- General Information
- Neural Capture
- Signal Chain, Presets, and Virtual Devices
- Connectivity and Compatibility
1. General information
What is a Neural Capture?
Neural DSP’s acclaimed Neural Capture technology allows you to create incredibly accurate digital replicas of any amp, cab, or drive pedal. The process is quick and easy. Simply connect your gear, press the Capture button, and within minutes, you’ll have a digital version of your hardware that’s virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. There’s no need to connect to a computer, the internet, or the Cortex Cloud app. It’s fast, easy, and fully self-contained.
Neural Captures created on Nano Cortex have the same resolution and quality as those made with our 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.
How does Nano Cortex differ from similar products on the market?
Nano Cortex stands out with its exceptional sound quality, ease of use, and the ability to create Neural Captures directly on the device, without needing a computer or internet connection. The Capture process takes only about five minutes, compared with other devices that may take hours.
Neural Capture is widely regarded as the most authentic-sounding and natural-feeling tone-capture solution available. Nano Cortex also gives you access to the Cortex Cloud, where you can explore thousands of free Neural Captures made by other users.
Additionally, Nano Cortex includes a comprehensive signal chain with high-quality effects, giving you a complete rig in a compact pedal.
Does Nano Cortex work for both guitar and bass?
Yes, Nano Cortex is designed for both guitar and bass players, offering a wide range of tones for each.
Is Nano Cortex suitable for beginners?
Yes, Nano Cortex is designed to be intuitive and beginner-friendly. Its simple interface makes it easy to start dialing in great tones right out of the box. Despite its advanced features, Nano Cortex is approachable for players of all levels, allowing beginners to explore a wide range of sounds without feeling overwhelmed.
Can Nano Cortex be used without the Cortex Cloud app?
Yes, Nano Cortex can be used fully standalone without the Cortex Cloud app. The app is primarily for downloading Captures, managing Presets and settings, and keeping your firmware up to date, but it is not required for general use.
Will Plugin Compatibility (PCOM) ever be released on Nano Cortex?
No, Plugin Compatibility (PCOM) will not be implemented on Nano Cortex. This is because Neural DSP plugins use amp modeling technology, which differs significantly from the Neural Capture technology that Nano Cortex uses. Additionally, Nano Cortex has a fixed signal chain, which also prevents Neural DSP plugins from running on it.
Do you have guides on how to use Nano Cortex?
Yes, along with the user manual, we offer educational materials and videos in the ‘Getting Started’ section of our knowledge base to help you make the most of your Nano Cortex.
2. Neural Capture
What's the difference between an amp model and a Neural Capture?
Amp models, like those in our plugins or on the Quad Cortex, are created using detailed analysis and modeling of an amplifier's general behavior across various settings. This involves collecting data from an amp at different control positions and using machine learning to recreate the amp's sound and feel across its full range of controls.
Neural Captures, however, replicate the exact sound and feel of a specific amp, cab, or pedal at its current settings, capturing all the unique details of that particular unit.
You can create Neural Captures yourself on both Nano Cortex and Quad Cortex, allowing you to digitize your own gear with unmatched authenticity.
What can I load into the Neural Capture Slot in the signal chain?
A Neural Capture Slot on Nano Cortex is where you load a Neural Capture. A Neural Capture is a digital replica of an amp, cab, or drive pedal that has been captured. Cortex Cloud gives you free access to thousands of Neural Captures, which you can wirelessly load onto your Nano Cortex via the Cortex Cloud app.
In addition to the 25 Neural Captures preloaded on Nano Cortex, you can store up to 256 Neural Captures and manage them with the Cortex Cloud app.
How many Neural Captures can I store on Nano Cortex?
You can store up to 256 Neural Captures on Nano Cortex.
What equipment do I need when creating a Neural Capture?
It depends on what you're capturing:
- Drive pedal: You’ll only need instrument cables.
- Amp and cab or combo amp: You’ll need a microphone to capture the sound. Dynamic mics can be plugged directly into Nano Cortex. An external preamp is needed for condenser mics.
- Amp head without a speaker: You’ll need to connect the amp head to a reactive load box, then route the signal into Nano Cortex for capturing.
Nano Cortex handles the entire capture process on the device itself. There’s no need to connect it to a computer, the internet, or the Cortex Cloud app to create a Neural Capture.
Does the Capture Input provide phantom power for condenser microphones?
No, the Capture Input does not provide 48V phantom power. If you’re using a condenser microphone, you’ll need an external preamp.
What’s the difference between a Neural Capture created on Nano Cortex and Quad Cortex?
Neural Captures created on Nano Cortex and Quad Cortex have the same resolution and quality. Both devices use the same technology to capture the authentic sound and feel of amps, cabs, and pedals. Neural Captures created on Nano Cortex can be loaded on Quad Cortex, and vice versa.
Does Nano Cortex require an internet connection or computer to create a Neural Capture?
No, there’s no need to connect to a computer, the internet, or the Cortex Cloud app. The process is fully self-contained within the pedal.
How long does the Neural Capture process take?
The Neural Capture process takes around five minutes.
What kind of devices can I create Neural Captures of?
You can create Neural Captures of any amp, cabinet, or drive pedal.
3. Signal chain, Presets, and Virtual Devices
Which devices come preloaded on Nano Cortex?
Nano Cortex ships with the following devices:
Neural Captures:
- 20 guitar amps
- 5 bass amps
Cabinets:
- 8 guitar cabs
- 2 bass cabs
Effects:
- Adaptive Gate: Reduces unwanted noise for a clean signal.
- Transpose: Change the tuning of your instrument with no perceivable latency.
- Chorus: A high-quality emulation of the Boss® DC-2W® chorus, known for its rich and lush modulation effects.
- Analog Delay: A warm, vintage-style delay that replicates the iconic sound of a BBD-style echo.
- Mind Hall Reverb: A high-quality emulation of the legendary Lexicon® 224® reverb that delivers a versatile range of reverbs, from small room ambiance to expansive hall effects.
Additionally, you get free access to Cortex Cloud, where you can explore and wirelessly load thousands of Captures of amps, cabs, and drive pedals. See the full list of preloaded virtual devices here.
What is a Preset?
A Preset on Nano Cortex stores the entire configuration of your signal chain, allowing you to recall your favorite tones easily and quickly. Nano Cortex can store up to 64 Presets. In the default 4-Preset Mode, Nano Cortex offers quick access to four Presets using Footswitches I and II.
Can I load Quad Cortex Presets on Nano Cortex?
No, Nano Cortex has a fixed signal chain, making Quad Cortex Presets incompatible with it.
Why is the Nano Cortex IR Loader one of the most advanced on the market?
Nano Cortex’s IR loader is among the most advanced due to its high-quality, studio-grade Impulse Responses (IRs) and extensive customization options.
Nano Cortex features ten cabinet models, but each model comes with multiple Impulse Responses (IRs) to provide a more detailed and customizable tone. For each cabinet, there are five different microphone options and six mic positions for each mic. This means for every cab model, you have 30 unique IRs (5 mics x 6 positions). With 10 cab models, this adds up to 300 studio-quality IRs in total, offering endless tone-shaping possibilities.
Additionally, Nano Cortex can store up to 256 custom IRs, allowing for highly realistic and customizable cabinet simulations.
Can I digitally change the tuning of my guitar/bass with Nano Cortex?
Yes, the built-in Transpose effect lets you change your tuning instantly with no perceivable latency.
Can I use third-party Impulse Responses (IRs) with Nano Cortex?
Yes, in addition to the 300 preloaded IRs, Nano Cortex allows you to upload and store up to 256 custom IRs.
Are there gaps when switching Presets?
Nano Cortex features gapless Preset switching, meaning there is no noticeable gap or latency when switching between Presets during a live performance or recording session.
Why is my Nano Cortex unresponsive to control adjustments?
If your Nano Cortex isn't responding to control adjustments, it’s possible that the 'Parameter Lock' feature is enabled. This feature disables the rotary functionality of knobs and footswitches to prevent accidental changes during live performances.
To turn 'Parameter Lock' on or off, press and hold the EXIT button for 3 seconds. When active, the EXIT LED ring will illuminate, indicating that Parameter Lock is engaged.
4. Connectivity and Compatibility
Can I use Nano Cortex as an audio interface?
Yes, Nano Cortex functions as a fully-fledged low-latency audio interface, supporting 24-bit, 48kHz audio with 7 USB channels (4 in / 3 out).
Which DAWs are compatible with Nano Cortex as an audio interface?
Nano Cortex is compatible with all major DAWs:
- Ableton Live (version 10 or later)
- Cakewalk (version 2018 or later)
- Cubase (version 6 or later)
- GarageBand (version 10 or later)
- Logic Pro (version 10 or later)
- Pro Tools (version 12 or later)
- REAPER (version 6 or later)
- Studio One Artist (version 5 or later)
- Studio One Professional (version 2 or later)
- FL Studio (version 21 or later)
What monitoring devices can I connect Nano Cortex to?
Nano Cortex integrates into any setup, whether you’re connecting to studio monitors, an FRFR cab, an amplifier, or a pedalboard:
- Studio monitors, FRFR cabs, and PA systems: Connect via OUTPUT 1L and OUTPUT 2R.
- Guitar/bass amps: Connect OUTPUT 1L to the input of your amp or use OUTPUT 1L to connect to the return of your amp’s effects loop.
- Guitar/bass cabinets: Connect via an external power amp first.
- Pedals: Integrate Nano Cortex into your pedalboard using the 1/4" input and outputs 1L and 2R.
For more information, check out our guide on connecting your gear to Nano Cortex.
Can I use XLR cables with Nano Cortex?
Yes. Nano Cortex features balanced TRS outputs, which means you can use TRS to XLR cables without any loss in audio quality compared to using XLR-to-XLR connections. If XLR outputs are important for your setup, an off-the-shelf TRS-to-XLR cable is a simple solution.
Can I use Nano Cortex with my pedalboard?
Yes, Nano Cortex is designed to integrate seamlessly into your existing setup. It can replace your amp and cab or be used as a stompbox/multi-effects pedal. Use the 1/4" input and outputs 1L/2R to place it wherever you want in your signal chain. For more details, read our guide on connecting your gear to Nano Cortex.
Does Nano Cortex have an effects loop?
No, Nano Cortex does not have a dedicated effects loop. However, you can integrate it into your pedalboard using the 1/4" instrument input and outputs 1L and 2R. For more details, read our guide on connecting your gear to Nano Cortex.
Can I use Nano Cortex in stereo?
Nano Cortex is a mono-to-stereo device. Featuring dual TRS outputs, Nano Cortex allows you to connect to stereo setups like studio monitors, PA systems, or FRFR cabs.
Can Nano Cortex be powered via USB-C?
Yes. Nano Cortex can be powered via USB-C (5V-1.5A). Connect it to your computer or another USB-C compliant power source with the included USB-C cable.
Can I use the Quad Cortex power supply to power my Nano Cortex?
Yes. The Quad Cortex power supply is compatible with Nano Cortex.
Can I control Nano Cortex wirelessly?
Yes, you can control Nano Cortex wirelessly via the Cortex Cloud app. The app lets you dial in the parameters of the virtual devices in the signal chain and manage Neural Captures, Presets, IRs, and device settings.
Can I use Bluetooth to stream audio or use wireless headphones with Nano Cortex?
No, Bluetooth is used only for pairing Nano Cortex with the Cortex Cloud app.
Can Nano Cortex be controlled via MIDI devices and Expression Pedals?
Yes, you can connect MIDI footswitches or expression pedals via the MIDI TRS input.
Does Nano Cortex support MIDI out?
Nano Cortex supports MIDI in/out via USB-C. The EXP/MIDI TRS port only supports MIDI in.
How do I update the firmware on my Nano Cortex?
Firmware updates for Nano Cortex are managed via the Cortex Cloud app, where you can easily check for updates and wirelessly install the latest version.
Is there a desktop controller for Nano Cortex?
A desktop controller for Nano Cortex is not available.