new devices and workflow enhancements

Designed to slot straight into the way you already work
Quad Cortex mini is designed to slot straight into the way you already work. Whether you’re running a simple guitar rig, building a stereo effects setup, or integrating pedals, amps, microphones, and MIDI, everything you need is right here.

Interaction is centered around the combination of the 7” touchscreen display and four stainless steel rotary footswitches. These function both as switches and as dials for adjusting parameters, delivering the same responsive and tactile feel as Quad Cortex. This provides confident control under your feet and at your fingertips, both on stage and in the studio.

A versatile combo jack input allows you to connect either an instrument or a microphone, with phantom power available when needed. This input also serves as the Neural Capture input, making it easy to capture an amp in the studio, run vocals live, or track a quick demo at your desk.

Around the back, Quad Cortex mini offers balanced outputs for front-of-house and studio monitors, stereo effects loops, expression control, headphone monitoring, and comprehensive MIDI connectivity. The I/O is designed to adapt to your setup and enhance it, whether you’re building a compact rig or a more complex system.

Quad Cortex mini introduces a locking power connector to ensure reliable operation in live environments. Once locked in place, power stays secure, so you can focus on playing.

USB-C connectivity allows Quad Cortex mini to function as a fully featured audio interface, making it ready for live performance, home recording, and compact hybrid rigs right away.

Workflow and control systems

Despite its compact format, Quad Cortex mini offers a powerful and natural control experience.

At the core of this is the Focus system. When a block is selected, the rotary footswitches become dedicated controls for browsing models and adjusting parameters. This allows sounds to be dialed in by ear using physical controls, without needing to stare at the screen, making the experience quick, intuitive, and immediately familiar.

Pages add another layer of control without increasing the hardware footprint. Page 1 provides the main footswitch assignments, while holding a footswitch reveals Page 2 with an additional set of controls. This makes it possible to access more functionality under your feet while ensuring existing Quad Cortex presets behave exactly as expected.

Quad Cortex mini supports Preset, Scene, Stomp, and Hybrid modes. Preset mode is ideal for switching between completely different sounds, such as moving from one song to the next. Scene mode allows changes within a single preset, making it easy to move between different parts of a song. Stomp mode provides direct, hands-on control over individual effects, just like a traditional pedalboard. Hybrid mode lets you assign different Modes to each horizontal row of footswitches within the same preset.

For live performance, Gig View presents a high-contrast, performance-ready layout with large text and clear visual feedback. Opposite Page Preview allows you to see assignments from the other Page at a glance, so you’re never guessing mid-song.

Fast Mute provides instant silence when needed. A quick double-tap of the volume control immediately mutes the signal.

CorOS 4.0.0
Quad Cortex mini launches alongside CorOS 4.0. This update adds full support for Quad Cortex mini and introduces new devices that expand the creative possibilities of the platform.

New additions include Nordic Concert Hall, a large, open reverb inspired by classic concert hall algorithms and designed for spacious, cinematic sounds. Blossom offers a swelling reverb character that builds after the initial note, making it ideal for expressive playing and volume swells. Studio Plate 70 is based on classic studio plate reverbs, delivering a smooth and musical decay that sits naturally in a mix.

CorOS 4.0 also introduces Phase Doctor, a utility designed to resolve phase issues in stereo rigs and multi-amp setups, providing precise control when signals do not align as expected.

Cortex ecosystem
Quad Cortex mini integrates fully with the Quad Cortex ecosystem. Presets and full backups can be moved freely between Quad Cortex mini and Quad Cortex, with no changes required to existing workflows.

This makes it easy to share sounds across devices, maintain consistent rigs, or deploy multiple units for backup, redundant, or multi-instrument setups without rebuilding or reconfiguring anything.

Use cases
Live performance: Quad Cortex mini delivers a complete guitar and bass rig for the stage in a compact format that integrates easily into pedalboards, fly rigs, and touring setups.

Studio and recording: Quad Cortex mini is a powerful all-in-one solution for recording and re-amping guitar and bass. With USB-C audio interface functionality and flexible routing, it fits naturally into modern DAW workflows.

Practice and songwriting: Designed for spaces where simplicity and speed matter, Quad Cortex mini makes it easy to create, adjust, and save sounds quickly. The visual signal chain and intuitive controls allow players to move from inspiration to finished tones without distraction.

Compact touring and rack setups: Quad Cortex mini fits easily into compact racks and professional touring rigs. Multiple units can be deployed in a single rack for redundant rigs, wet/dry setups, or multi-instrument applications.

How Quad Cortex mini compares to Quad Cortex

What’s the same:Quad Cortex mini delivers the same processing power, audio quality, Neural Capture technology, and CorOS software as Quad Cortex, with no compromises in sound or performance.

What’s different:Quad Cortex mini features a footprint reduced by more than 50 percent, making it easier to integrate into compact pedalboards, desk setups, and rack systems.

How to choose:Choose Quad Cortex mini for the full Quad Cortex sound in a more compact, portable format. Choose Quad Cortex for a full-size floorboard with more physical space and connectivity on stage.

What’s in the box

• Quad Cortex mini
• 12 V DC power supply with locking barrel connector
• Non-locking barrel adapter for use with compatible pedalboard power supplies
• USB-C to USB-C cable
• Adhesive rubber feet
• Quick Start card and warranty information