Quad Cortex Mini: Neural DSP Shrinks Down its Flagship Amp Modeler

Neural DSP has unveiled the highly anticipated Quad Cortex Mini at the 2026 NAMM Show, bringing the full sonic power and processing capabilities of its acclaimed Quad Cortex into a significantly more compact form factor. This launch is poised to be one of the most talked-about events of the show.

Measuring just 22.8 x 11.8 x 6.5 cm and weighing a mere 1.5 kg – 50% smaller than the original – the Quad Cortex Mini is designed for seamless integration into existing pedalboards, compact studio setups, and even desktop environments. Despite its reduced size, Neural DSP assures users that the Mini doesn’t compromise on the immense power that made the original Quad Cortex a 10/10 rated product in 2021, prompting questions about whether it could become the most “game-changing guitar product of the decade.”

Intuitive Interface and Powerful Features

The Quad Cortex Mini boasts a user-friendly interface centered around a vibrant 7” touchscreen display and four durable stainless steel rotary footswitches. This combination provides “precise, tactile control underfoot and at the fingertips,” ideal for both live performance and studio recording.

Key features include:

• Neural Capture V1 & V2 Support: Capture the essence of your favorite amps, cabinets, drives, fuzzes, and compressors.
• Extensive Library: Access a comprehensive collection of 90+ amps, 100+ effects, 1,000+ IRs, and 2,000+ Captures.
• Cortex Cloud Integration: Enjoy free access to thousands of community-created Captures.
• Focus System: Fast, hands-on parameter control using the rotary footswitches.
• Pages System: Expanded footswitch control without adding bulk.
• Gig View: Performance-focused stage control for seamless live operation.
• Locking Power Connector: Ensures secure power connection during live performances.

Connectivity and Ecosystem Integration

The Quad Cortex Mini offers comprehensive I/O options, including an instrument/mic combo input with phantom power, balanced XLR outputs, stereo send/return via TRS, MIDI over TRS and USB-C, and a headphone output for silent practice. It seamlessly integrates into the existing Quad Cortex ecosystem, allowing users to easily transfer presets and system backups between devices.

“Since the introduction of Quad Cortex in 2020, our goal has been to define the standard for what an all-in-one digital rig can be,” says Douglas Castro, CEO and Co-Founder of Neural DSP. “With Quad Cortex Mini, we’ve carried that same philosophy forward, preserving the processing architecture and Neural Capture technology.”

CorOS 4.0.0 and the Future of Digital Rigging

Alongside the Quad Cortex Mini, Neural DSP has released CorOS 4.0.0, introducing new utilities like a series of reverbs and Phase Doctor, a tool for aligning signals in stereo rigs and multi-amp setups.

“Quad Cortex Mini represents our belief that size shouldn’t dictate what a professional rig is capable of,” adds Francisco Cresp, Neural DSP Co-Founder and CPO. “It carries forward the same sound quality, the same processing depth, and the same creative control.”

The Quad Cortex Mini is available now, priced at €1,299. Learn more at Neural DSP. If you’re attending the 2026 NAMM Show, visit Neural DSP at Booth #5243.

Source: Guitar.com