devices · Nano Cortex · learn · 01 of 10 · 6 min

what it is

It plays captures, not amp models. That changes how you dial every sound.

the one thing

A capture is a snapshot of one amp at one setting. You choose between snapshots instead of adjusting the amp.

it has no amp models

The Nano Cortex does not contain amp models. Its “amp” block holds a Neural Capture—a machine-learned snapshot of a real amplifier at one specific set of knob positions.

On a modeler you pick an amp, then dial it in. Here the dialing-in happened before the capture existed, and it is permanent. Your job is choosing the right snapshot.

Neural DSP say this is architectural, not a gap to fill later. They have officially ruled out running their plugins on this device: Neural Capture works differently from plugin amp modeling, and the signal chain is fixed.

A capture taken clean will never break up the way the real amp would. The move from clean to crunch isn’t in the snapshot. For edge-of-breakup, pick a capture taken at the edge.

Nano Cortex FAQ · Forum: clarification on the capture tone/EQ block

what the tone knobs do

GAIN, BASS, MID and TREBLE are a generic tone layer after the capture. They don’t model the captured amp’s tone stack. Turning up MID on a capture of a Marshall does not behave like turning up MID on a Marshall.

Neural DSP has never published their center frequencies or unity positions, though owners have asked for them. You learn this three-band EQ by ear, with no reference.

GAIN is different: it sets how hard your signal drives the capture. Turning it down cleans most captures up. It can’t re-voice the preamp.

where your tone comes from

In rough order of impact:

Which capture you choose. This is most of your tone, and you find it by browsing, not by turning knobs.
The IR Loader—cabinet, microphone, position, and the low- and high-cut. More tonal range lives here than in the three tone knobs.
GAIN, for how hard you push the capture.
The overdrive or EQ device you put in a pre slot.
BASS, MID and TREBLE, last.

what it does well

The trade Neural DSP made buys on-device capturing in about five minutes, with no computer and no internet, at a resolution officially identical to the Quad Cortex. Captures move freely between the two devices.

Your own amp, in your room, with your cabinet and your mic placement, can live in a box the size of two stompboxes. That is the point of the device. Capture your amp early.