Neural

Neural DSP at Kirstein

Neural DSP was founded in Helsinki in 2017 and combines audio development with modern software and DSP technology. The brand first became known for guitar and bass plugins, including the Archetype series with artist-specific virtual rigs. With the Cortex platform, Neural DSP brings this approach to standalone hardware. At Kirstein, the main focus is therefore on amp modeling, multi-FX and capture solutions for guitar and bass.

Cortex hardware: from compact pedals to floorboard rigs

The Quad Cortex is designed as a comprehensive floorboard for players who want to build a complete digital rig in a single device. Amp and cabinet simulations, effects, flexible signal paths, MIDI control, USB audio and Neural Capture can be combined in presets. Its large multi-touch display also makes it easier to edit more complex rigs visually. This makes the unit particularly suitable for live setups, recording and users who want to manage several functions of a traditional amp and pedalboard setup from one central device.

The Quad Cortex mini uses the same Cortex platform in a significantly more compact format. Neural DSP combines the platforms processing power and visual workflow with a smaller enclosure. Neural Capture and Plugin Compatibility for supported X plugins are also part of the concept. This makes Quad Cortex mini interesting when a powerful digital rig is required but less space is available on the pedalboard, desk or in a mobile setup.

The Nano Cortex takes an even more compact approach. It combines Neural Capture, cabinet and IR processing, and effects in a small pedal format. This makes it particularly suitable for streamlined live rigs, recording, rehearsals or as a digital addition to an existing pedalboard. Players who mainly want to use their own captures, stored sounds and a compact direct solution for a PA, interface or monitors will find a different emphasis here than with the two larger Cortex models.

Understanding amp modeling and Neural Capture

A conventional amp model represents an amplifier through a digital model of its circuitry and behaviour. Neural Capture takes a complementary approach by analysing the tonal characteristics of real amplifiers, cabinets or drive pedals and making them available as digital captures. This allows existing equipment to be integrated into a digital rig or its characteristic sounds to be stored for later use. Quad Cortex and Quad Cortex mini combine modeling, capture technology and effects processing within a single platform.

CorOS, Cortex Control and Plugin Compatibility

The Cortex environment also includes CorOS, Cortex Control and Cortex Cloud. CorOS forms the operating system platform for the larger Cortex devices, while Cortex Control supports editing and management from a computer. Cortex Cloud can be used to organise and exchange presets, captures and other content. Selected X versions of Neural DSP plugins also offer Plugin Compatibility with Quad Cortex and Quad Cortex mini; compatibility does not automatically apply to every plugin.

Neural DSP for guitar and bass

For guitarists, flexible amp tones, effects, routing and direct integration into stage or studio setups are particularly relevant. Bassists can also benefit from modeling, capture technology and multi-FX, for example when a complete bass rig needs to be reproduced in a compact format or connected directly to a mixing console or audio interface. At Kirstein, you can compare the Cortex models with other guitar multi-effects and bass multi-effects in the respective categories.

Which Neural DSP solution suits your setup?

The right Cortex solution mainly depends on your workflow and available space: Quad Cortex is designed for comprehensive rigs with flexible routing, Quad Cortex mini for users who want a similar platform approach in a more compact format, and Nano Cortex for especially mobile and streamlined setups. If you are unsure about connections, routing or integrating the unit into your existing equipment, Kirsteins competent specialist advice can help. You also benefit from a 3 year Kirstein warranty and 30 Day Money Back according to the applicable terms.