The Neural DSP Quad Cortex mini delivers the flagship Quad Cortex’s dual‑core DSP engine, 400 kHz sample rates, Neural Capture technology, and a 7‑inch color touchscreen in a chassis half the height of the original. Ideal for pedalboards, 19‑inch racks, or desktop studios, the mini provides studio‑grade amp and effect modeling without sacrificing performance or price.
What Is the Quad Cortex mini?
The Quad Cortex mini is a compact all‑in‑one guitar processor that packs the same modeling depth as the full‑size Quad Cortex. It offers a complete library of Neural DSP amp, cabinet, and effect models, plus the ability to record and recall exact signal paths using Neural Capture.
Key Features and Technical Specs
DSP Architecture and Sample Rates
Powered by a dual‑core DSP architecture, the mini supports up to 400 kHz audio sampling, ensuring high‑resolution tone and low latency for both studio recording and live performance.
7‑inch Touchscreen Interface
A 7‑inch color touchscreen serves as the primary navigation surface, allowing drag‑and‑drop editing, preset browsing, and real‑time tone capture with the same intuitive workflow found on the flagship model.
Compact Design for Pedalboards and Racks
The mini’s footprint is roughly half the height of the original Quad Cortex, making it suitable for pedalboard mounting, 19‑inch rack installation, or desktop placement. Despite its reduced size, thermal management and power consumption have been optimized to maintain full performance.
Market Context and Competitor Landscape
Portable, high‑performance guitar processors are gaining traction, with products like Line 6 Helix Lite and Kemper Profiling Amp Mini offering smaller form factors. The Quad Cortex mini differentiates itself by delivering the same DSP depth and feature set as its larger sibling, positioning it as a leading option for musicians seeking “pint‑sized” power.
Impact on Musicians and Live Performance
Touring artists benefit from lighter gear bags and flexible stage setups, while studio engineers gain a high‑resolution modeler that occupies minimal desk space. Full Neural Capture functionality enables rapid rig changes and instant recall of complex signal chains, streamlining both live and recording workflows.
Pricing, Availability, and Release Timeline
Neural DSP has indicated that the Quad Cortex mini will be priced competitively for its performance tier. Pre‑orders are expected to open shortly after the NAMM announcement, with shipments slated for the first quarter of 2026.
Future Outlook for Compact Guitar Processors
The introduction of the Quad Cortex mini signals a shift toward scaling flagship features into smaller packages. Its success could encourage other manufacturers to compress advanced DSP capabilities into portable formats, driving further innovation in compact guitar processing technology.
