NAMM 2026: Neural DSP Quad Cortex Mini – same sound, smaller size

Guitar players of all career and skill levels have adopted the ampless rig idea, and there have been a lot of new types of digital guitar technology released to accommodate the increased demand.

Neural DSP is one of the companies leading the way, with some of the best modeling tech. Their flagship product, the Quad Cortex, is one of the best and at NAMM 2026 they rolled out a smaller version – the Quad Cortex Mini.

Core features

It offers the same sound and the processing that powers the larger version but comes in a much more compact enclosure. This makes it easier to slide onto a pedalboard, into a rack, or when situated on a desk.

Everything starts with the 7” touchscreen and four rotary footswitches made of steel. This gives users a level of precision physical control that many other modelers don’t. Its massive library includes amps, impulse responses, and effects.

One of the features that sets it above alternative options is Neural Capture. This lets users capture “profiles” of amplifiers, cabinets, and effects. There are over 2,000 banks to save Captures as well as a vibrant community to crowdsource them from other users.

Versatile controls 

It’s got a small footprint and a deep level of control. The Focus system provides a way to change settings and parameters with the four rotary footswitches, Pages expands footswitch control without needing to integrate any additional hardware, and Gig View changes some operational aspects for live performance.

Impressive I/O

More and more modeling units are being used for other instruments, like vocals, or as outboard processing in the recording studio. There’s a combination input with phantom power, stereo XLR outputs, TRS send/return that can function as an effects loop or for connection as studio outboard gear, MIDI through TRS or USB-C, and an output for headphones.

Learn more about the Neural DSP Quad Cortex Mini.