Neural DSP Launches Quad Cortex Mini at NAMM 2026

At the 2026 NAMM Show, Neural DSP introduced the Quad Cortex Mini, a compact version of its flagship Quad Cortex amp modeller. Measuring 22.8 x 11.8 x 6.5 cm and weighing 1.5 kg, the Mini is designed for seamless integration into pedalboards, compact racks, and desktop studios while maintaining the powerful features of its predecessor. The device includes a 7-inch touchscreen display and four stainless steel rotary footswitches, allowing for precise control in both live and studio settings.

“A more compact form without compromise”: Neural DSP downsizes its flagship Quad Cortex with the smaller but equally powerful Quad Cortex Mini“Size shouldn’t dictate what a professional rig is capable of”: Neural DSP debuts the Quad Cortex mini – putting the full QC experience into its smallest format yet“Our goal has been to define the standard for what an all-in-one digital rig can be”: Neural DSP’s game-changing Quad Cortex amp modeller just got a lot smaller – but it’s got the same sounds, the sam

The Quad Cortex Mini retains the advanced capabilities of the original Quad Cortex, including support for Neural Capture V1 and V2, which enables users to replicate amplifiers, cabinets, and effects. It boasts a library of over 90 amps, 100 effects, 1,000 impulse responses (IRs), and 2,000 captures, alongside access to thousands of community captures via Cortex Cloud. The device features comprehensive I/O options, including an instrument/mic combo input with phantom power, balanced XLR outputs, stereo send/return via TRS, MIDI over TRS, USB-C connectivity, and a headphone output for silent practice.

“A more compact form without compromise”: Neural DSP downsizes its flagship Quad Cortex with the smaller but equally powerful Quad Cortex Mini“Size shouldn’t dictate what a professional rig is capable of”: Neural DSP debuts the Quad Cortex mini – putting the full QC experience into its smallest format yet“Our goal has been to define the standard for what an all-in-one digital rig can be”: Neural DSP’s game-changing Quad Cortex amp modeller just got a lot smaller – but it’s got the same sounds, the sam

Douglas Castro, CEO and Co-Founder of Neural DSP, stated, “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.” He emphasized that the Mini preserves the processing architecture and Neural Capture technology of the original model, offering a compact solution without compromising performance. Francisco Cresp, Co-Founder and CPO, added, “Quad Cortex Mini represents our belief that size shouldn’t dictate what a professional rig is capable of.”

“A more compact form without compromise”: Neural DSP downsizes its flagship Quad Cortex with the smaller but equally powerful Quad Cortex Mini“Our goal has been to define the standard for what an all-in-one digital rig can be”: Neural DSP’s game-changing Quad Cortex amp modeller just got a lot smaller – but it’s got the same sounds, the sam“Size shouldn’t dictate what a professional rig is capable of”: Neural DSP debuts the Quad Cortex mini – putting the full QC experience into its smallest format yet

The launch of the Quad Cortex Mini comes at a time when demand for smaller, portable gear is rising. Neural DSP previously released the Nano Cortex in 2024, but the Mini is designed to be a more faithful representation of the original Quad Cortex. The pricing for the Mini is set at €1,299/$1,399, positioning it between the original Quad Cortex, priced from $1,799, and the Nano Cortex, available for $569. This pricing strategy places the Mini as a middle ground in Neural DSP's product lineup.

“Size shouldn’t dictate what a professional rig is capable of”: Neural DSP debuts the Quad Cortex mini – putting the full QC experience into its smallest format yet“Our goal has been to define the standard for what an all-in-one digital rig can be”: Neural DSP’s game-changing Quad Cortex amp modeller just got a lot smaller – but it’s got the same sounds, the sam“A more compact form without compromise”: Neural DSP downsizes its flagship Quad Cortex with the smaller but equally powerful Quad Cortex Mini

While the Quad Cortex Mini has generated excitement, it remains to be seen how it will perform against competitors like Line 6, which is set to release the Helix Stadium XL, and other brands like Fender and IK Multimedia, which are also developing smaller units. Critics may point to the Mini's price as a significant investment for average players, raising questions about its market viability compared to its rivals.

“Size shouldn’t dictate what a professional rig is capable of”: Neural DSP debuts the Quad Cortex mini – putting the full QC experience into its smallest format yet

Neural DSP has also launched CorOS 4.0.0 alongside the Mini, introducing new utilities such as additional reverb options and Phase Doctor for aligning signals in stereo rigs. The company aims to continue evolving its product offerings and enhancing user experience in both live and studio environments.

“A more compact form without compromise”: Neural DSP downsizes its flagship Quad Cortex with the smaller but equally powerful Quad Cortex Mini

The Quad Cortex Mini is now available for purchase, and its performance and reception in the market will be closely monitored as it competes with emerging products in the amp modeller space.

“Size shouldn’t dictate what a professional rig is capable of”: Neural DSP debuts the Quad Cortex mini – putting the full QC experience into its smallest format yet