Neural DSP Quad Cortex Mini Multi Effects Pedal / Digital Guitar Amp Modeller / Guitar Workstation
Make the most of your new gear with the below
Flagship Modelling Power in a Pedalboard-Ready Format
Neural DSP Quad Cortex Mini delivers the full Quad Cortex platform in a compact 22.8 × 11.8 cm footprint without reducing processing power or sound quality. Quad Cortex Mini runs the same CorOS system, the same Neural Capture technology, and the same 7-inch touchscreen workflow as its larger counterpart, so tones, presets, and backups remain fully compatible across devices.
Neural Capture allows you to create ultra-accurate digital replicas of real amplifiers, cabinets, overdrive pedals, and compressors. Neural Capture V1 runs directly on the device and is optimised for fast, fully offline capturing of most amps and gain stages with minimal processing overhead. Neural Capture V2 uses Cortex Cloud processing to achieve higher-resolution modelling, capturing subtle behaviours such as amp sag, volume-knob clean-up, fast transient response, and dynamic compression characteristics. This means both tone and feel are preserved, not just frequency response.
Quad Cortex Mini comes preloaded with 2000+ factory Neural Captures, 1000+ impulse responses, and 200+ virtual devices. The 7-inch touchscreen and grid-based signal flow make routing intuitive, allowing parallel paths, dual effects loops via shared TRS send/return connections, and flexible output assignments without menu diving. Quad Cortex Mini also functions as an 8-in / 8-out USB-C audio interface, making it equally practical for studio tracking, re-amping, silent practice, or direct-to-PA live performance.
Four stainless steel rotary footswitches, Footswitch Pages, Preset, Scene, Stomp, and Hybrid modes ensure flexible live control despite the smaller chassis. Wi-Fi connectivity provides access to Cortex Cloud, cloud backups, and ongoing CorOS updates.
At Riffs & Licks Music, we think Quad Cortex Mini is ideal for players who want uncompromised modelling power in a space-efficient, touring-ready format that integrates seamlessly into modern pedalboards and studio workflows.
Features / Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Inputs & Outputs | |
| Input 2/Capture Input | Combo XLR and 1/4" TRS input with dedicated level control and phantom power. Plug your instrument or microphone here. This input is also used for creating Neural Captures. |
| Input 1 | 1/4" TS input for plugging in your instrument. |
| Dual Effects Loops | SEND 1/2 and RETURN 1/2 each use a shared 1/4" TRS. Use a standard TRS cable for Loop 1, or a TRS insert cable (TRS to dual TS) to access both FX Loops. |
| Expression Input | 1/4" TRS input for connecting an expression pedal to control parameters like volume, wah, pitch, or effects in real time. A second expression input is available via MIDI. |
| XLR Outputs | Two mono, balanced XLR outputs. |
| MIDI In & Out/Thru | 1/8" TRS MIDI Type-A for receiving and sending MIDI messages to automate switching and supported parameter control, or to control other MIDI devices. |
| USB-C | Connect to your computer and use Quad Cortex mini as a multichannel (8 in / 8 out) USB audio interface for recording and re-amping. |
| Headphones Output | 1/8" TRS headphones output for silent practice and monitoring. |
| Power Switch | Mechanical power switch. |
| TS Outputs | Two 1/4" TS outputs for flexible routing. |
| Capture Output | Dedicated output for creating Neural Captures. |
| Power Input | 12 V DC, 1.2 A, centre-negative power input with locking 2.1 / 5.5 mm DC connector. Power supply included, with a non-locking adapter for compatibility with standard pedalboard power supplies. Power-on behaviour can be set to automatic power-up when connected, or manual power-up using the power switch. |
| Hardware Specifications | |
| Input 1 Connector | ¼ “ TS-F |
| Input 1 Impedance | 1MΩ |
| Input 1 Max Input | +14.5dBu |
| Input 1 Max Input Gain | +30dB |
| Input 2 / Capture Input Connector | XLR-F + ¼ “ TRS-F (GROUND LIFT) |
| Input 2 / Capture Input XLR Impedance | 4.3Ω |
| Input 2 / Capture Input TRS Impedance | 1MΩ |
| Input 2 / Capture Input Max Input | +14.5dBu |
| Input 2 / Capture Input Max Input Gain | +30dB |
| Input 2 / Capture Input | Automatic XLR/TRS Switching |
| Return Inputs 1/2 Connector | ¼ “ TRS-F (STEREO) |
| Return Inputs 1/2 Impedance | 1MΩ |
| Return Inputs 1/2 Max Input | +14.5dBu |
| Return Inputs 1/2 Max Input Gain | +30dB |
| XLR Outputs 1/2 Connector | (2) XLR-M (GROUND LIFT) |
| XLR Outputs 1/2 Impedance | 560Ω |
| XLR Outputs 1/2 Max Output | +14.5dBu |
| TS Outputs 3/4 Connector | (2) ¼ “ TS-F |
| TS Outputs 3/4 Impedance | 560Ω |
| TS Outputs 3/4 Max Output | +14.5dBu |
| Send Outputs 1/2 Connector | ¼ “ TRS-F (STEREO) |
| Send Outputs 1/2 Impedance | 560Ω |
| Send Outputs 1/2 Max Output | +14.5dBu |
| Headphones Output Connector | 3.5mm TRS-F (STEREO) |
| Headphones Output Impedance | +8dBu (UNLOADED) |
| Headphones Output Power | 55mW into 20R |
| Expression Input Connector | ¼ “ TRS-F |
| Expression Input Max Input | 3.3V |
| MIDI In Input Connector | 3.5mm TRS-F (MIDI TYPE A) |
| MIDI Out/Thru Output Connector | 3.5mm TRS-F (MIDI TYPE A) |
| USB Audio Format | USB Audio Class 2.0 Compliant |
| USB Audio Channels | 16 (8 in / 8 out) |
| USB Audio Clock | 48kHz (FIXED) |
| Finish | Anodized aluminium unibody |
| Controls | 1 Mechanical Power Switch; 1 Dual Volume Control; 4 Stainless Steel Stomp + Rotary Footswitches |
| Display | 7” High-Brightness |
| Dimensions | 22.8 x 11.8 x 6.5 cm / 8.9 x 4.6 x 2.5" |
| Weight | 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs |
| Input Voltage | 12V DC 1.2A (Center Negative) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 50 °C (32 to 122 °F) |
| Storage Temperature | -10 to 70 °C (14 to 158 °F) |
| Humidity | Maximum non-condensing |
| CorOS Features | |
| Virtual Devices Library | 200+ |
| Neural Captures Library | 2000+ |
| Impulse Responses Library | 1000+ |
| User Presets Storage | 3072 |
| User Captures Storage | 2048 |
| User IRs Storage | 2048 |
| Plugin Compatibility | Yes |
| Parameter Encoder Assignments | Yes (Quad Cortex Mini footswitch encoders C & D are used to focus and control parameters on screen) |
| Scene & Stomp Modes | Yes (Quad Cortex Mini can access all 8 SCENES or STOMP assignments via the "Footswitch Pages".) |
| Hybrid Mode | Yes (Hybrid Mode configuration will be different from Quad Cortex due to the different footswitch layout of Quad Cortex Mini) |
| Neural Capture Version 1 | Yes |
| Neural Capture Version 2 | Yes |
| Cortex Cloud Access | Yes |
| Cloud Backups | Yes |
| Cortex Control App | Yes |
| Global EQ | Yes |
| Looper | Yes |
| Momentary Footswitch Assignments | No |
| Hardware I/Os | |
| Audio Inputs | 1x 1/4" TS (Input 1); 1x Combo XLR + 1/4" TRS (Input 2); 1x 1/4" TRS (Returns 1/2)* |
| Audio Outputs | 2x XLR (Outs 1/2); 2x 1/4” TS (Outs 3/4); 1x 1/4” TRS (Sends 1/2)*; 1x 1/4” TRS (Capture Out); 1x 1/8” TRS (Headphones) |
| Headphones | Yes (1/8" TRS) |
| USB Audio | Yes (USB-C) USB Audio Class Compliant (24bit - 48kHz) 8 in / 8 out |
| MIDI | In (1/8" TRS Type-A); Out (1/8" TRS Type-A); MIDI Over USB |
| Expression Pedal | Expression 1: 1/4" TRS; Expression 2: MIDI |
| Power | 12V DC 1.2A; Centre Negative; 2.1/5.5mm DC Locking Connector; Power Supply Included |
| Other | |
| Wireless Connectivity | Yes IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi module (2.4GHz ISM band) |
| Power Switch | Yes |
| Master Volume | Yes (+/- Buttons) |
| Footswitches | x4 stainless steel + rotary footswitches |
| Display | 7" Colour touch Screen |
| Chassis | Anodized aluminium |
| Dimensions | 22.8 x 11.8 x 6.5 cm / 8.9 x 4.6 x 2.5" |
| Weight | 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs |
*Quad Cortex mini has two effects loops using shared TRS Send and Return jacks. A standard TS cable connected to SEND 1/2 or RETURN 1/2 will carry signal for Loop 1 only. To access both Loop 1 and Loop 2, use TRS insert cables (TRS to dual TS).
(160005)
| SKU | 160005 |
| Brand | Neural DSP |
| Category |
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